Matthew 7:15
Verse
Context
A Tree and Its Fruit
14But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.16By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Sermons
Milton Green
David Wilkerson
Francis ChanDavid Wilkerson
Zac PoonenDavid WilkersonSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Beware--But beware. of false prophets--that is, of teachers coming as authorized expounders of the mind of God and guides to heaven. (See Act 20:29-30; Pe2 2:1-2). which come to you in sheep's clothing--with a bland, gentle, plausible exterior; persuading you that the gate is not strait nor the way narrow, and that to teach so is illiberal and bigoted--precisely what the old prophets did (Eze 13:1-10, Eze 13:22). but inwardly they are ravening wolves--bent on devouring the flock for their own ends (Co2 11:2-3, Co2 11:13-15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Ye shall know them by their fruits,.... By "fruits" are meant, not so much their external works in life and conversation; for a false prophet may so behave, as not to be discovered thereby. So the Pharisees were outwardly righteous before men; and false teachers among Christians may have the form of godliness, and keep it up, though they are strangers to, and even deny the power of it: but their doctrines are here meant, and the effects of them. When doctrines are contrary to the perfections of God, repugnant to the Scriptures of truth, tend to depreciate the person and offices, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ, to lessen the glory of God's grace, to exalt the creature, and to fill men's minds with notions of the purity, self-sufficiency, and ability of human nature; when they are calculated to feed the pride and vanity of men, to get money, and gain applause, to serve their own interests, and gratify men's lusts and passions, they may be easily discerned who they are, and from whence they come. The Jews have a proverb pretty much like this (u), , "a gourd is known by its branches". The gloss upon it is, "it is, as if it was said, from the time it buds forth, and goes out of the branch, it is known whether it is good or not;'' i.e. the goodness of the gourd is known by the fruit its branches bear. So a good preacher is known by the good doctrine he brings, and a bad one, by his unsound doctrine. Christ is not speaking of these false prophets, as men, or as private professors of religion, but as prophets, or teachers. "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" Grapes and figs were common fruit; there was great plenty of them in Judea; we often read of the "gathering" of them. It is a matter in dispute with the doctors (w), "if a man intends , "to gather figs, and he gathers grapes", black ones, and he gathers white ones, white ones, and he gathers black ones, whether he is guilty of a sin offering or not.'' One says he is, another says he is not. These words of Christ put me in mind of another passage, which seems to speak of grapes of thorns (x); "he that marries his daughter to a scholar, it is like to grapes of the vine, with grapes of the vine, a thing beautiful and acceptable; but he that marries his daughter to a plebeian, it is like to grapes of the vine, "with grapes of the thorn", a thing ugly, and unacceptable.'' Though in the last sentence, must be taken for berries which grow on some thorn bushes, and not what are properly grapes; for grapes do not grow upon, and are not to be gathered from thorns, and bramble bushes. The meaning of our Lord is, that from the false doctrines of men comes no good fruit of faith, holiness, joy, peace, and comfort. Their doctrines are like "thorns", which prick and pierce, give pain and uneasiness; and, like "thistles", choke, and are unprofitable, afford no solid food and nourishment; yea, their words eat as do a canker, are contrary to vital religion and powerful godliness. This sense I prefer; because, on the one hand, it is possible for a false teacher to do works, which may be externally good; though indeed no good works, properly speaking, can be performed by an unregenerate man, because he has neither good principles to act from, nor good ends in view: and, on the other hand, a man who is destitute of the grace of God, and lives ill, may yet have right notions of the Gospel, though he has no experimental knowledge and relish of it; but where false doctrines are imbibed, and propagated, no good fruit can follow upon it. (u) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 48. 1. (w) T. Bab. Ceritot, fol. 19. 1, 2. & 20. 1. (x) T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 49. 1.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here a caution against false prophets, to take heed that we be not deceived and imposed upon by them. Prophets are properly such as foretel things to come; there are some mentioned in the Old Testament, who pretended to that without warrant, and the event disproved their pretensions, as Zedekiah, Kg1 22:11, and another Zedekiah, Jer 29:21. But prophets did also teach the people their duty, so that false prophets here are false teachers. Christ being a Prophet and a Teacher come from God, and designing to send abroad teachers under him, gives warning to all to take heed of counterfeits, who, instead of healing souls with wholesome doctrine, as they pretend, would poison them. They are false teachers and false prophets, 1. Who produce false commissions, who pretend to have immediate warrant and direction from God to set up for prophets, and to be divinely inspired, when they are not so. Though their doctrine may be true, we are to beware of them as false prophets. False apostles are those who say they are apostles, and are not (Rev 2:2); such are false prophets. "Take heed of those who pretend to revelation, and admit them not without sufficient proof, lest that one absurdity being admitted, a thousand follow." 