Judging the Fruit, Not the Show: Identifying Wolves in the Church

In a world where influence is measured by followers, platforms, and personality, it has become increasingly easy for believers to confuse charisma with anointing. Jesus warned that not everyone who stands behind a pulpit, broadcasts a message, or carries a title is sent by Him. The true test of a preacher, teacher, or spiritual leader is not how well they speak, how emotional their message is, or how many people they attract. Jesus gave the church a simple, unchanging standard: “You will know them by their fruits.”

The word fruit in Scripture refers to visible evidence of someone’s spiritual condition. A person may speak of God, quote Scripture, and even perform works in His name, yet still remain false in heart. Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15). Wolves don’t look dangerous at first glance they blend in. Their deception isn’t in their appearance, it’s in their motives and results.

Christ continued, “You shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Not by their gifts, their sermons, or their charisma, but by what their teachings produce in themselves and in those who follow them. Good trees produce good fruit righteousness, humility, repentance, obedience, and growth in Christ. Bad trees produce bad fruit pride, worldliness, rebellion, confusion, and spiritual decay.

Many false teachers look successful because their ministries are large, their names are well-known, and their audiences are captivated. But outward success is not the same as spiritual approval. Jesus warned that many will say to Him in the last day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” Yet He will declare, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:22–23). Works, gifts, and miracles are not proof of authenticity fruit is.

Paul echoed this truth by contrasting the fruit of the Spirit love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance with the works of the flesh such as envy, wrath, pride, and impurity (Galatians 5:19–23). A teacher may preach well, but if they are marked by arrogance, greed, hostility, or moral compromise, their fruit exposes their root.

Jesus also warned that a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit (Matthew 7:18). When teachings produce materialism, fear, idolatry, rebellion against holiness, or a Christianity without repentance, those are signs of a tree that God did not plant. Sound doctrine will always lead to transformation, not entertainment. It will lead believers closer to Christ, not closer to the world. It will exalt Christ, not the preacher.

Discerning fruit requires time, patience, and comparison with Scripture. Fruit is not instantaneous it grows over seasons. This is why discernment is commanded, not optional. John wrote, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). Testing requires that we measure teachings, lifestyle, and motives against the Word of God, not against our emotions or preferences.

In the end, the standard remains clear: true preachers lead people into obedience to Christ. False preachers lead people into admiration of themselves, comfort in sin, or pursuit of earthly gain. The voice of a shepherd brings life; the voice of a wolf leaves destruction.

Supporting Scriptures Used

📖 Matthew 7:15–23 — Warnings about false prophets & knowing them by their fruits
📖 Galatians 5:19–23 — Fruit of the Spirit vs. works of the flesh
📖 1 John 4:1 — Test the spirits to know whether they are from God
📖 Matthew 7:18 — A corrupt tree cannot produce good fruit