Can you spot a phony friend? Are you able to identify a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

by Rev. Jack Richards on April 11, 2022

SEARCHLIGHT 

Can you spot a phony friend? Are you able to identify a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

SCRIPTURE

“WHEN THE ENEMIES OF JUDAH AND BENJAMIN HEARD THAT THE EXILES WERE BUILDING A TEMPLE FOR THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, THEY CAME TO ZERUBBABEL AND TO THE HEADS OF THE FAMILIES AND SAID, ‘LET US HELP YOU BUILD BECAUSE, LIKE YOU, WE SEEK YOUR GOD AND HAVE BEEN SACRIFICING TO HIM SINCE THE TIME OF ESARHADDON KING OF ASSYRIA, WHO BROUGHT US HERE.’” Ezra 4:1,2 NIV

“THEN THE PEOPLES AROUND THEM SET OUT TO DISCOURAGE THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH AND MAKE THEM AFRAID TO GO ON BUILDING. THEY BRIBED OFFICIALS TO WORK AGAINST THEM AND FRUSTRATED THEIR PLANS DURING THE ENTIRE REIGN OF CYRUS…THEY LODGED AN ACCUSATION AGAINST THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH AND JERUSALEM…THE REST OF HIS ASSOCIATES WROTE A LETTER…” Ezra 4:4-7 NIV

“…THEY….COMPELLED THEM BY FORCE TO STOP. THUS, THE WORK ON THE HOUSE OF GOD IN JERUSALEM CAME TO A STAND STILL…” Ezra 4:23,24 NIV

SPOTLIGHT

Do you recall the fairy tale called, “Little Red Riding Hood?” The little girl is told by her mother to take some food to her sick grandmother who lives in the forest. The conflict begins when Little Red wants to do good for her grandmother, but the Big Bad Wolf wants to do her harm. Are you capable of spotting enemies who disguise themselves like a grandma, but are really the Big Bad Wolf who wants to destroy you?

In Ezra 4, God’s people had an enormous goal of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. During this time, they encountered wolves in sheep’s clothing offering to assist them. Do you know how to determine if a person wants to help you, or hinder you, in reaching your goals? In chapter 4, you discover 6 ways a disguised enemy will try to ruin you. Please note:

  1. An enemy will appear to want to help by showing great interest in your project. (Ezra 4:2)
  2. An enemy will pretend to be in unity by saying they believe what you believe. (Ezra 4:2)
  3. An enemy will pretend to offer advice, but it is really discouragement. (Ezra 4:4)
  4. An enemy will try to infiltrate by hiring people to frustrate your purpose and work. (Ezra 4:5) 
  5. An enemy will publicly communicate misleading information to officials. (Letter Writing - Ezra 4:6)
  6. An enemy will reveal himself by forcing you to stop reaching your goal. (Ezra 4:23)

When Little Red Riding Hood arrived at her grandmother’s house, the Big Bad Wolf had disguised himself as grandma. The little girl immediately noticed the strangeness. Little Red made 4 observations; What a deep voice you have! What big eyes you have! What big hands you have! What a big mouth you have!

Here lies the key to spotting enemies that will ruin you;

  1.  Listen to their words and tone of voice.
  2. Look into their eyes.
  3. Read their body language and behavior by observing their hands and mouth.

Jesus warned believers that they would face people who claimed to be followers of Christ, but instead, would be false spiritual leaders. Matthew 7:15,16a states, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly, they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.” Paul said, “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard…” (Acts 20:29-31a)

Your enemy will put on a disguise to prevent you from gaining the prize. Whatever your goal may be, you can expect opposition from people who pretend to be your friend. When people disguise who they really are, it reveals itself in hypocrisy, ulterior motives, negativity, lying, double standard living, and much more. People who disguise who they are will never be a helpful friend. Here are 6 guidelines you learn from Ezra 4 that will help you to spot and ultimately stop enemies who disguise themselves as your friends. Observation is key.

  1. Take time to evaluate their interest. Ask them questions to determine their motives.
  2. Talk with them about what they believe. Watch to see if they live what they profess.
  3. Determine if their suggestions are helpful, or hindering progress.
  4. When they offer advice, ask them who they consult for advice.
  5. Watch for consistency. Is there any appearance of a double standard?
  6. Cautiously respond to any threats.

Spot to stop. Use these above guidelines to help you to spot enemies in order to stop enemies from reaching your goal. Just as there are 4 letters in the word “spot”, so there are the same 4 letters in the word “stop.” You have to learn to spot, in order to stop. You have to learn to observe, so you can rearrange the order of letters to accomplish the desired prize. Although the

Jewish people were stopped, they kept their goal in mind and ultimately won their prize. “The Lord filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the King of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the House of God, the God of Israel.” (Ezra 6:22) God will do the same for you as long as you do your part to, spot and stop.

SOMETHING TO DO

Do a friendship check. Do all your friends encourage you in your faith? Is there anyone in your life who appears to be a friend, but is tempting you not to follow and serve Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord? Ask God what to do?

SOUL TIME PRAYER

Heavenly Father, Thank You that You have a wonderful plan for my life. I seek to know it and follow it. Bring people into my life who will help me to fulfill Your plan for my life. AMEN.

Tags: to, how, ezra, stop, enemy, an, spot


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