2. Who preach false doctrine in those things that are essential to religion; who teach that which is contrary to the truth as it is in Jesus, to the truth which is accordingly to godliness. The former seems to be the proper notion of pseudo-propheta, a false or pretending prophet, but commonly the latter falls in with it; for who would hang out false colours, but with design, under pretence of them, the more successfully to attack the truth. "Well, beware of them, suspect them, try them, and when you have discovered their falsehood, avoid them, have nothing to do with them. Stand upon your guard against this temptation, which commonly attends the days of reformation, and the breakings out of divine light in more than ordinary strength and splendour." When God's work is revived, Satan and his agents are most busy. Here is, I. A good reason for this caution, Beware of them, for they are wolves in sheep's clothing, Mat 7:15. 1. We have need to be very cautious, because their pretences are very fair and plausible, and such as will deceive us, if we be not upon our guard. They come in sheep's clothing, in the habit of prophets, which was plain and coarse, and unwrought; they wear a rough garment to deceive, Zac 13:4. Elijah's mantle the Septuagint calls hē mēlotē - a sheep-skin mantle. We must take heed of being imposed upon by men's dress and garb, as by that of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, Luk 20:46. Or it may be taken figuratively; they pretend to be sheep, and outwardly appear so innocent, harmless, meek, useful, and all that is good, as to be excelled by none; they feign themselves to be just men, and for the sake of their clothing are admitted among the sheep, which gives them an opportunity of doing them a mischief ere they are aware. They and their errors are gilded with the specious pretences of sanctity and devotion. Satan turns himself into an angel of light, Co2 11:13, Co2 11:14. The enemy has horns like a lamb (Rev 13:11); faces of men, Rev 9:7, Rev 9:8. Seducers in language and carriage are soft as wool, Rom 16:18; Isa 30:10. 2. Because under these pretensions their designs are very malicious and mischievous; inwardly they are ravening wolves. Every hypocrite is a goat in sheep's clothing; not only not a sheep, but the worst enemy the sheep has, that comes not but to tear and devour, to scatter the sheep (Joh 10:12), to drive them from God, and from one another, into crooked paths. Those that would cheat us of any truth, and possess us with error, whatever they pretend, design mischief to our souls. Paul calls them grievous wolves, Act 20:29. They raven for themselves, serve their own belly (Rom 16:18), make a prey of you, make a gain of you. Now since it is so easy a thing, and withal so dangerous, to be cheated, Beware of false prophets. II. Here is a good rule to go by in this caution; we must prove all things (Th1 5:21), try the spirits (Jo1 4:1), and here we have a touchstone; ye shall know them by their fruits, Mat 7:16-20. Observe, 1. The illustration of this comparison, of the fruit's being the discovery of the tree. You cannot always distinguish them by their bark and leaves, nor by the spreading of their boughs, but by their fruits ye shall know them. The fruit is according to the tree. Men may, in their professions, put a force upon their nature, and contradict their inward principles, but the stream and bent of their practices will agree with them. Christ insists upon this, the agreeableness between the fruit and the tree, which is such as that, (1.) If you know what the tree is, you may know what fruit to expect. Never look to gather grapes from thorns, nor figs from thistles; it is not in their nature to produce such fruits. An apple may be stuck, or a bunch of grapes may hang, upon a thorn; so may a good truth, a good word or action, be found in a bad man, but you may be sure it never grew there. Note, [1.] Corrupt, vicious, unsanctified hearts are like thorns and thistles, which came in with sin, are worthless, vexing, and for the fire at last. [2.] Good works are good fruit, like grapes and figs, pleasing to God and profitable to men. [3.] This good fruit is never to be expected from bad men, and more than a clean thing out of an unclean: they want an influencing acceptable principle. Out of an evil treasure will be brought forth evil things. (2.) On the other hand, if you know what the fruit is, you may, by that, perceive what the tree is. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; and a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit, nay, it cannot but bring forth evil fruit. But then that must be reckoned the fruit of the tree which it brings forth naturally and which is its genuine product - which it brings forth plentifully and constantly and which is its usual product. Men are known, not by particular acts, but by the course and tenour of their conversation, and by the more frequent acts, especially those that appear to be free, and most their own, and least under the influence of external motives and inducements. 