Scripture to Read: Matthew 7:15–20
Jesus warns us about false teachers and how to recognize them. Jesus said in Matthew 7:15–20, “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will know them by their fruits.” False teachers/prophets have been around for a few thousand years. God’s Word warned against and told about false prophets in 2 Chronicles 18, Jeremiah 14, Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 13, and Zechariah 13, just to name a few. Jesus tells us that false prophets/teachers appear gentle, innocent, and trustworthy, but their hearts have nothing to do with God. This should not surprise us because God’s Word tells us in 2 Corinthians 11:13–14 about the false prophets and Satan, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” So, that is why our Lord warns us about false teachers. We must know God’s Word through reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on it. We must place ourselves under strong biblical preachers, teachers, and mentors, for we do not want to be deceived.
Challenge & Application
· Why did Christ warn us about false teachers/prophets?
· How can we guard against all false teachers/prophets, and how do you prepare yourself each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!