BEWARE OF FALSE
PROPHETS
Matthew 7:15-20
"Beware of
false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are
ravening wolves" (Matthew 7:15).
INTRODUCTION:
1. Matthew
7:15-20.
2. False
prophet.
a) One
who falsely claims to speak by divine inspiration, whether as a foreteller of
future events or as a teacher of doctrines (Mounce).
b) The
word prophet can refer to a spokesman. What is true of false prophets can also
be true of false teachers. Jesus is warning against all who, by their false
teaching, lead others astray.
3. How
does Jesus describe these false teachers?
DISCUSSION:
I. External
front (v15).
A. They
appear in sheep’s clothing. Consider Genesis 3:1; Romans 16:18; II
Corinthians 11:14-15; Luke 6:26.
B. Inwardly,
these teachers are ravening wolves. Ravening – living on prey.
"Wolves" is used figuratively to describe their cruel, greedy, and
destructive behavior. See Acts 20:28-30.
II. Evil
fruit (v16-18).
A. The
fruit of their lives. The true thoughts (i.e. greediness, immorality, lust
for power, working in secret, etc.) of their hearts will eventually be
manifested in their actions. Consider II Peter 2:1.
B. The
fruit of their teaching. Re: Galatians 1:8-9; I John 4:1.
III. Eventual
fate (v19).
A. Cut
down. Re: Matthew 3:10, Matthew 15:13-14, Luke 3:9.
B. Cast
into the fire. See Jude 12-13.
CONCLUSION:
1. We
are to be aware of false teachers. These men can be identified by their
lifestyles and their teachings.
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