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CHURCH BULLETIN

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CHURCH BULLETIN

Beware of False ProphetsBeware of False ProphetsMathew 7: 15 to 20Mathew 7: 15 to 20

I – INTRODUCTION to the topic and contextual background

After giving the invitation to “enter by the narrow gate,” to come to God by the only way he has provided. The true way to God is narrow, difficult and demanding, while the false way is easy and permissive.

In the next set of verses. Jesus warns us of false prophets that might lead people astray to the broad way. Just as there are misleading ways, there are misleading guides who leads others to the broad way that leads to destruction. Jesus gives us several ways to identify these false guides.

II – The Warning

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” – Mathew 7:15

“Beware” – Warns of Danger. It is not simply to notice or sense something but to be on guard against it because it is harmful. The word conveys the idea of holding the mind away. Several passages in the New Testament, instructs believers to be on guard always. (Mathew 24:24, Acts, 20:29-31, Ephesians 5:6, Colossians 2:8)

“False prophets” – Or those who pretend to speak for God when in fact they do not. False prophets are dangerous and we should not expose our minds to them. (2 Peter 2:12, Jude 10)

II – The Warning

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” – Mathew 7:15

The sheep’s clothing that Jesus here speaks of refers to the woolen clothing that shepherd’s use. False prophets do not deceive the flock by impersonating sheep but by impersonating the shepherd who wears sheep clothing in the form of his wool garments. These false prophets may look like Christians on the outside but inside they are ravenous, dangerous wolves.

Three types of False prophets

1.) Heretics – Those who openly reject the Word of God and teach contrary to divine truth

2.) Apostate – Teachers who once followed the true faith but have turned away from it, rejected it and are trying to lead others away.

3.)False shepherd/Deceiver – Gives the appearance of appearing to be true. Appears orthodox, fundamental and evangelical and even uses biblical terms. Appears to be sincere very knowledgeable about Scriptures But he is a fake and a deceiver (2 Cor. 11:13-15)

III – What to Watch for

“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” – Mathew 7:17 to 20

After the warning us how dangerous and deceptive false prophets are, Jesus tells us what to watch for in identifying false prophets. Jesus assures us that we will know them by their fruits.

A tree might appear to have fruits but when you look closer, some real fruit have only been stuck in a trees’ thorn or thistle. False prophets do not bear real fruit. A good true cannot bear evil fruit and a bad tree can never bear good fruit. There are three test wherein we can know if a prophet is false or not:

1.) Character – Inner motives, standards, loyalties, attitudes and ambitions. These will ultimately result to their manner of living. (2 Peter 1:5-8, 2 Peter 2:18,19, 20-22, John 15:8,10) False prophets might appear to be doing something good but in the end their motive is wrong and selfish.

2.) Creed – Refers right biblical doctrine. False prophets might teach something seemingly Biblical, evangelical and orthodox. But a close examination of their doctrine will reveal that they are unscriptural. (Mathew 12:34-35)

3.) Converts – Refers to followers. False prophets attract people who are like themselves. (2 Timothy 4:1 to 3)