Matthew 7:15-20
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. “
Reflection
Most of us have heard the saying, “Do not judge a book by its cover.” Sometimes, the most questionable-looking person in the room has the best relationship with the Lord. Others appear well-manicured and distinguished, can quote scripture readily, and appear to hear the Lord and can prophesy, but have hearts that put themselves before others. Jesus is teaching us in the parable of the false prophet that it is not how someone appears or how they behave that determines if they are prophets of God.
A true prophet of God must have a sincere and close relationship with God. He or she must know who God is through His Word. And what he or she heard from the Lord must not contradict scripture. Some also say that what a prophet says from the Lord must come to pass, although this also takes the gift of discernment to know if a word came to pass because God said it, or it was simply a coincidence.
False prophets produce bad fruit (or no fruit) often because they claim to hear God speak to them in order to glorify themselves. They want the attention and glory that comes with being labeled a prophet. They puff themselves up with pride rather than humble themselves as servants of the Lord. This is dangerous because rarely do false prophets have a strong relationship with God or know God’s character. As sin leads to sin, they can lead followers away from the Lord by preaching false doctrine. False doctrine can take followers away from the plans God has for them.
How much of scripture have you studied this year? Do you find yourself delving into biblical studies or hungrily trying to know Jesus through prayer? Without this foundation, we expose ourselves to the false doctrine spread by wolves in sheep’s clothing, and will lose our ability to discern who God really is and will live a life that cannot please Him. After all the things the Lord has done to show you how much He loves you, what could you do to build a stronger relationship with Him?
Please share your comments below. We’d love to hear how God moves in your life!