2. The application of this to the false prophets. (1.) By way of terror and threatening (Mat 7:19); Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down. This very saying John the Baptist had used, Mat 3:10. Christ could have spoken the same sense in other words; could have altered it, or given it a new turn; but he thought it no disparagement to him to say the same that John had said before him; let not ministers be ambitious of coining new expressions, nor people's ears itch for novelties; to write and speak the same things must not be grievous, for it is safe. Here is, [1.] The description of barren trees; they are trees that do not bring forth good fruit; though there be fruit, if it be not good fruit (though that be done, which for the matter of it is good, if it be not done well, in a right manner, and for a right end), the tree is accounted barren. [2.] The doom of barren trees; they are, that is, certainly they shall be, hewn down, and cast into the fire; God will deal with them as men use to deal with dry trees that cumber the ground: he will mark them by some signal tokens of his displeasure, he will bark them by stripping them of their parts and gifts, and will cut them down by death, and cast them into the fire of hell, a fire blown with the bellows of God's wrath, and fed with the wood of barren trees. Compare this with Eze 31:12, Eze 31:13; Dan 4:14; Joh 15:6. (2.) By way of trial; By their fruits ye shall know them. [1.] By the fruits of their persons, their words and actions, and the course of their conversation. If you would know whether they be right or not, observe how they live; their works will testify for them or against them. The scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses's chair, and taught the law, but they were proud, and covetous, and false, and oppressive, and therefore Christ warned him disciples to beware of them and of their leaven, Mar 12:38. If men pretend to be prophets and are immoral, that disproves their pretensions; those are no true friends to the cross of Christ, whatever they profess, whose God is their belly, and whose mind earthly things, Phi 3:18, Phi 3:19. Those are not taught nor sent of the holy God, whose lives evidence that they are led by the unclean spirit. God puts the treasure into earthen vessels, but not into such corrupt vessels: they may declare God's statutes, but what have they to do to declare them? [2.] By the fruits of their doctrine; their fruits as prophets: not that this is the only way, but it is one way, of trying doctrines, whether they be of God or not. What do they tend to do? What affections and practices will they lead those into, that embrace them? If the doctrine be of God, it will tend to promote serious piety, humility, charity, holiness, and love, with other Christian graces; but if, on the contrary, the doctrines these prophets preach have a manifest tendency to make people proud, worldly, and contentious, to make them loose and careless in their conversations, unjust or uncharitable, factious or disturbers of the public peace; if it indulge carnal liberty, and take people off from governing themselves and their families by the strict rules of the narrow way, we may conclude, that this persuasion comes not of him that calleth us, Gal 5:8. This wisdom is from above, Jam 3:15. Faith and a good conscience are held together, Ti1 1:19; Ti1 3:9. Note, Doctrines of doubtful disputation must be tried by graces and duties of confessed certainty: those opinions come not from God that lead to sin: but if we cannot know them by their fruits, we must have recourse to the great touchstone, to the law, and to the testimony; do they speak according to that rule?
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:15-20 False prophets speak what people want to hear rather than calling people to live according to God’s will. Deuteronomy 13:1-5 and 18:21-22 set standards for evaluating a prophet’s truthfulness: His words must conform to God’s word, and his predictions must come true. Jesus unpacks the first requirement: A prophet’s actions must match his words in order to be believable; accordingly, a true prophet’s actions will also match God’s word. Just as the fruit indicates the nature of a tree, so one’s life indicates either a regenerate or unregenerate heart. False prophets are expected at the end of the age (see Matt 24:11, 24; Acts 20:28-35; Rev 13:11-18; 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). In order not to be deceived, Christians must be discerning (see 1 Cor 12:10; 14:29; 1 Thes 5:21; 1 Jn 4:1-3; Rev 2:20).
Matthew 7:15
A Tree and Its Fruit
14But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.16By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Blood Covenant) 1 - Blood Covenant
By Milton Green15K1:26:08Blood CovenantGEN 14:18GEN 17:5GEN 17:15GEN 18:1MAT 7:15ACT 4:32In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the covenant between God and His people. The speaker refers to various passages in the Bible, such as Genesis 18, where the Lord appears to Abraham. The speaker suggests that the Lord's appearance may be Jesus, highlighting the revelation of Jesus throughout the entire Bible. The sermon also mentions the concept of covenant and how it has been concealed from people due to traditions and the influence of the enemy. The speaker concludes by discussing the exchange of robes and weapons between Jonathan and David, emphasizing the significance of covenant in their relationship.
David Wilkerson on Weird Manifestations
By David Wilkerson10K09:16MAT 7:15
This sermon addresses the rise of false movements in churches, where ministers claim unusual manifestations as moves of God, such as uncontrollable laughter, animal noises, and bizarre behaviors. It highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and staying true to the biblical teachings of repentance, sin, and righteousness, rather than seeking prosperity or sensational experiences. The speaker expresses concern over the distortion of the Holy Spirit's work and the lack of genuine repentance and transformation in these movements.
Beware of Good Liars
By Francis Chan9.3K27:55MAT 7:152CO 11:13GAL 1:6EPH 5:111TI 4:12PE 2:11JN 4:1JUD 1:4
This sermon challenges believers to examine their beliefs and mindset, urging them to align their thinking with biblical truths rather than cultural norms. It emphasizes the importance of sacrificial love and compassion, drawing attention to the persecution faced by Christians in India and the need for believers to prioritize caring for the marginalized and oppressed. The speaker warns about false teachers who subtly introduce destructive heresies within the church, urging listeners to discern truth from deception and to live according to biblical principles.
