Watchout For WOLVES: Keys To Discerning Authentic Ministries & Evaluating Doctrinal Trends

1. Discontent 2. Downcast 3. Discouraged 4. Desperate

False ministries actually look for such people that they can reach out to with compassion and understanding. They often pit themselves against local church leaders who do not or cannot care for them or help them like they can. There are always plenty of people like this in most churches. It is rarely because of there is non-caring leadership in the local assembly, it is more often that they are not willing or able to tap into what is available to them. False ministries are fueled by wrong inner desires and motivation . Many of these false ministries care about themselves more than they do the sheep (Rom. 16:18; John 10:13; Phil. 3:19; Ezek. 34:2-3, 8). Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things. Philippians 3:17-19 In the above passage, when Paul speaks of those whose “god is their belly , ” he means that there are those who serve their own appetites and preach doctrines which cater to the fulfillment of their own natural passions. These are those who are in the ministry for the purpose of attaining earthly things. False ministries can be further fueled by selfish ambition (Phil. 1:16). They have a desire for acclaim, position, power or control.

Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from

56