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© 2001 Project WorldReach © 2001 SEAN

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Wolves
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Train & Multiply®
Project WorldReach (T&M® ministry operation)
Dr. George Patterson (Originating Author)
SEAN International

Contact: Project WorldReach PWR®

474 - 800 - 15355 - 24th Ave

Surrey BC, Canada
V4A 2H9

E-mail: pwr@trainandmultiply.com
Pastoral Leader Training Booklet

62
Website: http://www.trainandmultiply.com

Train & Multiply ®

062EN01C-01

T&M ®
Ask the Lord for wisdom, so as to discern the wolves which Satan PRACTICAL WORK
sends to attack your flock. 062-131
062-001
• Teach your flock from Acts 20:28-31, warning them about the
different kinds of wolves. If you yourself have been a wolf,
What is a wolf? Both Jesus and the apostle Paul called false shepherds repent now, ask forgiveness of those you have offended, and
“wolves.” A wolf is a person who introduces false teaching, causes restore any ill-gotten money or goods.
division or lures people (“sheep”) away from their church. They steal 062-132
sheep. Demons try to bring false doctrines and practices into
• Teach believers to love one another. If there are some who do
churches and use these wolves to do it. (Matthew 7:15, not get on well with each other, help them to be reconciled.
1 Timothy 4:1) Wolves come from both within the church and Someone harboring resentment against another in his heart
without. (Acts 20:28-30) should pray, preferably with fasting, until the Spirit of God
062-003 cleanses him. (Matthew 5:23-24)
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• Assure each repentant believer that their forgiveness is
062-004
complete and eternal in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel Church
(Colossians 2:9-10, 1 John 1:7, 1 John 5:13)
062-134
062-006 • If anyone comes with a new doctrine, which contradicts what
Critical
you have learned in the Bible, face them with this immediately.
Divider
Greedy If they persist in behaving as wolves, keep away from them.
(Romans 16:17) We are to warn a person who causes
division, and if they persist, to refuse fellowship. (Titus 3:10-11)
Arrogant
062-005 Super Spiritual If a congregation cannot handle a wolf alone, it should call in
062-009 leaders from other churches to investigate and deal with it.
Pharisee
(Acts 15)
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5. The wolf wants his own way. He seems religious. He comes THE DIVIDER
disguised as a sheep. He talks like an angel of light, to deceive 062-011
those who have trusted in Jesus. When a wolf seeks to divide, The divider is a dangerous wolf. He does not respect the Word of
we must: 062-119 God, (Matthew 24:11, 24), a church’s leaders, nor unity in the Lord.
F keep away from him. 062-120 062-012
F criticize him. W_062_02a_ZZW01_01
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6. We pay no heed to what a wolf says; we ignore him. A wolf

sometimes says what is true, but practices: 062-122
F union. 062-123
F division.
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He does not evangelize, but rather wins over weaker members, and
separates them from the flock. (Romans 15:20-21,
7. The Pharisee divides believers with: 062-125
2 Corinthians 10:15-18, Galatians 1:6-8)
F his love. 062-126
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F his laws.
062-127

8. As well as imposing rules, many wolves weaken churches

through their greed. These work mainly: 062-128
F for love. 062-129
F to get rich.
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Look at that pastor’s congregation. He
has more members than you. I’ll help you.
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This wolf disguises himself as a sheep. (Matthew 7:15) He deceives, SUMMARY TEST
pretending to preach the Gospel at the same time as he stirs up 062-104
division. “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not
062-015 W_062_04a_ZZW01_01 take him into your house or welcome him.”
(2 John 9-10)
062-105 062-106
1. The arrogant wolf: 062-107
F is humble. 062-108
F thinks he knows everything.
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2. The divider is conceited. He likes: 062-110

F criticizing elders and pastors. 062-111
“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquer- F encouraging the believers to be reconciled.
ading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself 062-112
masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his
servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end 3. Many sheep-stealers are critical; they get among the flock: -113
will be what their actions deserve.” F with the church’s authorization. 062-114
(2 Corinthians 11:13-15) F without permission.
062-016 062-017 062-115

The divider teaches from the Bible, but only to: 062-018 4. The wolf, like Satan, uses the Bible: 062-116
F edify us. 062-019 F to win our trust, and get his own way. 062-117
F deceive us. F to build up a united church.
062-020 062-118
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The Apostle Paul said:
062-100
“I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You
yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own
needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I
showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the
weak, remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said:
‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
(Acts 20:33-35)
062-101 062-102