The Reproach of the Solemn Assembly - Part 2
By David Wilkerson5.8K25:312CH 7:14PSA 119:105ISA 42:19JER 36:23ZEP 3:17MAT 7:15LUK 15:17In this sermon, Pastor Wilkinson calls on the congregation to come forward and seek deliverance and strength from the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and keeping one's focus on Jesus and the cross, rather than pursuing material prosperity. The pastor also addresses those who may feel spiritually weak or have backslidden, urging them to rekindle their passion for God. He warns against being blind or deaf to the condition of the church and encourages everyone to take on the burden of reproach for the sake of righteousness.
(2 Corinthians) ch.12:1-13:14
By Zac Poonen5.6K43:45MAT 7:152CO 12:9In this sermon, the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthians and emphasizes that he will not show leniency when dealing with sin in their midst. He assures them that his power comes from Christ speaking through him, despite his unimpressive personality and lack of eloquence. Paul compares his weakness to that of Jesus, who was crucified in weakness but brought to life by the power of God. He then discusses his own experiences and visions, but refrains from boasting about them to avoid being seen as greater than he truly is. Overall, Paul emphasizes the importance of assessing a person's character based on their words and conduct.
Audio Sermon: Last Days Deception
By David Wilkerson4.6K27:50EZK 33:7MAT 7:15ACT 13:2ROM 6:61CO 1:181CO 2:42CO 11:4GAL 1:8PHP 3:182TI 4:3
This sermon emphasizes the dangers of the gospel of accommodation, which adapts and adjusts the message of the Gospel to suit the desires and weaknesses of sinful men. It warns against the propagation of a convenient gospel that avoids confronting sin and the true message of the cross, focusing on pleasing people rather than God. The speaker highlights the importance of preaching the full Gospel, including repentance, self-denial, and the offense of the cross, without compromising to attract a larger audience or for personal gain.
The Deception of Christian Rock Music Clearly Defined
By Zac Poonen4.3K10:24MAT 7:15JHN 4:241CO 10:31GAL 5:16COL 2:81TI 6:10JAS 4:41JN 2:151JN 4:1REV 3:15
This sermon emphasizes the danger of replacing the Holy Spirit with worldly influences like Christian rock music, money, and psychology in churches today. It challenges the focus on material gain over spiritual growth and warns against imitating worldly trends rather than seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The speaker highlights the importance of discernment, root issues, and staying true to the standards set by Jesus, rather than conforming to worldly standards for acceptance or popularity.
False Prophets
By Chuck Smith4.0K39:00ISA 5:20JER 23:16MAT 7:15JHN 14:62PE 2:1This sermon focuses on the dangers of false prophets and the importance of discerning the truth of God's Word. It highlights the consequences of following deceptive teachings, using examples from the book of Jeremiah where true and false prophets gave conflicting messages. The speaker emphasizes the need to rely on the genuine Word of God to avoid being misled by false prophets who distort the truth for personal gain or misguided beliefs.
God Is Good (Compilation)
By Compilations3.1K05:50CompilationMAT 7:15MAT 24:30LUK 21:26ACT 2:1EPH 6:12PHP 2:92TI 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of leaving behind the old flesh and dedicating oneself to prayer, supplication, fasting, and spending time with the Lord. The preacher emphasizes that knowing God requires worshiping Him and magnifying His holy name. The sermon also highlights the urgency of taking a stand against the world that is heading towards destruction. The preacher warns about the presence of enemies of the truth and the cross, and the need for the church and preachers to be strong. The sermon concludes with the preacher reminding the audience of the imminent return of Jesus and the importance of being prepared for it.
Kashrut and Famine
By Jacob Prasch2.7K48:57FamineJER 15:15EZK 2:8MAT 6:33MAT 7:15REV 9:12In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a vision where a tablecloth comes down from the sky containing various animals and a voice instructs Peter to kill and eat them. The preacher then transitions to the Gospel of St. John, emphasizing the concept of the Word. He explains that the Greek word for Word is Logos, which has divine properties and cannot change. The preacher also highlights the Hebrew understanding of the Word, stating that sin has tainted it. Finally, the preacher references passages from Ezekiel and Revelation to illustrate the idea of eating the Word, emphasizing the importance of internalizing and speaking the Word of God.
(Prophecy) Introduction to Prophecy
By Zac Poonen2.5K53:21GEN 3:9NUM 12:6MAT 4:4MAT 6:33MAT 7:15HEB 8:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses the role of a prophet and the importance of being a seer, someone who sees and understands God's plans and purposes. The speaker emphasizes the need for purity of heart in order to truly see God and receive divine knowledge. The passage in Numbers 12 is highlighted, where God describes Moses as a prophet and reveals Himself to him in a vision. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of having Jesus as our example and role model, as He is the ultimate prophet who prophesied better than anyone else.
False Prophets and False Professions
By Bob Utley2.5K49:50MAT 7:15MAT 7:21JAS 2:142PE 2:11JN 2:181JN 4:1
This sermon delves into the presence of false teachers and false professions within the church, emphasizing the need for discernment and biblical grounding to identify and combat deceptive doctrines. The speaker highlights the importance of ongoing repentance, faith, and evidence of a transformed life as indicators of true belief, cautioning against complacency and superficial Christianity. The message urges believers to be vigilant, rooted in Scripture, and prepared for spiritual warfare against deceptive teachings that can lead astray.
