06/05/2026
๐๐ค๐ช ๐ฌ๐๐ก๐ก ๐ง๐๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ฏ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ข ๐๐ฎ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐ช๐๐ฉ๐จ.....
In verse 15, Jesus warns his disciples about false prophets, saying, "Beware of false prophets" (v. 15).
The use of the word "beware" emphasizes vigilance, that is, keeping careful watch against those who claim to have divine inspiration, be a servant of God, and be a teacher of the Word but actually lead people away from the truth.
What is a "false prophet"?
"False prophets" refers to individuals who distort God's message for personal gain or to deceive others.
In the New Testament, this warning regarding false prophets is particularly relevant; we can read it from 2 Peter 2:1 and 1 John 4:1.
These false prophets distort the truth and lead the people astray.
Some of them do not just deceive others but also deceive themselves into thinking that they teach the truth.
Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:13, "While evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived."
Jesus said they are those "who come to you in sheep's clothing," that is, they disguise themselves and impersonate a sheep, which is harmless, trustworthy, innocent, pure, and gentle. But such characteristics are merely an outward appearance that they use to deceive people and to gain their trust.
Paul also warns the believers at Corinth regarding these false teachers "who disguise themselves as servants of righteousness" (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
Jesus continues on, saying in verse 15, "but inwardly are ravenous wolves"; that is, they are predators of the sheep, and the use of "wolves" only emphasizes that these false teachers cause danger and destruction to believers.
After giving the disciples a warning, Jesus told them how they can recognize a false prophet or teacher.
Jesus said in verse 16, "You will recognize them by their fruits."
From this verse, Jesus highlights that the true nature of an individual, specifically a teacher of the word, can be evaluated through his fruit.
The "fruit" symbolizes the visible outcome of one's action and character.
A fruit can either be good or bad.
Good fruit is the outcome of a person's transformed life in Christ, that is, obedience, righteousness, and the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Bad fruit, on the other hand, is the outcome of a person's unrenewed and untransformed life in Christ that is disobedience, wickedness, and sinful deeds.
Jesus continues by asking a rhetorical question, "Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?" The obvious answer is no! It's impossible for a tree to produce different fruit. Likewise, a good prophet cannot produce good fruit; it's impossible! If a prophet is producing bad fruit, that is wickedness and sinful actions and intentions; that is because he is FALSE.
Their true nature is revealed by their actions and results they produce.
Jesus continues on, saying in verses 17 to 18, "So every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit."
This is the natural order, the healthy tree always bears good fruit, and the diseased tree always bears bad fruit. The fruit is the visible evidence of one's inner spiritual condition.
The true follower and servant of God produces obedience, genuine righteousness, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. While the false teachers or prophets produce disobedience, false righteousness, and wickedness.
Jesus said in verse 19, "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."
This is the outcome for those that do not bear good fruit; they will be cut down and thrown into the fire that is separation from God and face His divine judgement.
Jesus concludes in verse 20, "Thus you will recognize them by their fruits."
To recognize and discern the authentic from the false is by examining their actions and the outcome of their lives.
As believers, it's very important that we discern the true teachers of the word of God because false teachers can lead us astray. Wrong teaching will always result in wrong living, and wrong living can lead to the wrong destination.
To avoid false teachers, we have to cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize these false prophets.
This involves knowing the Scripture well, being grounded by the sound doctrine, and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Look beyond appearances, evaluate the teachings and the person's life, and always test the spirit.
Be careful whom you listen to, especially online.
Actively pursue spiritual growth and maturity through prayer, study of the word, discipleship, and fellowship.
And regularly examine ourselves if we are producing good fruit.
Excerpt from Mid-Week Service
Matthew 7:15-20
