What would a good shepherd do if a wolf attacked his flock? Surely, he would seek to protect the sheep. (John 10:11-13.) Paul tells us about wolves in church! Here is a warning for us all.
Paul had often preached in Ephesus. One day he returned to be near Ephesus, so he sent for the elders of the Church to come and meet him. He wanted to tell them to, "… keep watch over yourselves and all the flock … Be shepherds of the Church of God, which He bought with His own blood," - the sacrificial death of His Son. (verse 28.)
God’s true people are described as His sheep, and He paid a tremendous price to make them His own! God made it possible for sinners like you and me to become His flock, by “giving His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11. 1stPeter 2:24-25.)
Belonging to a religion does not make you one of God's flock! Jesus identified His true sheep this way: “My sheep listen to My voice: I know them and they follow Me. I give them Eternal Life, and they shall never perish.” (John 10:27.)
So, to belong to God’s “flock” you must have faith in Jesus, and His words. (John 12:48.) You must believe that only Jesus Himself can forgive your sins, and give you His free gift of Eternal Life. You must trust Him to save you! (Ephesians 2:8-10. Romans 3:21-26.)
Those who have this faith in Jesus belong to God. (John 1:12.) God is jealous of His flock, and wants them to be carefully looked after and fed the Word of God by faithful “shepherds”. (1stPeter 5:1-4. Jeremiah 23:1-4.)
Paul was a faithful shepherd. With many tears, day and night, he had carefully taught the Ephesian Christians God’s Word for three years. (verses 25-27,31.) Now Paul told them, “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will arise and distort the truth, in order to draw away disciples after them. So, be on your guard!” (verses 29-31.)
These wolves in church would be wicked, evil people who would turn up among the Christians trying to destroy their faith and obedience. Jesus once described them as ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing.’ (Matthew 7:15.) Even some of the leaders - the “shepherds” - would try deceiving and destroying the people by their lies and lives.
So, no “shepherd” in any Church today is to be thought of as infallible - unable to make mistakes. (Galatians 2:11-16.) We must test all that any Christian leader would say or do with the teachings of the Great Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 5:39-40. Acts 17:11.) He alone is “the Truth”. (John 14:6.)
Are you one of God’s true flock by faith in Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Shepherd? (John 10:14-16. Psalm 23:1.) Make sure you are only being taught the truths of God’s Word, the Holy Bible? (Psalm 119:9-11.)
Read Acts chapter 20, verses 28-31.
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