We Have Been Taught Not to Discern - Part 4
By Andrew Strom2.3K09:59MAT 6:24MAT 7:15MAT 23:23LUK 12:15JHN 6:101TI 6:102TI 4:3JAS 5:11JN 4:1
This sermon addresses the housing crisis and the prevalence of deception in the church, particularly related to prosperity gospel teachings. It emphasizes the importance of standing up for truth, even when it goes against popular beliefs, and draws parallels to the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, highlighting the power of speaking truth in times of crisis and deception.
The Seeker Friendly Movement: A Prophetic Warning
By David Wilkerson2.0K27:50EZK 33:7MAT 7:15ACT 13:21CO 1:181CO 1:232CO 11:4GAL 1:8PHP 3:18TIT 2:11
This sermon emphasizes the danger of the gospel of accommodation, which adapts and adjusts the message of the Gospel to suit the desires and weaknesses of sinful men. It warns against the propagation of a convenient, seeker-friendly gospel that avoids confronting sin and the true message of the cross. The speaker highlights the importance of preaching the full Gospel, including repentance, self-denial, and the offense of the cross, rather than accommodating worldly pleasures and avoiding the call to true discipleship.
Peachtree Baptist Church - Part 3
By Paul Washer2.0K1:08:55PSA 51:5PSA 115:1ISA 64:6MAT 7:13MAT 7:15ROM 3:23EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of entering through the straight gate, which represents Jesus Christ as the only way to heaven. He highlights that conservative Baptists firmly believe in this biblical truth. The preacher explains that salvation is a supernatural work of God, transforming believers into new creations. He emphasizes that true believers will begin to walk in the narrow way, even if they stumble at times, and God will lovingly discipline them to keep them on the right path. The sermon also includes a personal anecdote about a girl who had destroyed her life but was confronted with the reality that she had already heard the gospel and needed to make a personal decision for salvation.
(Through the Bible) Revelation 17-18
By Chuck Smith2.0K49:04Through The BibleMAT 7:15REV 17:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of the false religious system, referred to as Babylon, which has deceived many people. The speaker mentions Jesus' warning about false prophets who appear as sheep but are actually wolves. Babylon is seen as a symbol of confusion, as it originated from the tower of Babel where people tried to communicate with the universe. The confusion of languages resulted in different groups migrating away and forming their own language groups. The speaker emphasizes the confusion and deception within the religious system created by man, where some claim to be more righteous and have a greater connection with God, acting as intermediaries between God and others.
What Love Is This? - Part 4
By Dave Hunt1.9K09:49MAT 7:15ACT 17:11ROM 16:171CO 3:11GAL 1:6EPH 4:14COL 2:82TI 3:162PE 2:11JN 4:1
This sermon delves into the influence of Augustine on Calvinism and Reformed theology, highlighting Augustine's impact on Roman Catholic Church doctrines such as infant baptism, salvation through the church and sacraments, and allegorical interpretation of the Bible. It also explores the surprising connection between Augustine and the Protestant Reformation, with figures like Calvin and Luther heavily influenced by his writings. The sermon addresses the implications of these historical ties on modern church practices and the importance of understanding the origins of theological beliefs.
Judges and Jesters
By Scott Hynds1.9K32:06Revival1SA 16:4JER 20:9MAT 7:15JHN 10:1EPH 5:11In this sermon, the preacher highlights various concerning practices and beliefs within the church. He mentions instances of people claiming to have encounters with angels and supernatural experiences, such as having their intestines replaced with gold. He also discusses a man caught planting fake jewels in a church to increase people's faith. The preacher emphasizes the need for judgment and discernment within the church, as well as the importance of being attentive and focused on God's word. He criticizes churches that have become complacent, lacking spiritual discernment and indulging in luxury. The preacher calls for a stripping away of hindrances and distractions, such as materialism and celebrity culture, and emphasizes the importance of true beauty and authenticity. He also criticizes false prophets who are stubbornly fixed in their own opinions and agendas. The preacher urges the church to be vigilant and watchful, exposing false teachings and staying true to the Word of God.
The Church Today Asleep & in Bondage #1
By Milton Green1.8K1:59:31GEN 17:52CH 7:14PRO 3:5MAT 7:15GAL 6:7
This sermon focuses on repentance, willingness to change, and the importance of discernment in the church. It warns against deception and false teachings, urging the congregation to be open to God's correction and guidance. The speaker emphasizes the need for a genuine transformation of hearts and minds, highlighting the blessings that come from walking in covenant with God.
