Question? Does a wolf in the pulpit know he is a wolf.
Matt 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
1 Cor 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
THE BIBLE IS CLEAR, WILLIAM BRANHAM TAUGHT THE SAME
A.DECEIVED.CHURCH.BY.THE.WORLD_ JEFF.IN
That's the same thing the church has done. It's adopted politics, educations. It's adopted organizations, societies, big churches, high fluting preachers. And when the real King comes, they don't know Him, and they're crucifying the very Holy Ghost that's their King. They don't know Him, but they laugh at Him and make fun of Him. As they--Jews did their Messiah, the church is doing their Messiah the same way. They don't know it. They haven't got the spiritual insight, because they're so indoctrinated with their eyes and what they see, great buildings, trying to compare with the world. We're never exhorted to compare with the world. We're exhorted to humble ourselves. – William Branham
WOLVES IN THE PULPIT
Wolves in the pulpit are wolves in sheep’s clothing and do not know it because they are deceived. The word means; to believe something that is not true.
They are blinded to truth, and that makes them what they are, and those that follow them are equally blinded and do not know it.
Jesus said they are to be left alone, but few will, because it is in their DNA to follow such. To be "left alone" is not to include them in your circle spiritually speaking.
Matt 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
This is supposed to be the most religious day in the history of the church in which most will be deceived religiously; Matt 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
The apostle Paul taught of this great religious deception that would come.
2 Thess 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Remember, the word deceived means – to believe something that is not true.
Note the following scripture, after this scathing analysis by the apostle Paul of the great deception that is to come. He assures the true believe, that follows HIS teachings, as the true elected of God, you are chosen to NOT be deceived, to know the difference and believe the truth.
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
SUMMARIZE
My Question was, do the wolves that are in sheep’s clothing know they are wolves? I think the answer is clear, that is why it is so deceptive. Did the Pharisees, while singing songs of the Messiah know they were crucifying the very Messiah they were singing about.
Did the so-called Christian believers of Jerusalem, that were of the "circumcision" believe they were deceivers and leading people to destruction (Galatians 1:8)? Contradicting Paul’s teachings of Grace while trying to indoctrinate his Gentile converts, that they must be circumcised in order to be saved. Did they do that deliberately to mislead the church into false teachings. You know the answer, they had to think they were right and that they were doing great service to the New Testament Church.
With all this in mind, how can that be encouraging? Because of whom you are. You will believe the truth and not be deceived. And there is only one reason; not because of the church you go to, or how great your pastor or the newest evangelist or preacher on the field is that you adore. Nor is it how much you study the Word and listen to “tapes.”
Yes, there can be many good things that come from the above. However, you are not deceived because; you have been chosen by God to believe from the beginning. That encourages me.
Pastor Bill Ivy - Living Word Tabernacle, Campbell MO USA