Have you learned to be content with what you have? The dividing wolf gets in when the pastors are not alert. He talks like
a sheep, as though he were a loving fellow-believer. Remember that
Satan himself used the Word of God to try to deceive the Lord Jesus.
062-103 (Matthew 4:5-6)
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The Bible says

we should love one
another. A real
believer does not
behave like the
members of this
church. Come and
join mine!
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The thief does not enter the fold through the proper way, Jesus, the
gate; (John 10:7-10), so he does not come with the Lord’s permis-
sion. Although he talks of the Bible, what he wants is: 062-024
F to steal sheep. 062-025
F to help the sheep.
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“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! Remember that for
three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day
with tears.”
(Acts 20:29-31)
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Paul writes:
062-095
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to
be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be
in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the
secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well
fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do
everything through him who gives me strength.”
(Philippians 4:11-13)
062-096 062-097
The sincere elder does not “pursue dishonest gain.” (Titus 1:7) He
is “not a lover of money.” (1 Timothy 3:3) The sincere deacon
does not “pursue dishonest gain.” (1 Timothy 3:8) More than one
hundred Bible passages warn us about the dangers of greed!
062-098

Brother, I’m told Why does God take greed so seriously? Write your opinion:
that you have a
little problem with
your pastor.
Sorting things out
with that stubborn
man’s not worth
troubling about.
Come with me,
instead.
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Some other wolves do not allow the church to have a budget. Other There are two members missing!
greedy wolves grab everything that their congregation gives. They 062-031

give no account of what they spend. All administration of church

funds must be open, clear, honest and straight-forward, for the glory
of God.
062-090

A congregation does not give or tithe responsibly, when it does not

know how the money is spent.
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The congregation or church leaders should authorize the treasurer to

pay expenses approved in the budget.
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The treasurer gives a financial report monthly to the congregation or

council. If the people support their leaders as 1 Timothy 5:17-18 A wise pastor knows and protects his church members. Otherwise,
teaches, there will be no problem. wolves will destroy the flock.
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Other avaricious wolves take advantage of believers, and of the trust “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions
of brothers in Christ, to ask for loans. They do not return the money. and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching
When they have got all they can in one congregation, they seek you have learned. Keep away from them.”
another. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 commands: “If a man will not (Romans 16:17)
work, he shall not eat” And “each of you must put off false- 062-033 062-034
hood.” (Ephesians 4:25) Avarice leads to lies and cheating.
062-094
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 THE PHARISEE WOLF These greedy wolves are not concerned about evangelizing in new

062-035 areas. They keep all the money for their own church, where they can
There is another wolf we can call the PHARISEE: he goes sniffing control its use.

and snooping about, looking for something to criticize. 062-086

062-036
When a pastor seeks money wherever he can get it (from other
The legalistic Pharisee imposes his churches or other countries), his own congregation neglects its duty of
own rules. He increases feelings of tithing and maintaining their own pastor. The congregation stagnates
if f
guilt and fear. He makes weaker Sn spiritually.
believers doubt their complete Sniff 062-087
forgiveness in Christ, so that they will Sn
i
06 ff
2-0
do what the wolf demands. Some greedy wolves request donations by radio, mail or television,
39
062-037 but they do not use them for Christ’s work, but rather, to get rich.
W_062_09a_ZZW01_01 They deceive God’s people. We give to God as an act of worship,
Sometimes this wolf insists that we obey certain human traditions, or normally through our church. We do not give offerings through the
ritual laws from the Old Testament. Keeping these laws makes us post to every preacher who weeps about some “very urgent need.”
“legalistic.” If one tries to keep the old law, for salvation, it is neces- 062-088
sary to keep all of it, and as this is impossible, the result is to come
under a curse. (Galatians 3:10) We are under the New Testament’s Some greedy wolves receive large offerings in their campaigns. They
law of love. (Matthew 22:37-40) exaggerate needs, and urge more giving than is necessary. There is
062-038 no need to exaggerate, lie, or make demands, if the campaign is
God’s. Through prayer and faith, God will provide what is needful.
This wolf enjoys making and enforcing rules so he can push people 062-089
into doing what he says. He sneers at the freedom we have in Christ.
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Greedy wolves also penetrate evangelical churches. They often seek Sometimes we invent new rules that are not in the Bible. But if these,
to get rich through religion. Satan tempts some pastors to avarice: however well intentioned, impede the life and growth of the local
062-078 church, they should be rejected. Whoever lives by the Spirit fulfils all
the Lord’s commands, because he loves God and his neighbor:
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. “Love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:10)
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful 062-041 062-042
proud, abusive...”
(2 Timothy 3:1-2) The things that these wolves consider important, such as dietary laws,
062-079 062-080 special days etc. have no such importance. (Romans 14:1-6) “For
the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but
Lovers of money! How sad to fall in love with money! To use the of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
church, Jesus’ holy body, our King’s bride to gain money, is a repug- (Romans 14:17)
nant use of ministry! 062-043 062-044
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THE ARROGANT WOLF
Some avaricious Christian workers demand higher incomes from their 062-045
organizations or churches, as though they were trade unionists. This wolf trusts in his It must
be my way.
062-082 own great wisdom: 062-048
“Knowledge puffs up.”
According to Hebrews 13:5, how should we live? 062-083 (1 Corinthians 8:1)
F Through loud or subtle complaints. 062-084 062-046b
F By faith. W_062_10a_ZZW01_01
062-085 No one gets to know God through worldly wisdom.
(1 Corinthians 1:19-23) Some “wise men” deny Bible miracles.
Other “wise men” add their own doctrines and practices.
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 THE HOWLER “Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content

