Have you begin to wonder why so many pastors are hesitant to warn the people of the ravenous wolves. We know the hurt and damage caused by these wolves. They are not to be petted, fed or trifled with.
Eze 22:27 tells us what the wolves are like in describing bad leadership
Her princes in the midst thereof [are] like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, [and] to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. 
 Zephaniah use them to describe dishonest judges Zephaniah 3:3
………. evening wolves That leave not a bone till morning.
 Jesus talks about them in Matthew 7:15
…… they are ravenous wolves.
Paul warns about wolves in Acts 20:29
…….For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.

Memorial Day weekend I was visiting relatives and had an interesting object lesson. My cousin gave her dog a pork chop bone to gnaw on.  Shortly thereafter the subject came up “where was the bone”. The dog had completely devoured the bone. The Lord, as always, chose the right word picture of wolves. These false teachers and prophets devour the very souls of men and women who are seeking the True Christ. These wolves are ferocious unbelievers who victimize the immature, the unsteady, and the easy to fleece.
The common church has become the flock of the slaughter (Zech 11), but in many cases the slaughter occurs outside of the church building. Why?, because inside the church the sheep are not warned about wolves, nor trained to discern wolves, nor given guidance on handling wolves.  Therefore the slaughter continues, tens of thousands enter into the den of the wolves weekly to be devoured and defiled. But it gets worse during the week; via TV, radio and internet the wolves defile millions causing many to deny the Christ who died upon the cross. These millions compose the everyday congregation as they seek the things of God. Unfortunately because doctrine is so rarely taught and even rarer is it taught properly and fully, the sheep are easy prey and graciously drink the poisoned kool-aid.

So the question proposed is ; why doesn’t the local pastor expose the wolves? Is the possible cause; admiration of the wolves, lack of biblical literacy, fear of peer pressure or possible economic consequences.

Perhaps in 1 King 22 we see the attitudes of false prophets and the reasons expounded why many lean their way.

 Chapter summary. Ahab and King Jehoshaphat of Judah meet, probably to discuss the new international situation after the battle of Qarqar. Ahab feels he must occupy the strategic city of Ramoth Gilead, ceded to him by Ben–Hadad earlier (chap. 20), but never surrendered by the Arameans (22:1–3). Ahab asks Jehoshaphat’s help, but Judah’s king wants to consult the Lord. Ahab’s prophets, members of the corrupted Yahweh cult established by Jeroboam (chap. 12), predict success. But Jehoshaphat wants to hear from a true prophet, and Micaiah is called (22:4–14). Micaiah’s initial endorsement of Ahab’s prophets’ words drips so heavily with sarcasm that Ahab demands he tell the truth. Micaiah explains that a “lying spirit” has moved Ahab’s prophets to predict victory, and that God does not intend Israel’s king to survive this battle (vv. 15–28). Ahab goes into battle in disguise, but is mortally wounded by a “random” arrow (vv. 29–36). When his gory carriage is washed, dogs lick the wicked king’s blood, as Elijah had predicted (vv. 37–40; cf. 21:19). The chapter closes with a brief mention of Jehoshaphat of Judah (22:41–50), and Ahab’s successor, Ahaziah(vv. 51–53).
 

Possible Reasons For Pastors Failing to Reveal the Wolves #1

• A LACK OF CONTENTMENT AND THE POSSIBILITY OF GAIN.
1Ki 22:3 And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?
In verse three we see the Kings and his servants deciding that what they have is not enough. This happens often when pastors develop a love of the world. 1 john 2:15 directs us to love not the world or the things of the world. Paul in 1 Tim 6: 3-10 gives a severe warning about the deceitfulness of riches. 1Ti 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Unfortunately many have fallen to destruction via the pursuit of filthy lucre, money, or mammon.

Possible Reasons For Pastors Failing to Reveal the Wolves #2

• THEY ARE SEEKING THE "WORD" WHCIH PLEASES THEIR FLESH, BECAUSE IT IS NATURAL TO DO SO.
1Ki 22:6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
In verse six King Ahab desires to go to battle, therefore the prophets gives him his desired answer. It is natural to be drawn toward those who relish what we relish, who desire what we desire. Until contentment takes place, and focuses switch from natural to spiritual, the manmade doctrine of materialism reigns. In this text we see this doctrine of materialism reigning over 3,000 years ago. We cast aside that which is good for us, to seek that which is good to us. 2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; Let’s look at our false TV evangelist of today.
They appear to be many; cut on your TV and count the number of false teachers on vs true teachers. Often every available religious channel is occupied by that which is false.
They appear to be the majority.
They also have a common mantra; In Jerusalem with Jeremiah the call of the false was “peace, peace”. (Jer 8:11, Eze 13:10, Eze 13:16) Then the chant was “go up, go up”. Today the chant is prosperity, prosperity.
The flesh says the majority is right, whenever its what the flesh wants to do.

