Shepherds, Sheep, Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing, and Goats

• Shepherds are those tapped by God to lead the church, to speak the very words of God to the flock. Shepherds are to be obeyed, respected, and heard with wisdom.
• Sheep are the confessors in the church who are in Christ, bearing the fruit of the Spirit slowly, but surely. Sheep must be fed, and their meal is the word of God.
• Wolves in sheep’s clothing are those who confess Christ, but are not in Christ. They are mostly committed to the Law, still living the “if, then” covenant. Wolves don’t know they are wolves. But you can always tell who the wolves are because they attack the sheep and the shepherds. They won’t be conscious that they are tools of Satan, they will only feel right, and therefore justified to attack the shepherds and the sheep. Wolves are to be exposed and rebuked. The shepherds must not allow them to attack the sheep or the shepherds.
• Goats are those who are not Christians, but exploring the claims of Christ. Goats need to hear the gospel every week until God reveals them the sufficiency of Christ.

God help the church where the wolves are shepherds, the goats are the focus of ministry to the exclusion of sheep, the sheep are the focus of ministry to the exclusion of the goats, the shepherds don’t challenge those who attack the sheep, and the sheep don’t listen to the voice of their shepherds.

Be praying, for so much is at stake.