062-049 with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave
Another noisy wolf is the howler. He is known for his big mouth, you, and never will I forsake you.’”

which is always open, talking about himself. He bases his faith on his (Hebrews 13:5)

own experience. He only seeks emotional experiences. In his 062-073a 062-073b

prayers, he shouts loud, to attract attention. (Matthew 6:5) He

causes confusion during the worship service, and has no self-control. Greedy wolves have made a business of soul winning, throughout the
062-050 history of the church.
062-074

“The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. Everything Some ministers of the ancient Roman church began to charge for

should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” baptisms, masses, home visits and funerals. The church in the Middle

(1 Corinthians 14:32, 33, 40) Ages became very rich.

062-051 062-052 W_062_11a_ZZW01_01 062-075

Many who resisted wrong doctrine were excommunicated, tortured

List
happ en to w and killed. The “Holy Inquisition” of the Roman church tortured and
ened ha
062-
053 to m t killed thousands of believers in many countries.
e.
Only I have 062-076
the Spirit.

how you
062-054 Other greedy wolves in the Middle Ages became rich through the
It’s only unts.
t co Crusades against the Muslims. They armed themselves in the name of
feel tha !
lo ry Christ, and looted the lands through which they passed.
062-0 5 5 G en!
Am 062-077
6
6 2 -05
0

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 THE GREEDY WOLF THE SUPER-SPIRITUAL WOLF
062-069 062-057
The greedy wolf preaches for material gain. He does not work for The super-spiritual wolf does not glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, but
the love of Christ, but for what he can get. He follows the Lord himself. He boasts of having direct contact with God. He insists on
seeking bread and fish, instead of carrying his cross: us doing strange things. He lets people know that he fasts long and
062-070 prays loudly. He demands miraculous signs to prove that God is
working, which Jesus forbade in Matthew 16:4. Some insist that their
“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he own church is the only true church.
said: If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and his 062-058
mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters, - yes, even
his own life - he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does Jesus warns, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did
not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out
(Luke 14:25-27) demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them
062-071a 062-071b W_062_15a_ZZW01_01 plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
(Matthew 7:22-23)
062-059a 062-059b W_062_12a_ZZW01_01
This church pays
its pastor well. I’ll
find ways of taking
over that job...
062-072
Look at what a
good Christian I am.
God is impressed
with me. Everyone
should be like me.
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 THE MODERN IDOLATER WOLF THE SEER WOLF
062-061 062-065
Modern idolaters make their own gods with a typewriter. They invent The seer wolf is superstitious.
their own doctrines. He guesses the future using the
062-062 stars, witchcraft, and dealing
W_062_13a_ZZW01_01 with spirits, supposedly of the
dead. Deuteronomy 18:10-14
expressly forbids this.
062-066
W_062_14a_ZZW01_01

For example Jehovah’s Witnesses have two “real” gods. They say
that Christ is “a god” as well as Jehovah. These wolves are not true
witnesses to the Lord, because in Isaiah 43:10, Jehovah says that His
witnesses will testify that He is one, (not two, as the Jehovah’s
Witnesses say, when they speak of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word).
062-063
The Mormon church also has many gods. They say that each
Mormon will be exalted until he becomes a god. Some New Age
devotees assert that everyone is a god, or that God and nature are the
same thing.
062-064
THE HEARTBREAKER WOLF
062-067
Sadly, there are leaders who give way to their carnal instincts, when
counseling women. They make them emotionally dependent. They
take advantage of them to have illicit, unholy relationships with them,
under the name of “showing the love of the Lord”, or “emotional
therapy.” A sincere pastor prays for self control, and is very alert to
avoid falling under Satan’s attacks. An ethical pastor has his wife or
another lady present while counseling or visiting a woman.
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12 Wolves © Project WorldReach © SEAN 13