Pray For The Wolves?

Here is an excellent article at Defending Contending asking if its biblically required of us to pray for false teachers. In part the article states:

Quote:

We can no more pray into Heaven an “accursed” false prophet who’s “reserved” for destruction any more then we can stop God through prayer from burning up this present earth that He’s “reserved” for fire (2 Peter 3:7). 

We also see that there’s an imperishable inheritance “reserved” for those born again (1 Peter 1:3-4). I would as soon expect man to be capable of altering this “reserved” blessing as much as he would be able to derail the “reserved” judgment of a wolf, in addition to being able to derail the hope that believers are “destined” not for wrath but for salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:9). 

The surety of something being “reserved” by God cannot simply be glossed over. We see this again in 2 Peter 2:1-4 in which God’s judgment of the wolves is from “long ago” and is “reserved” for them just like it is for the angels who sinned. 

If both Jude and Peter tell us that these men are “reserved” for Hell, and Paul tells us they’re “accursed,” then I can conclude and fully understand why we are never commanded or shown by example to “Love false teachers and pray for them.” Anyone, including our enemies, can be granted repentance unto life (Acts 11:18), but it seems to me that Scripture reveals those “reserved” for darkness cannot.  

Although I don’t believe it is wrong nor a sin if you pray for a wolf, I do believe, however, that the argument that unless you’ve prayed for a false prophet then you can’t speak out against a false prophet is nothing more than a straw man. It’s a weak attempt by those protecting the wolves to divert the attention away from the wolf and his wicked ways, and putting the one exposing him on the defense . . . a clever tactic I would expect Satan to employ. ~Source

End quote. 


The author does make it clear he's not condemning praying for the wolves, but he is asking a fair question since its the accusing question "But have you prayed for _______?"  by those who refuse to acknowledge the condemnation of false teachers.  The author also makes a distinction between those who are lay people in deception--many of whom we have seen come to salvation in Jesus Christ. Its well worth reading and considering.


I would also add that we are not  commanded to personally address a wolf either but instead utterly reject the person without even greeting him or her (2John 9-11).  There is no need to personally go to a wolf  because they are public figures already and thus are open to public rebuke and rejection. Instead they are to be exposed and warned about. 

Eph 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.

Eph 5:7  Therefore do not be partakers with them;

Eph 5:8  for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light

Eph 5:9  (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),

Eph 5:10  trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

Eph 5:11  Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;

Eph 5:12  for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.