Recognizing Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

Jesus warned that not every spiritual leader is motivated by love for God or care for the souls of people. Some enter ministry with hidden intentions, seeking wealth, influence, admiration, or control. These kinds of leaders are described in Scripture as wolves in sheep’s clothing. They look harmless, speak religious language, and carry spiritual titles, yet their hearts are not aligned with the mission of Christ. Their outward appearance hides their inward motives.

Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” in Matthew 7:15. Wolves mimic sheep in order to get close enough to devour them. In the same way, false preachers present themselves as servants of God to position themselves to take advantage of the flock. Their motivation is not to shepherd but to feed off the sheep.

True ministry is driven by love, sacrifice, and obedience to God. False ministry is driven by self. Paul warned the church in Acts 20:29 that after his departure, “grievous wolves” would enter in, not sparing the flock. These wolves were not outsiders persecuting the church but teachers who would rise up from within the community of believers. Their motives would not be purity but selfish ambition.

One of the clearest signs of false ministry is the pursuit of financial gain. Peter warned that false teachers would “make merchandise of you” in 2 Peter 2:3, meaning they would use believers as a means of profit. Instead of seeing souls in need of salvation, they see customers, donors, or followers to exploit for personal benefit. God never intended His Word to be used as a business tool or a platform for personal enrichment.

Another sign of false motivation is the desire to be praised and admired. Jesus condemned religious leaders who “loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” in John 12:43. Ministry that seeks applause rather than repentance is ministry that has lost its purpose. True preachers point people to Christ, not to themselves. False preachers build platforms around their own personality, image, and influence.

Control is another dangerous motive hidden beneath religious speech. Some leaders use spiritual authority to dominate rather than to serve. Peter instructed true elders not to be “lords over God’s heritage” but examples to the flock in 1 Peter 5:3. Wolves, however, feast on power. They use intimidation, exclusivity, or spiritual manipulation to keep people dependent on them instead of dependent on God. This violates the very nature of Christ’s leadership, for Jesus came not to be served but to serve.

The difference between true and false ministry is ultimately tested by fruit. Jesus said, “Ye shall know them by their fruits” in Matthew 7:16. Motivation reveals itself over time. True ministry produces humility, transformation, and Christ-centered growth. False ministry produces division, bondage, and the elevation of man. The closer people get to a true shepherd, the closer they grow to Christ. The closer people get to a wolf, the more they are drained.

In the end, the judgment of motives belongs to God. Paul declared in 1 Corinthians 4:5 that God “will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.” Those who entered ministry for wrong reasons may fool people for a season, but they cannot deceive the Lord. Every work built on selfish ambition will collapse. Every ministry rooted in pride will be exposed.

The warning of Jesus remains necessary for our generation. Not every preacher is sent by God. Not every ministry is birthed from the Holy Spirit. Not every leader is motivated by love for the flock. Discerning believers must remain vigilant, anchored in the Word, and guided by the Spirit so they may recognize wolves no matter how convincing the disguise.