Matthew 7:15-20
True and False Prophets
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
(Commentary by Kat L.)
As we have seen in the news, half-truths and flat-out lies are rampant in the government. We’ve come to expect that, so there’s no surprise there. But how can we trust the people who are supposed to be sharing God’s truth? They should be beyond reproach, yet we know that false teachers are out there.
In this passage, false teachers are described as wolves in sheep’s clothing. They talk a good game, but they aren’t really trying to spread the truth about God, and their interpretation of Scripture may be a distorted mix of fact and error.
Good teachers lead us to godliness, humility, patience, love, joy, and Christian graces, pointing us to TRUTH. The wolves can be spotted because their personal lives won’t be righteous upon closer inspection. What they do, how they speak, and how they live will reveal that they do not always follow God or biblical principles, as they will be susceptible to sin. Their doctrine will be rife with dissension, pride, worldly desires, and self-indulgence. (James 3:13-18)
Christians are expected to shun sin and not live in it, yet some of these deceptive “wolves” will lead them into a false sense of acceptance, making sin permissible, even as the Bible calls us to die to it (Romans 6:1-2).
But even when we are being lied to, each person is ultimately responsible for what they believe. To unmask these disguised wolves, we are told to read Scripture and use it to measure a leader’s lifestyle and words, praying for discernment so that we may see what is false and what is holy.
Although these disguised teachers may appear harmless, they aren’t. Scripture tells us that Satan and his minions are working against us. Remember, too, that Satan himself hides as an angel of light. We should understand that his servants will, too (2 Cor 11:13-15).
So, evaluate your spiritual leaders, use scripture and prayer to seek wisdom, and denounce faulty teachings with no biblical backing. (Acts 17:11)
Further Biblical reference: 2 Timothy 4:3, 1 John 4:1, and 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Dear Father in Heaven, thank You for giving us the tools to fight the evil one, who would use Your servants to spread false messages and sow dissent among Your people. Give us the strength, wisdom, and will to seek Your Light and Truth. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, AMEN.
h/t: In Touch Ministries