Possible Reasons For Pastors Failing to Reveal the Wolves #3

• THEY HAVE A LOVE OF POPULARITY, POMP AND PARTY WHICH IS ENTICING TO THEIR FLESH
2Ch 18:2 And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead. A parallel passage reveals that preparations were made for a huge banquet that was held.
Who has the biggest and most popular conferences?, the false prophets. Who are the most popular on TV?, the false prophets. Who does the media seek to interview?, the false teachers.  These conferences on church growth and ministry often provide the insight for the pastor to perform the same sequence of events on a smaller scale in their local church. Take a look at the stage of TBN, its like a throne room, full of pomp and pageantry.   Romans 13:13L et us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. They often throw lavish birthday parties and anniversaries, spending tens of thousands of dollars while the members in the pews go needing assistance. Recently one false prophetess alledgely spends in excess of 1 million dollars for a wedding, then sells the dvd.They train, and encourage pastors at these events to mimic “the big boys”.
 

Possible Reasons For Pastors Failing to Reveal the Wolves #4

• THEY LOVE THOSE WHO PROPHECY GOOD TOWARD THEM AND HATE THOSE PROPHECY EVIL.
1Ki 22:8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. When our lifestyle is not biblically based we become confused on what is right for us. Covetousness often sets in like a cancer that consumes the time, energy, resources and efforts of the local congregation and pastor. When we have a wrong image of God, those who seek to warn us become our enemies.
Galatians 4:16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
 Isa 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
Unfortunately too many in leadership and congregations seek those with a “word from the Lord”. A word describe as promising increase, wealth and prosperity.

Possible Reasons For Pastors Failing to Reveal the Wolves #5

•THEY SEEK THE SAME ACCESS TO AUTHORITY THAT THE FALSE PROPHETS HAVE.
1Ki 22:10 The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, having put on their robes, sat each on his throne, at a threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. The false prophets have access to the king and with that access comes fame and power. Of course with fame, mammon often follows. In Dan 2:25 we see that Daniel had to be brought in but the false prophets were already before the king. In Genesis we see Ge 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph ,…….  Once again we the false prophets in the presence of the King and the True being sent for. Need I note Elijah, Jeremiah or Ezekiel?

Possible Reasons For Pastors Failing to Reveal the Wolves #6

•OFTEN THE FALSE TEACHERS AND PROPHETS ARE GREAT ENTERTAINERS AND MANY PASTORS SEEK TO BE THE SAME.
1Ki 22:11 Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made horns of iron for himself; and he said, "Thus says the LORD: 'With these you shall gore the Syrians until they are destroyed.'".  Pastors now have service with tanks, cars and motorcycles on stage, just to entertain you. Rock bands, flashing lights, smoke machines all say” let us entertain you”. Pastors dressed as clowns riding on elephants all say that entertainment is more important than doctrine and truth. Ro 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  Many pastors say if I can imitate their style, their entertainment, then I can get their numbers. I can grow big! If I just entertain the congregation it will grow. Entertainment can assist them with the ABC’s but in doing do they cast aside DEF. (Attendance, Building, Cashflow; Doctrine, Eternal Life, Fundamentals.)

Possible Reasons For Pastors Failing to Reveal the Wolves #7

• THE FALSE PROPHETS PROPHECY PROSPERITY AND INCREASE, THUS GIVING HOPE.
1 Kings 22:12
And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, “Go up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper, for the LORD will deliver it into the king’s hand.”
They cry “Lord enlarge our territory”.  They cry “the wealth of the wicked is stored up for the righteous and we are the righteous”. The hope is given not only to the local pastor but also to his congregation who await the open windows of heaven. This type of rhetoric keeps the local pastor in the lottery mentality, which has spread to throughout the church. Increase can now come from either the 7-eleven or the church. With whom shall they try to hit this week? False teachers give away money, cars and even pretend to give away homes (i.e. Paula White), all designed to keep the hope of the hit alive, while they continue to get into the pockets of members.
But God has a different view.  Jer 14:14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.
 Jer 23:32 Behold, I [am] against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.  Je 23:25, 26. 27:10, 14. 28:13. 29:21. 37:19.