Audio Sermon: Spiritual Warfare and Deception
By Jim Cymbala1.7K43:40PRO 4:23PRO 13:20MAT 7:152CO 6:142CO 11:14EPH 6:121TH 5:211JN 4:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning spiritual warfare, highlighting the dangers of deception and seduction by Gibeonites, who masquerade as harmless but aim to deceive and destroy. It urges listeners to seek God's discernment, avoid compromising with evil influences, and be vigilant against false prophets and wolves in sheep's clothing.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Introduction to Prophecy
By Zac Poonen1.6K54:12ProphecyGEN 3:9NUM 12:6JOL 2:28MAT 4:4MAT 7:15MAT 7:22In this sermon, the preacher discusses the potential consequences of allowing certain types of music into our lives. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of the long-term effects, as even a small deviation from our goals can lead us astray. The preacher then references Numbers 12, where God describes Moses as a prophet who sees and knows Him because of his pure heart. This highlights the importance of purity in our relationship with God. The sermon also touches on the power of prophecy and the undiluted word of God to bring about transformation in people's lives.
Studies in 1 Corinthians-03 1 Cor 4:1-13
By William MacDonald1.5K44:13MAT 5:11MAT 7:15ROM 12:141CO 4:102TI 3:121PE 3:151PE 4:14In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 Corinthians chapter 4 and specifically discusses the judgment seat of Christ. He explains that when the Lord comes, there will be a judgment seat where hidden things of darkness will be brought to light and the counsels of the heart will be revealed. The preacher also mentions four important judgments in the New Testament, including the judgment of the believer's sins. He emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of the mysteries of God and warns against thinking beyond what is written in the Bible to avoid pride and division among believers.
False Prophets and the Broad Way - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.5K09:59MAT 7:15JHN 4:23
This sermon emphasizes the subtle ways the devil can lead individuals astray over time, gradually lowering their standards and distancing them from a fervent love for Jesus Christ. It warns against shallow worship and the danger of becoming lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. The importance of true worship, seeking God in private, and avoiding deception by false prophets is highlighted, along with the balance between encouragement and discipline found in Scripture.
Matthew 11:28
By Carl Armerding1.5K38:36RestISA 45:22MAT 6:33MAT 7:15MAT 11:28MAT 16:2JHN 3:16JHN 4:29In this sermon, the speaker criticizes the current generation for their superficial and theatrical approach to life. He points out that when John the Baptist came with a serious message of repentance, they dismissed him as crazy. The speaker also highlights the importance of submitting to the will of Jesus and emphasizes the simplicity of the gospel message. He references John 3:16 as an example of how God's love and salvation are accessible to all through belief in Jesus.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Beware--But beware. of false prophets--that is, of teachers coming as authorized expounders of the mind of God and guides to heaven. (See Act 20:29-30; Pe2 2:1-2). which come to you in sheep's clothing--with a bland, gentle, plausible exterior; persuading you that the gate is not strait nor the way narrow, and that to teach so is illiberal and bigoted--precisely what the old prophets did (Eze 13:1-10, Eze 13:22). but inwardly they are ravening wolves--bent on devouring the flock for their own ends (Co2 11:2-3, Co2 11:13-15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Ye shall know them by their fruits,.... By "fruits" are meant, not so much their external works in life and conversation; for a false prophet may so behave, as not to be discovered thereby. So the Pharisees were outwardly righteous before men; and false teachers among Christians may have the form of godliness, and keep it up, though they are strangers to, and even deny the power of it: but their doctrines are here meant, and the effects of them. When doctrines are contrary to the perfections of God, repugnant to the Scriptures of truth, tend to depreciate the person and offices, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ, to lessen the glory of God's grace, to exalt the creature, and to fill men's minds with notions of the purity, self-sufficiency, and ability of human nature; when they are calculated to feed the pride and vanity of men, to get money, and gain applause, to serve their own interests, and gratify men's lusts and passions, they may be easily discerned who they are, and from whence they come. The Jews have a proverb pretty much like this (u), , "a gourd is known by its branches". The gloss upon it is, "it is, as if it was said, from the time it buds forth, and goes out of the branch, it is known whether it is good or not;'' i.e. the goodness of the gourd is known by the fruit its branches bear. So a good preacher is known by the good doctrine he brings, and a bad one, by his unsound doctrine. Christ is not speaking of these false prophets, as men, or as private professors of religion, but as prophets, or teachers. "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" Grapes and figs were common fruit; there was great plenty of them in Judea; we often read of the "gathering" of them. It is a matter in dispute with the doctors (w), "if a man intends , "to gather figs, and he gathers grapes", black ones, and he gathers white ones, white ones, and he gathers black ones, whether he is guilty of a sin offering or not.'' One says he is, another says he is not. These words of Christ put me in mind of another passage, which seems to speak of grapes of thorns (x); "he that marries his daughter to a scholar, it is like to grapes of the vine, with grapes of the vine, a thing beautiful and acceptable; but he that marries his daughter to a plebeian, it is like to grapes of the vine, "with grapes of the thorn", a thing