They will look like true believers. Matthew 7:2 says they will be in sheep’s clothing. So
we know that they will blend in very well. They will be able to “talk the talk” and “walk the
walk.” They will ceratinly know Scripture very well. They will most likely be gifted
communicators and highly persuasive. They will be high discerning individuals. They will
many times prophesy correctly, as the gift and calls of God are irrevocable (Roman
11:29) but it will be out of the wrong spirit. If they didn’t do these things, they wouldn’t
really look like a sheep and no one would actually be fooled.
a. Deceptive Appearance: They project an image of innocence, kindness, or
trustworthiness to gain the trust of others. They are often are “self-disclosing” but
ultimately the honesty is to gain trust in order to control.
b. Charming Persona: Often charismatic, gifted speakers, and likable, they easily
manipulate others through charm and persuasion.
c. Manipulative Behavior: They exploit the vulnerability or naivety of others (new
and immature believers) for personal gain (building their ministry), often through
cunning manipulation or psychological tactics like “sales techniques.”
d. Lack of Genuine Empathy: While they may feign empathy or concern, their
actions ultimately serve their own interests, and they lack genuine compassion
for others. This will often be expressed when you disapprove of their behavior.

e. Self-Centeredness: Their primary concern is themselves, and they will prioritize
their own desires and ambitions over the well-being of others.
f. Duplicity: They maintain a façade of goodness while engaging in deceitful or
underhanded behavior behind the scenes.

g. Seductive Manipulation: They may use flattery, seduction, or other forms of
psychological manipulation to gain control over young/immature believers.
h. Lack of Accountability: When confronted with their deceitful actions, they may
deflect blame or deny responsibility, refusing to acknowledge their wrongdoing.
They will also likely not have real face to face accountability in their ministry.
Bringing correction to them will most likey be met with verbal abuse, gaslighting
and intimidation.
i. Pattern of Betrayal: They have a history of betraying the trust of others, often
repeating the cycle of deception and manipulation in their relationships.
j. Calculating Nature: Their actions are carefully calculated to achieve their goals,
and they may go to great lengths to maintain their disguise as a harmless
individual.

2. They will bear bad fruit, not good fruit. This is an important distinction. It’s not that there
   will be no fruit, it’s that the fruit will be bad. On the surface that fruit may look good, but
   upon closer examination it will be rotten on the inside. Matthew 7:2 says “… inwardly
   they will be ravenous wolves.” We must look past our first impressions and shallow
   experiences and look deeper.
   What is good fruit? The fruits of the Spirit in Galations 5. “Love, joy, peace, patience,
   kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” are certainly good fruit.
   ● Lack of Love: Wolves in sheep’s clothing may feign love or affection, but their
   actions are often self-serving and lack genuine care or concern for others.
   ● Absence of Joy: While they may appear cheerful on the surface, their joy is
   often superficial and tied to their own agenda, rather than stemming from a deep
   relationship with God or genuine contentment.
   ● Inner Turmoil Instead of Peace: Despite their outward calmness, wolves in
   sheep’s clothing may harbor inner turmoil, anxiety, or restlessness due to their
   deceptive lifestyle and fear of exposure.
   ● Impatience and Restlessness: Rather than displaying patience, they may
   become frustrated or agitated when their plans are thwarted or when they are
   unable to achieve their desired outcomes quickly.

● Lack of Kindness: They may use manipulation or cruelty to achieve their goals,
showing little regard for the well-being of others and prioritizing their own
interests above all else.
● Moral Corruption Instead of Goodness: Wolves in sheep’s clothing often
engage in deceitful or unethical behavior, betraying the trust of those around
them and disregarding moral principles.
● Unreliability and Betrayal: Instead of faithfulness, they may be deceitful and
disloyal, betraying the trust of others for personal gain or advancement.
● Harshness and Arrogance: Rather than gentleness, they may exhibit
arrogance, aggression, or a lack of empathy towards others, using their power or
influence to manipulate and control.
● Lack of Self-Control: Wolves in sheep’s clothing may indulge in sinful or
destructive behaviors, unable to exercise self-discipline or restraint over their
desires and impulses.
● Refusal to Forgive: Instead of forgiveness, they may harbor grudges and seek
revenge against those who oppose them, unwilling to let go of past grievances or
offenses.

Again, people may look like they have these fruits on the surface. But what happens in
disagreements or confrontation? What happens when pressure is applied? What happens when
they are admonshised or rebuked for error? What comes out of their heart then?
a. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45),
b. “… it’s what come out of the mouth of a man that defiles him. Matthew 15:11.
Again, we are not looking for one off situations here but a pattern that is evident over and
over. Everyone has bad days and will miss the mark occasionally but what is the
pattern?

