Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
A description of the intent of False Prophets, they do no good and it seems obvious to those who know God’s word that they are committing acts of chicanery and selfish intent. And since their acts are based on self gratification they cannot produce good results. But many people are attracted to them because they include in their false teaching some of the basic biblical truths. They preach the broad path and the wide gate philosophy. Get rich, get healed, get instant forgiveness without repentance, and send us a faith gift and we will pray for you. Does any of that seem familiar?
Even Satan has a good working knowledge of scripture, as did Jim Jones, David Koresh, and many more who offer a feel good ministry, miracle cures a wealthy life, a pious life if properly funded. They do not follow the strait and narrow. And their broad trail of lies and deceit attract many to enter through the wide gate, and to their own destruction. (Jude 17&18)
The best way to guard yourself against falsehood and false teachers is to know the truth. To spot a counterfeit, study the real thing. Any believer who “correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Satan masquerades as an angel of light, and his ministers masquerade as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:14 &15). Only by being thoroughly familiar with the truth will we be able to recognize a counterfeit.
Q.1 How does Jesus describe the differences that exist between the False Teacher, and the true disciple, doing God’s will?
Q.2 Why did Jesus use fruit trees as his teaching tool?
Q.3 What teaching tool would Jesus use today if he were warning us of False Teachers?
Q.4 What are some of the recognizable traits that follow “False Teachers”?
Q.5 If they are recognizable by those whom God has called, why are there so many?
False Prophets Pg.2
Mat 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Christ here shows that it will not be enough to call him Master, only in word and not so in deed. It is necessary to our salvation that we believe in Christ, that we repent of sin, that we live a holy life, that we love one another, and that we are committed to sharing our faith and our fortune. This is his will, and to this we must be committed. If not so, then we deceive ourselves.
There are those, whose religion rests in hearing and in doing, but it is all in the interest of self promotion or self gratification, and it goes no further. Their heads are filled with empty notions about how others perceive them. Such are the hypocrites. They may even have convinced others to follow their path, But it is so, that “Only the one who does the will of my Father” will avoid eternal damnation. There will be none in heaven who do not love God with all their heart, all their soul, with all their mind, and with all their strength, and their fellow man, and who are not willing to give their life for Jesus Christ.
Q.1 What about the rich young ruler, did he have the right answers?
Q.2 What could one do who believes as this rich man did?
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?'
Mat 7:23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
So, on the Day of Judgment, known only by God. many will fail even though they will remind him that they were miracle workers, healers, preachers and prophets, Jesus will say “I never knew you evildoers”. What a disappointment to those, and there will be many of them who do not actually know Jesus in any way. They have heard of Him, they know him by his words and deeds, but have never become acquainted with him.
Even though they did their work in his name. They were constant in their devotion (to themselves) Bringing fame and shame upon themselves by their actions. How good it is to be worshipped by men, how exhilarating, how self satisfying. And how deceitful Satan is to make us proud and boastful in doing so in Jesus’ name. Jesus does not know them, and they are many.
Q.1 How can they do all of that mentioned in Jesus’ name and not be known by Him?
Q.2 If Jesus does not know them, then who is it that does know them?
Q.2 I Know Elvis, I have been to his house, recommended his work, Spoke his name many times, even danced to his music, why does he not know me?
False Prophets Pg.3
Mat 7:24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Mat 7:25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
Mat 7:26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
Mat 7:27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Jesus makes it plain for those who are paying attention to his word, by presenting to them a parable, comparing the building of a house. on a good solid foundation. There is truth in God’s Word, it is trustworthy, and sound, it will weather the storms of life and one can rely on the providence of God even in the worst of conditions. God will sustain the believer who keeps the world in proper focus, and relies on their faith in God and the teachings of God to make their salvation real.
This comes by putting into practice, the lessons taught in God’s word and experiencing the Holy Spirits work in one’s life situations. I am sure that each of us can recall a time in our life, or a situation where we experienced one or more of the storms in life that happen to everyone at one time or another, when the Holy Spirit has been our advocate, and God’s teachings come into practice because we have relied on His promises, Standing on the promises of God. (Luke 11:28)
By comparison, using the same description of building a house on a poor foundation, not relying on God’s word to sustain us, and not putting the teaching of the Bible into practice in our lives, we are led to build our faith on some other perhaps even more attractive, and more tempting foundational belief. One which may be easier or more entertaining, or something with less commitment of our time, our talent, or resources. Other teachings, perhaps those that promote a feel good life style. Something that just doesn’t call for such an all consuming commitment. (1Co 3:18-19)
There are those beliefs that resemble what we are describing. L. Ron Hubbard’s Church of Scientology, or the cult of Jim Jones, or of David Koresh’s Branch Davidian cult. There are hundreds more, and all promise some reasonable desirable conditions that attract masses of people. They are built upon what the world requires of each of us, Our allegiance and support. It might amount to a structure, a house for our soul, but will it sustain us? It is a House built upon sand. There is no JesUS in any of them, There is just US. (Romans; 12:2)
Q.1 Can you recall a life experience that compares to any of these descriptions?
Q.2 What is there about false prophets, and false religions that are so attractive to some people?
Bible Verses Pg.4
(Jude 17&18) But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”
2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth
2Co 11:14 &15 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
1Co 3:18-19 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become "fools" so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"
Luke 11:28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Closing Prayer
Father God, close our study tonight and make a blessing for each one here. Be with each of us as we leave this place and guide us safely to our homes. We pray for those of our concern who need your healing touch. (prayer requests)
Make a blessing especially for each of those mentioned, and bring them strength and comfort in the knowledge that they are yours and you love them. Bless them with your healing, and glorify your presence in all of our lives. In Jesus’ name we Pray Amen
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