ugly, and unacceptable.'' Though in the last sentence, must be taken for berries which grow on some thorn bushes, and not what are properly grapes; for grapes do not grow upon, and are not to be gathered from thorns, and bramble bushes. The meaning of our Lord is, that from the false doctrines of men comes no good fruit of faith, holiness, joy, peace, and comfort. Their doctrines are like "thorns", which prick and pierce, give pain and uneasiness; and, like "thistles", choke, and are unprofitable, afford no solid food and nourishment; yea, their words eat as do a canker, are contrary to vital religion and powerful godliness. This sense I prefer; because, on the one hand, it is possible for a false teacher to do works, which may be externally good; though indeed no good works, properly speaking, can be performed by an unregenerate man, because he has neither good principles to act from, nor good ends in view: and, on the other hand, a man who is destitute of the grace of God, and lives ill, may yet have right notions of the Gospel, though he has no experimental knowledge and relish of it; but where false doctrines are imbibed, and propagated, no good fruit can follow upon it. (u) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 48. 1. (w) T. Bab. Ceritot, fol. 19. 1, 2. & 20. 1. (x) T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 49. 1.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here a caution against false prophets, to take heed that we be not deceived and imposed upon by them. Prophets are properly such as foretel things to come; there are some mentioned in the Old Testament, who pretended to that without warrant, and the event disproved their pretensions, as Zedekiah, Kg1 22:11, and another Zedekiah, Jer 29:21. But prophets did also teach the people their duty, so that false prophets here are false teachers. Christ being a Prophet and a Teacher come from God, and designing to send abroad teachers under him, gives warning to all to take heed of counterfeits, who, instead of healing souls with wholesome doctrine, as they pretend, would poison them. They are false teachers and false prophets, 1. Who produce false commissions, who pretend to have immediate warrant and direction from God to set up for prophets, and to be divinely inspired, when they are not so. Though their doctrine may be true, we are to beware of them as false prophets. False apostles are those who say they are apostles, and are not (Rev 2:2); such are false prophets. "Take heed of those who pretend to revelation, and admit them not without sufficient proof, lest that one absurdity being admitted, a thousand follow." 2. Who preach false doctrine in those things that are essential to religion; who teach that which is contrary to the truth as it is in Jesus, to the truth which is accordingly to godliness. The former seems to be the proper notion of pseudo-propheta, a false or pretending prophet, but commonly the latter falls in with it; for who would hang out false colours, but with design, under pretence of them, the more successfully to attack the truth. "Well, beware of them, suspect them, try them, and when you have discovered their falsehood, avoid them, have nothing to do with them. Stand upon your guard against this temptation, which commonly attends the days of reformation, and the breakings out of divine light in more than ordinary strength and splendour." When God's work is revived, Satan and his agents are most busy. Here is, I. A good reason for this caution, Beware of them, for they are wolves in sheep's clothing, Mat 7:15. 1. We have need to be very cautious, because their pretences are very fair and plausible, and such as will deceive us, if we be not upon our guard. They come in sheep's clothing, in the habit of prophets, which was plain and coarse, and unwrought; they wear a rough garment to deceive, Zac 13:4. Elijah's mantle the Septuagint calls hē mēlotē - a sheep-skin mantle. We must take heed of being imposed upon by men's dress and garb, as by that of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, Luk 20:46. Or it may be taken figuratively; they pretend to be sheep, and outwardly appear so innocent, harmless, meek, useful, and all that is good, as to be excelled by none; they feign themselves to be just men, and for the sake of their clothing are admitted among the sheep, which gives them an opportunity of doing them a mischief ere they are aware. They and their errors are gilded with the specious pretences of sanctity and devotion. Satan turns himself into an angel of light, Co2 11:13, Co2 11:14. The enemy has horns like a lamb (Rev 13:11); faces of men, Rev 9:7, Rev 9:8. Seducers in language and carriage are soft as wool, Rom 16:18; Isa 30:10. 2. Because under these pretensions their designs are very malicious and mischievous; inwardly they are ravening wolves. Every hypocrite is a goat in sheep's clothing; not only not a sheep, but the worst enemy the sheep has, that comes not but to tear and devour, to scatter the sheep (Joh 10:12), to drive them from God, and from one another, into crooked paths. Those that would cheat us of any truth, and possess us with error, whatever they pretend, design mischief to our souls. Paul calls them grievous wolves, Act 20:29. They raven for themselves, serve their own belly (Rom 16:18), make a prey of you, make a gain of you. Now since it is so easy a thing, and withal so dangerous, to be cheated, Beware of false prophets. II. Here is a good rule to go by in this caution; we must prove all things (Th1 5:21), try the spirits (Jo1 4:1), and here we have a touchstone; ye shall know them by their fruits, Mat 7:16-20. Observe, 1. The illustration of this comparison, of the fruit's being the discovery of the tree. You cannot always distinguish them by their bark and leaves, nor by the spreading of their boughs, but by their fruits ye shall know them. The fruit is according to the tree. Men may, in their professions, put a force upon their nature, and contradict their inward principles, but the stream and bent of their practices will agree with them. Christ insists upon this, the agreeableness between the fruit