Sermon on the Mount - "Watch out for false prophets" - Matthew 7:15-23

(additional reading Luke 6:43-45)

Matthew 7:15-23 (NIV)

15 “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 thornbushes, 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!’

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My Notes:

Father,

Thankyou that I do not have to be the "false prophet" spy. It is in your hands, and you will reveal people in your time according to their fruit.

Like the wheat and the tares. It isn't for us to decide. It isn't for us to weed. It is for us to love, and be salt, and light.

It's messy business, the Kingdom of Heaven. I suppose it would be easier if all of our lines were super defined, if we all knew who was "in" and who was "out. But instead you shine the light only at our own hearts.

Make me honest, Father, with myself, my family, my church, and you. Weed out from me all of those bits that do not acknowledge you. I love the work of sanctification you are doing in each of us.