Beware of False Teachers
Matthew 7:15-20
Beware of False Teachers
Intro
A. BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS (Matthew 7:15).
1. Deceptive (Matthew 7:15). Dressed in sheep’s clothing.
2. Dangerous (Matthew 7:15). Inwardly are ravenous wolves.
B. IDENTIFICATION BY THEIR FRUITS (Matthew 7:16-20).
1. “fruits” –
2. Illustration: Grapes and figs
3. Illustration: good tree and bad tree (Matthew 7:17-19).
a. The character of the tree determines the character of the fruit (Matthew 7:17-18).
b. Inability asserted – “cannot” (Matthew 7:18). One cannot change his nature.
c. Final destination of bad trees (Matthew 7:19).
(1) cut down – Matthew 3:10
(2) cast into the fire –
4. Repetition: false prophets are known by their fruits (Matthew 7:20).
C. APPLICATION for today – Beware of . . .
1. Wrong prophecies.
2. Wrong gospel.
3. Wrong teaching.
4. Wrong lifestyle.