The Lure of Grievous Wolves

Acts 20:29-30

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Paul cautioned the believer about people who come to your church who will “draw away disciples after them.” These people who come to your church grab the hearts of certain people in your church, and when they leave, they deceitfully draw others from your church with them to destroy your church. Paul says these people speak “perverse things.” The word “perverse” means contrary. In other words, these evil people speak behind the pastor's back about things they disagree with the pastor to draw men to them and then to draw those people away when they leave. Let me share a couple thoughts about this evil.

First, beware of those who speak contrary things behind the pastor's back. Paul calls them “grievous wolves.” Never allow yourself to get around these grievous wolves because they will turn your heart away from a church that has invested in you and made you the believer you are today.

Second, always remember that the pastor has likely invested more in you than the grievous wolf who does “Bible studies” in their home to draw you away with them. That pastor who is “so bad” created an atmosphere in your church to lead the lost to Christ, and you would not be saved without that pastor. That pastor preached many sermons that have helped you and your family; he has prayed for you, he has helped you when you reached out to him, and he has given his life to help you and your family; don't let a grievous wolf pull you away with their selfishness and evil.

Third, a preacher who allows grievous wolves in his church will find the wolf will eventually come out of the wolf. Don't be joyous when disgruntled people transfer to your church; they will likely become disgruntled with you. I have the mindset that if they transfer in, they will likely transfer out. Pastor, you cannot play with wolves without the wolf hurting you; likewise, you cannot take in disgruntled people without them hurting your church. You would be wise not to make it easy for people who left a church disgruntled to attend your church. You would be wise never to visit them, and if they choose to join your church, be very slow in giving them a position; the time without position will show their heart.

Fourth, if you are not in agreement with your pastor, don't become a grievous wolf if you leave. When you leave a church, DO NOT try to get others to come with you. When you leave a church, don't talk about your grievances of the church you used to go to. When you leave a church, you left for a reason; therefore, STOP calling the people in the church that you left and get involved in the church you chose to go to. If you run into people from the church you left, encourage them to stay in that church; God can work on their heart to leave if that church is doing wrong; you don't need to be a wolf to destroy churches.

My friend, people leaving a church is an unsavory part of the ministry. As a pastor, don't talk bad about the people, for they may come back one day, but pray for God to work on their hearts. If you are a church member, don't give time to those who leave as they just may be a grievous wolf who will turn your heart away to your hurt.