Scripture to Read: Matthew 7:15–20
As Jesus warned about the false prophets, He also gave us a way to know if teachers/prophets were false. Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?” We know what God’s fruit looks like because God tells us in Galatians 5:22–23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” These characteristics should be evident in everyone who follows Christ, especially teachers, evangelists, pastors, deacons, missionaries, bishops, elders, and overseers since God has called them to equip the saints (Ephesians 4:11–13). The fruit can also be tested in what the false prophets/teachers say, teach, and preach. If what comes out of their mouth does not align with God’s Word, we must steer clear of them. God warns us in James 3:1, “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.” So, God will hold every teacher and preacher of His Word to a higher standard because we must accurately handle God’s Word. God tells us in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” We must know God’s Word so that we’re not swayed by impressive words but are moved only by God’s Truth as we hear it taught by God’s messengers and read and study it on our own.
Challenge & Application
· What are some ways to discern a false teacher?
· How has God used the teachers and preachers in your life to equip you to know and follow God’s Word each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!