2-8-2026: Wolves in Sheep's Clothing
Sermon Title: Wolves in Sheep's Clothing
Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 13:1-16; Matthew 7:15-23; Galatians 5:22-25; 1 John 4:1
Sermon Focus: In the final section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns his followers to beware of false prophets and leaders who appear harmless but lead people off the narrow road that leads to life. He says they are like wolves in sheep’s clothing. In today’s message, Pastor David shares how we can tell the difference in good and bad leaders and influencers, and how we can be sure that we are doing the real work of character formation and not just busy doing religious stuff for God. Thank you for going deeper in conversation with your small group. Use the following questions to help guide your small group discussion:
1. Begin by reading Matthew 7:15-23 to yourself silently, giving everyone a few minutes to read and reflect. After that, have someone read the passage aloud. How do the words of Jesus encourage you? Also, how do they challenge you?
2. Have someone read aloud about “false prophets” in Ezekiel 13:1-16. Jesus is alluding to Old Testament passages like this in Matthew 7:15-20. Notice how it’s at the end of the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus warns about those who would try to lead you away from his teachings and the good life laid out in Matthew 5-7. Do you think these warnings are still relevant today? If so, why?
3. False prophets are revealed not by isolated failures or imperfect theology, but by long-term patterns of distorted allegiance, unhealthy character, relational damage, disordered loves, and using the Bible to justify sin and abuse. Pastor David described some of the “bad fruit” in his message. How do you think these “wolves in sheep’s clothing” get into positions of power and remain there? What should we do when it has been revealed there is a wolf in our midst?
4. After reflecting on the signs of “false prophets” and those who can lead us away from the narrow road to the Kingdom, ask yourself, “Have I been following or supporting any false prophets, leaders, or influencers who consistently reveal bad fruit and turn me away from Christ?” Also, what religious, political, and social media influencers do we see leading others away from Christ today?
5. Likely the most sobering and challenging words ever given by Jesus are found in Matthew 7:21-23. Read those verses again. Jesus is emphasizing the importance of being formed into his image and character, which is at the heart of his teachings. The takeaway is not: “So, go and do good stuff for Jesus.” Therefore, ask yourself, is my faith more focused on doing good works and religious stuff, or on discipleship, character formation, and obedience to Jesus (his will)?
6. LIFE ON MISSION QUESTION: Is there something practical that you can do this week to implement what Jesus has said to us in Matthew 7:15-23? How is the Spirit inviting you to put Jesus’ words into practice in your current situation so that friends, family, neighbors, and enemies can experience God’s love, mercy, and kindness, rather than accusation, judgment, and condemnation?
Share with your group what God is asking you to do in the coming days.