Beware
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Introduction (Series update)
Usually every other year, Angela, the kids, and I drive to California to visit my family. It is a three day experience. Although, as any family could testify, we have our moments of tension, we actually enjoy “taking the scenic route” rather than flying. Why? We are sharing experiences with one another.
As a family, the Walker’s are better together than apart. As a family of God, we are better together than going our separate ways. We need one another.
However, there are certain challenges of being “together.”
We are all imperfect people.
We have a tendency to be drawn to certain people and find others less that favorable to be around.
We can become hurt by others or disappointed by the choices people make (especially choices that affect you).
Even with these challenges, we need one another—we need the fellowship of believers in Christ—to promote spiritual health and wellbeing.
Transition
However, there is a warning Jesus gives to His followers that must be taken seriously. There is a danger that can be hidden within the fellowship of believers.
Text
Matthew 7:15-20
Matthew 7:15-20
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
This warning from Jesus is located within what we call “The Sermon on the Mount”—a teaching on what it means to follow Christ.
In this part of Jesus’ teaching, He calls His followers to be watchful, to be alert concerning the reality of those that look like, act like, and teach like a person of faith—but that teaching is not truthful.
Jesus had an important reason why He would bring this up. People are easily deceived. (1 John 4:1)
24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
So, how can we guard ourselves from the possibility of being impressed and influenced by what is false?
Jesus gives to us four truths that help us identify and protect ourselves from falsehood.
Accept the reality that false teachers exist and false teaching is propagated.
Accept the reality that false teachers exist and false teaching is propagated.
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Throughout human history there has always been people who want to be seen as experts on the truth and on what is going to happen in the future.
These people can sound and appear to be convincing—often demonstrating powerful confidence and enthusiasm—assuring the listener of their trustworthiness.
But the reality is that not everyone who preaches and teaches preaches and teaches truthfully.
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
As listeners, we have a responsibility to discern — to carefully weigh what is preached or taught or prophesied against the objective truth of God’s Word.
This is difficult!
People can sound convincing.
We are susceptible to convincing people.
We have a tendency of looking for a shortcut or a secret way.
And, we are looking for others to validate wrong beliefs that we hold.
Because of these weaknesses, we can even become hostile to those who proclaim the truth.
The Apostle Paul warned a young pastor about this:
3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,
4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
We need to be alert and aware—not only concerning those who teach and preach, but we also need to alert to ourselves.
As I look at Jesus’ warning, I see something else implied here:
Character, not just the teaching, counts.
Character, not just the teaching, counts.
16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
It is not just that a person’s proclamation lines up with God’s Word that counts, but it is also important that the character qualities of the proclaimer lines up with God’s Word.
People in leadership—any leadership—influence how others live.
John Maxwell, pastor and leadership expert even defines leaders as those who influence.
Leaders don’t just influence by what they say or write—leaders influence by what they do!
Character does count.
Why?
The teaching and character of a false teacher has the potential of leading people away from the truth of Christ.
The teaching and character of a false teacher has the potential of leading people away from the truth of Christ.
17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
False teachers, false prophets, and false teaching powerfully impacts the lives of people.
This impact can lead people away from the truth of Christ.
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
This is a tragedy—how false teachers and their teaching have led many away from the truth of Christ.
Finally,
The teaching of false prophets have no worth.
The teaching of false prophets have no worth.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
The only thing bad trees are good for is firewood, a striking metaphor of the future judgment for false prophets.
What must we do?
Read and study the Bible.
Listen, ask questions, challenge, and pray.
Examine your heart—seek after God—avoid the “short-cut.”
Don’t chase after people, or “secret teachings”—chase after God and His Word.
Surround yourself with people that do the above.
Conclusion
If you drive to California, you will be required to stop at an agricultural inspection station after crossing the boarder. The inspector will ask a question: do you have any fruit or vegetables. If you have those items and they are not from California, they will take them from you and throw them away.
Certain organisms, when allowed into California, can wipe out billions of dollars worth of crops.
How much more is a soul worth than an orange? False teachers bear bad fruit that can be destructive. Let’s be on guard!