LEARNING DAILY

 

Matthew 7”15-16b, “Beware of the prophets when they come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits.”   Jesus

 

The narrow way is not the easy way.  Jesus spoke a word of warning to His disciples that Believers (Disciples) today must understand.  False prophets are in the world today; false prophets are always just outside the narrow gate doing whatever they can to keep you from entering.  In order to avoid them you need to be able to recognize them.

 

When Jesus said false prophets are wearing sheep’s clothing, He meant they would not be easily recognized.  Deception creates an atmosphere that nothing is wrong.  The false prophet says and does everything the Christian does.  Be aware of what the teaching is as well as the life that is being lived – the two will never be separate as wrong teaching produces wrong living.  The false prophet will never teach the narrow way and his teaching will never be offensive to his listeners.  He pleases everyone because his message is comfortable and comforting.  He may preach or teach about the love of God but seldom about God’s holiness, righteousness, and judgment.  False prophets offer an easy salvation and an easy way of life (a wide gate and a way that leads to destruction).

 

Jesus said false prophets can be known by the fruit they produce.  A good tree produces good fruit; a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.  The fruits of false teachers will be unpleasant or distasteful characteristics in their followers.  They have the appearance of following Jesus on the outside but inwardly there is no change. To be a Christian means there is a change in one’s very life and nature; this is shown by what comes out of the man – his beliefs, his words, his teaching, and his lifestyle.    False prophets produce followers who do not want sound doctrine or teaching.  Rather they seek those who offer a salvation that allows them to stay on the “broad road” of unrighteousness.  One’s beliefs and lifestyle go hand in hand.  A good tree produces good fruit.

 

In Galatians 5, Paul gives the characteristics of true Christians.  The fruit of the spirit – love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – will come forth because Jesus produces good fruit.  Another test would be one’s humility.  Be careful of the person who is not humble.  When one’s doctrine is wrong, it will be revealed in this area. 

 

Read Matthew 7:15-20.  God is never fooled; He is the Judge.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cast aside to be thrown into the lake of fire to be burned (see John 15:6).  Concentrate on the divine nature that is within you, making sure that it is good and is bearing good fruit. 

 

Be on your guard at all times!

 

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