Possible Reasons For Pastors Failing to Reveal the Wolves #8

•THE PASTORS ARE IMPRESSED WHEN THE FALSE PROPHETS SPEAK WORDS OF ENCOURAGMENT IN UNISON WHICH IS DESIGNED TO IMPRESS, PERSUADE AND FINALLY DECEIVE.
1 Kings 22:13 Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Now listen, the words of the prophets with one accord encourage the king. Please, let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak encouragement.”
By speaking in unison the appearance of power and correctness is given. What TV preacher has been interviewed by the major media who does not regularly proclaim a message of encouragement leaning toward the doctrine of materialism? Yes encouragement is proper and needed, but so is correction. 2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. I’ll be the first to admit that the pastor of today’s church needs encouragement, but not about the material things of this world. How about encouraging the people to be holy, righteous and steadfast not denying the faith once delivered to the saints.

Possible Reasons For Pastors Failing to Reveal the Wolves #9

•SUPPOSING THAT GAIN IS GODLY AND GOOD.
1 Kings 22:18 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?”
Here Micaiah gives a prophecy which can save Ahab’s life but he refuses it. The prophets of old give testimony which can bring life but for that they were rebuked. Just look at the trials of Jeremiah trying to save a nation but being looked upon as the evil one. None said it better than Isaiah Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Pastors errantly concentrate on that testimony bent toward materialism and reduce the doctrines that lead to eternal life. What has happened to sin and hell? Isn’t it interesting how Ahab elevates his kingdom, his desire for material gain  above his very life? That’s what false teachers do! they elevate materialism above their eternal salvation and that of their listeners.

Possible Reasons For Pastors Failing to Reveal the Wolves #10

• PASTORS SEE THE TRUE PROPHETS PERSECUTED AND THE FALSE PROPHETS LIFTED UP AND DECIDE TO AVOID PERSECUTION.
1 Kings 22:24 Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, “Which way did the spirit from the LORD go from me to speak to you?” Throughout the bible the true prophets were falsely accused (Joseph), with bounty on their heads (Elijah), tossed into lions dens (Daniel) and even killed .
1Ki 18:4 For it was [so], when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD,…..
The fear of persecution, rejection and rebuff from pastors and non-pastors alike lead many to be quiet and let the games continue. Meanwhile the flock is being slaughtered (please read Zec 11 chapter).

Possible Reasons For Pastors Failing to Reveal the Wolves #11

• THE LOCAL PASTOR SEE THE FALSE PROPHET HAVING A BETTER LIFESTYLE THAN THE TRUE PROPHET
1 Kings 22:26 So the king of Israel said, “Take Micaiah, and return him to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king’s son;
1 Kings 22:27 and say, ‘Thus says the king: “Put this fellow in prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and water of affliction, until I come in peace.” ’ ”  The local pastor driven by short term results seeks to have the state of the false pastor. Who has the Rolls Royce, the false pastor. Who has the bigger house, the false pastor. Who has the vast majority of TV appearances, the false pastor. Who has the tailored suits and custom jewelry, the false pastor. John the Baptist attire and diet is described here Mt 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. They choose to eat at the kings table, dwell in his presence rather than seek ye first the kingdom of God. Jeremiah was even cast into prison for telling the truth. Jer 37:21 Then Zedekiah the king commanded that they should commit Jeremiah into the court of the prison, and that they should give him daily a piece of bread out of the bakers' street, until all the bread in the city were spent. Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison. Many local pastors are reluctant to take a mere rebuke from pastors in their circle. Therefore they minimize the importance of telling the congregation, “There is a wolf on the prowl”.

Possible Reasons For Pastors Failing to Reveal the Wolves #12

•THE FALSE PROPHETS APPREAR TO HAVE THE PEOPLE AND THE LEADERSHIP FOLLOWING THEIR EVERY WORD.
1 Kings 22:29
So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead.
Here we have the kings and soldiers going up to the battle even after all the warnings. It is a safe assumption that the people await the spoils of battle. Happily anticipating the receipt of houses they did not build, vineyards they planted not ,wells they did not dig and etc.
The fear of losing support of local pastors is heightened. There also is the fear of losing membership which is attracted to the false teachers (they do give a hope and entertain you along the way of destruction).There could be a falling away before a building up. Therefore attendance and cash flow could be affected. But the word warns us.
Ephesians 5:5
For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Ephesians 5:6
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Ephesians 5:7
Therefore do not be partakers with them.
They have become covetous at all cost. The false teachers have designed their own god. That is why there is such diversity among the false teachers in their description of God.

In closing for many local pastors the cause of their judgment before God will be like that of Ahab. You see Ahab’s death resulted from refusing to believe the truth, not from a failure to know it.  Likewise many pastors know the truth but for whatever reason of their choosing they deny it. May we all be watchful and repentant so that our end is not that of Luke 6:46-49
Lu 6:46 "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?
 Lu 6:47 "Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like:
 Lu 6:48 "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.
 Lu 6:49 "But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great."

May the Lord Bless.