and the tree, which is such as that, (1.) If you know what the tree is, you may know what fruit to expect. Never look to gather grapes from thorns, nor figs from thistles; it is not in their nature to produce such fruits. An apple may be stuck, or a bunch of grapes may hang, upon a thorn; so may a good truth, a good word or action, be found in a bad man, but you may be sure it never grew there. Note, [1.] Corrupt, vicious, unsanctified hearts are like thorns and thistles, which came in with sin, are worthless, vexing, and for the fire at last. [2.] Good works are good fruit, like grapes and figs, pleasing to God and profitable to men. [3.] This good fruit is never to be expected from bad men, and more than a clean thing out of an unclean: they want an influencing acceptable principle. Out of an evil treasure will be brought forth evil things. (2.) On the other hand, if you know what the fruit is, you may, by that, perceive what the tree is. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; and a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit, nay, it cannot but bring forth evil fruit. But then that must be reckoned the fruit of the tree which it brings forth naturally and which is its genuine product - which it brings forth plentifully and constantly and which is its usual product. Men are known, not by particular acts, but by the course and tenour of their conversation, and by the more frequent acts, especially those that appear to be free, and most their own, and least under the influence of external motives and inducements. 2. The application of this to the false prophets. (1.) By way of terror and threatening (Mat 7:19); Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down. This very saying John the Baptist had used, Mat 3:10. Christ could have spoken the same sense in other words; could have altered it, or given it a new turn; but he thought it no disparagement to him to say the same that John had said before him; let not ministers be ambitious of coining new expressions, nor people's ears itch for novelties; to write and speak the same things must not be grievous, for it is safe. Here is, [1.] The description of barren trees; they are trees that do not bring forth good fruit; though there be fruit, if it be not good fruit (though that be done, which for the matter of it is good, if it be not done well, in a right manner, and for a right end), the tree is accounted barren. [2.] The doom of barren trees; they are, that is, certainly they shall be, hewn down, and cast into the fire; God will deal with them as men use to deal with dry trees that cumber the ground: he will mark them by some signal tokens of his displeasure, he will bark them by stripping them of their parts and gifts, and will cut them down by death, and cast them into the fire of hell, a fire blown with the bellows of God's wrath, and fed with the wood of barren trees. Compare this with Eze 31:12, Eze 31:13; Dan 4:14; Joh 15:6. (2.) By way of trial; By their fruits ye shall know them. [1.] By the fruits of their persons, their words and actions, and the course of their conversation. If you would know whether they be right or not, observe how they live; their works will testify for them or against them. The scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses's chair, and taught the law, but they were proud, and covetous, and false, and oppressive, and therefore Christ warned him disciples to beware of them and of their leaven, Mar 12:38. If men pretend to be prophets and are immoral, that disproves their pretensions; those are no true friends to the cross of Christ, whatever they profess, whose God is their belly, and whose mind earthly things, Phi 3:18, Phi 3:19. Those are not taught nor sent of the holy God, whose lives evidence that they are led by the unclean spirit. God puts the treasure into earthen vessels, but not into such corrupt vessels: they may declare God's statutes, but what have they to do to declare them? [2.] By the fruits of their doctrine; their fruits as prophets: not that this is the only way, but it is one way, of trying doctrines, whether they be of God or not. What do they tend to do? What affections and practices will they lead those into, that embrace them? If the doctrine be of God, it will tend to promote serious piety, humility, charity, holiness, and love, with other Christian graces; but if, on the contrary, the doctrines these prophets preach have a manifest tendency to make people proud, worldly, and contentious, to make them loose and careless in their conversations, unjust or uncharitable, factious or disturbers of the public peace; if it indulge carnal liberty, and take people off from governing themselves and their families by the strict rules of the narrow way, we may conclude, that this persuasion comes not of him that calleth us, Gal 5:8. This wisdom is from above, Jam 3:15. Faith and a good conscience are held together, Ti1 1:19; Ti1 3:9. Note, Doctrines of doubtful disputation must be tried by graces and duties of confessed certainty: those opinions come not from God that lead to sin: but if we cannot know them by their fruits, we must have recourse to the great touchstone, to the law, and to the testimony; do they speak according to that rule?
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:15-20 False prophets speak what people want to hear rather than calling people to live according to God’s will. Deuteronomy 13:1-5 and 18:21-22 set standards for evaluating a prophet’s truthfulness: His words must conform to God’s word, and his predictions must come true. Jesus unpacks the first requirement: A prophet’s actions must match his words in order to be believable; accordingly, a true prophet’s actions will also match God’s word. Just as the fruit indicates the nature of a tree, so one’s life indicates either a regenerate or unregenerate heart. False prophets are expected at the end of the age (see Matt 24:11, 24; Acts 20:28-35; Rev 13:11-18; 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). In order not to be deceived, Christians must be discerning (see 1 Cor 12:10; 14:29; 1 Thes 5:21; 1 Jn 4:1-3; Rev 2:20).