Expository Thoughts On Luke - Luke 6:39-45
J.C. Ryle warns believers about the dangers of following false teachers and emphasizes the necessity of discerning sound doctrine through Scripture.
In this expository sermon on Luke 6:39-45, J.C. Ryle addresses the critical issue of false religious teaching and the spiritual dangers it poses. He highlights the importance of discerning truth through Scripture rather than blindly following teachers. Ryle's clear and practical exposition encourages believers to examine the fruit of teachings and remain vigilant against error.
Text
A TREE AND ITS FRUIT
We learn, in the first place, from these verses, the great danger of listening to false religious teachers. Our Lord compares such teachers and their hearers to the blind leading the blind, and asks the reasonable question, "Shall they not both fall into the ditch?" He goes on to confirm the importance of His warning by declaring, that "the disciple is not above his master," and the scholar cannot be expected to know more than his teacher. If a man will hear unsound instruction, we cannot expect him to become otherwise than unsound in the faith himself.
The subject which our Lord brings before us here deserves far more attention than it generally receives. The amount of evil which unsound religious teaching has brought on the Church in every age is incalculable. The loss of souls which it has occasioned is fearful to contemplate. A teacher who does not know the way to heaven himself, is not likely to lead his hearers to heaven. The man who hears such a teacher runs a fearful risk himself of being lost eternally. "If the blind lead the blind both must fall into the ditch."
If we would escape the danger against which our Lord warns us, we must not neglect to prove the teaching that we hear by the holy Scriptures. We must not believe things merely because ministers say them. We must not suppose, as a matter of course, that ministers can make no mistakes. We must call to mind our Lord\
Sermon Outline
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I
- The danger of listening to false religious teachers
- The blind leading the blind analogy
- The disciple is not above his master
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II
- The incalculable evil of unsound teaching in the Church
- The risk of eternal loss from following false teachers
- The importance of knowing the way to heaven
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III
- The necessity of testing all teaching by Scripture
- Do not accept teachings merely because ministers say them
- Ministers can make mistakes
Key Quotes
“If a man will hear unsound instruction, we cannot expect him to become otherwise than unsound in the faith himself.” — J.C. Ryle
“A teacher who does not know the way to heaven himself, is not likely to lead his hearers to heaven.” — J.C. Ryle
“If the blind lead the blind both must fall into the ditch.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Test all teachings against the Bible before accepting them as truth.
- Be cautious about following teachers without verifying their soundness in doctrine.
- Examine the spiritual fruit in your life and in the teachings you hear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by 'the blind leading the blind'?
Jesus uses this metaphor to warn that those who are spiritually blind cannot guide others safely, and both will fall into error.
Why is it dangerous to follow false teachers?
False teachers can lead believers away from the truth, resulting in spiritual harm and eternal loss.
How can believers protect themselves from false teaching?
By testing all teachings against the holy Scriptures and not accepting doctrines blindly.
Are ministers always correct in their teachings?
No, ministers can make mistakes, so believers must discern and verify teachings through Scripture.
What is the role of spiritual fruit in discerning truth?
Spiritual fruit reveals the true nature of a teacher and their doctrine, helping believers identify sound teaching.