Jesus concludes His great sermon on the mount with some warnings.  He warns against false prophets and false disciples.  It is interesting to me how He chooses to tell us to spot them.  We are told to spot them not based on their message but based on their lives.  We are told to look at the fruit that comes from their life.  True prophets and disciples lives should be evidenced by the fruit of the spirit.  False disciples and prophets will not have this evidence in their lives.  Let’s look at Jesus’ words together today. 

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

This is an important message for us today in this age of massive information.  We all have access to nearly limitless resources in the palm of our hand.  How do we filter truth from fiction?  Good messages from those that are false.  Jesus’ answer to us is that we look at the fruit produced in the life of the sender of the message.  When we don’t have that clearly that is when we must rely upon the spirit within us.  The Holy Spirit’s still small voice speaks truth into our lives as well.  If we get a sense that something is off perhaps we should stay clear of it.  Finally our ultimate guide is the word of God.  Any message that is contrary to Scripture should be discredited.  Messages that are confirmed by Scripture should be embraced.  Thanks be to God for Jesus’ words so many years ago that help us today!

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave