False Leadership

1 sermons

False leadership is a pervasive theme in Scripture, warning believers against those who mislead and exploit the flock. Jesus, in John 10:12-13, contrasts the true shepherd with the hireling, who abandons the sheep in times of danger. This imagery underscores the responsibility of leaders to care for their congregations genuinely. The prophet Ezekiel also speaks powerfully against false shepherds in Ezekiel 34:2-4, where God condemns those who feed themselves rather than the sheep, highlighting the moral obligation of leaders to nurture and protect their followers. In the New Testament, Paul cautions the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:29-30 about fierce wolves that will arise from among them, distorting the truth to draw away disciples. Such warnings remind us of the importance of discernment in recognizing true spiritual authority. Furthermore, 2 Peter 2:1-3 explicitly addresses the rise of false teachers who secretly bring in destructive heresies, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the faith community. Believers are called to remain rooted in sound doctrine, as Paul instructs in 1 Timothy 4:16, ensuring that they are not led astray by those who would lead them away from the truth of the Gospel.

False Shepherds

john-henry-jowett

John Henry Jowett delivers a powerful sermon on Ezekiel 34:1-10, exposing the characteristics of false shepherds who are self-seeking, feeding themselves instead of the flock, driven by carnal ambition rather than holy service. These shepherds lack sympathy, failing to strengthen the diseased or hea

John 10:12

“The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock.”

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Ezekiel 34:2

““Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock?”

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Acts 20:29

“I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.”

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2 Peter 2:1

“Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”

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1 Timothy 4:16

“Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”

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Titus 1:9

“He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.”

Jude 1:4

“For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Deuteronomy 13:1

“If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Titus 2:7

“In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,”

2 Timothy 4:3

“For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.”