Matthew 7:15-23 - Nothing Like a Bad Apple

I might as well come out and say it: "False prophets are ferocious wolves in sheep's clothing."  Okay, nothing mysterious about that.  This passage reminds me of the old cartoons in which the characters transformed into a wolf when they saw a pretty character walk by and then they howled.  Their inner character revealed their lack of self-control.  I believe this image fits the false prophet.

False prophets always have ulterior motives.  They search for people to manipulate then pounce.  The sad reality is that their character will be revealed and it usually is after leaving a path of destruction.  Jesus warns us about false prophets so we will first test the fruit of a prophets labor before we partake of the fruit of their words.  In other words, we should test them to see how genuine they are.

Punishment is certain for those who bear bad fruit.  Bad fruit is anything that dishonors God.  A false prophets acts will "out" them.  Be wary of such fruit because it is very tempting.  I like the analogy in verse 16 - good fruit, like grapes or figs, do not grow on thorn bushes or thistles.  False prophets present fruit that looks good but scratch the fool out of you as you reach for them.  Unfortunately the fruit is so tempting, people keep reaching for it regardless of the pain (like trying to pick blackberries).

Heaven is an exclusive place.  Why would I say that?  Just calling Jesus "Lord" does not make Him Lord of our life.  False prophets will lead people in worship but they will not lead people into obedience to God's Word and will.  Only those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and "does the will" of the Father will be invited into heaven.  All are drawn but few will accept the invitation. This frightens me.

Those who know Jesus will hear His voice and adhere to His Words.  My kids do not like me to make funny voices for long.  Sure they laugh for a minute but when I take it too far, they want me to stop.  I did not understand until I reread this passage.  My kids respond to "my voice".  My funny accents do not bring the same comfort as hearing my voice.  Besides, my will for them is best known when they hear from me.  We have to learn the difference between God's voice and the voice of the deceiver.  To know God's voice is to know God's will.  In His voice we find comfort and reason to obey.

Doing godly things does not make us godly.  There are plenty of people who practice religion but do so for the wrong reasons.  Jesus said he would not recognize them and order them to depart from His presence.  I guess the moral of the story is this: Don't be all talk and no action.  At the same time don't be all action without talk.  Our faith is seen in our actions and in our words.  Think on that today.

• How would others describe your character?
• Where do you find comfort?
• Do you recognize the voice of God?
• Is the Holy Spirit the Comforter in your life?