3. They will not possess the qualities of an Overseer as listed in 1 Timothy 3.
   Blameless: An overseer should be above reproach, with a good reputation both inside
   and outside the church community. A wolf in sheep’s clothing, however, may maintain a
   facade of innocence and righteousness while engaging in deceitful or immoral behavior
   behind the scenes, tarnishing their reputation and betraying the trust of others.
4. Faithful to Their Spouse: An overseer should be faithful to their spouse, demonstrating
   commitment and integrity in their marital relationship. A wolf in sheep’s clothing may
   engage in infidelity or sexual misconduct, betraying the trust of their spouse and violating
   the moral standards expected of church leaders.
5. Temperate: An overseer should exercise self-control and moderation in all aspects of
   their life, avoiding excess and indulgence. A wolf in sheep’s clothing may lack
   self-control, succumbing to temptation and engaging in addictive or destructive
   behaviors that compromise their ability to lead effectively.
6. Prudent: An overseer should be wise and discerning, making sound decisions based on
   biblical principles and spiritual guidance. A wolf in sheep’s clothing may lack prudence,

acting impulsively or recklessly and making decisions that harm others or undermine the
mission of the church.

7. Respectable: An overseer should be dignified and respectable in their conduct, earning
   the respect of others through their character and behavior. A wolf in sheep’s clothing
   may lack respectability, engaging in manipulative or deceptive tactics to gain power or
   control over others, rather than earning respect through genuine leadership and service.
8. Hospitable: An overseer should be welcoming and hospitable, opening their home and
   their heart to others in need. A wolf in sheep’s clothing may feign hospitality as a means
   of gaining trust and access to potential victims, using charm and manipulation to exploit
   others for their own gain.
9. Able to Teach: An overseer should be skilled in teaching and communicating biblical
   truth, effectively equipping others for spiritual growth and maturity. A wolf in sheep’s
   clothing may misuse their teaching authority to spread false doctrine or manipulate
   others for personal gain, leading people astray and causing division within the church.
10. Not Given to Drunkenness: An overseer should avoid excessive drinking and other
    forms of substance abuse, maintaining a clear mind and sound judgment. A wolf in
    sheep’s clothing may struggle with addiction or substance abuse, impairing their ability to
    lead effectively and setting a harmful example for others.
11. Not Violent but Gentle: An overseer should be gentle and peaceable, resolving
    conflicts with kindness and humility rather than resorting to violence or aggression. A
    wolf in sheep’s clothing may exhibit a facade of gentleness while harboring a
    manipulative or controlling nature, using emotional or psychological abuse to maintain
    power and dominance over others.
12. Not Quarrelsome: An overseer should avoid contentiousness and divisiveness, seeking
    unity and reconciliation within the body of Christ. A wolf in sheep’s clothing may thrive on
    conflict and division, stirring up strife and discord within the church community to further
    their own agenda or satisfy their ego.
    In summary, while an overseer should embody qualities of integrity, humility, and servant
    leadership, a wolf in sheep’s clothing operates in deception, manipulation, and self-serving
    motives, ultimately causing harm and division within the church.
    Narcissistic Bevhavior
    here are some characteristics of preachers or ministers who may exhibit narcissistic personality
    disorder traits:
13. Grandiose Sense of Self-Importance: They have an exaggerated sense of
    self-importance, often believing they are special or unique and deserving of special
    treatment or recognition.
14. Need for Excessive Admiration: They constantly seek admiration and praise from
    others, craving attention and validation to feed their ego.
15. Lack of Empathy: They have difficulty empathizing with the feelings and needs of
    others, often displaying a callous disregard for the emotions or well-being of those
    around them.
16. Sense of Entitlement: They believe they are entitled to special privileges or treatment,
    often exploiting others to fulfill their own needs or desires.
17. Exploitative Behavior: They may manipulate or exploit others for personal gain, using
    charm or charisma to manipulate situations to their advantage.
18. Envy and Resentment: They may harbor envy and resentment towards others who they
    perceive as more successful or talented, often reacting with hostility or disdain.
19. Arrogance and Haughtiness: They exhibit a sense of superiority and arrogance,
    looking down on others whom they deem as inferior or unworthy.
20. Difficulty Maintaining Healthy Relationships: They struggle to maintain healthy,
    genuine relationships, often viewing others as tools to serve their own needs rather than
    as equals worthy of respect and consideration.
21. Lack of Accountability: They deflect blame and refuse to take responsibility for their
    actions, often rationalizing or justifying their behavior to avoid facing consequences.
22. Manipulative Communication: They may use manipulative tactics such as gaslighting
    or love-bombing to control and manipulate others, distorting reality to suit their own
    narrative.