Matthew 7: 15-20 Beware of False Teachers

“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits.

There is a difference between being in the world and being of the world. Those who listen to the inclinations of the world are indeed prophets of Satan who is the prince of the world. The believer must be spiritually discerned whereby they can diagnose the false whims of Satan and expose them for what they are. The world continuously tries to condition us by rationalizing their wickedness. They say things like “who will know,” or you have a right to…” Instead we should be saying that God knows and we are not our own, but have been purchased by the blood of Christ for reconciliation to God and to do good works in His name. We cannot live for ourselves and be useful to the Gospel also.

Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that to be a follower of you, I must live for you and forsake the world. By doing this, my reward comes from you alone which is far greater than the temporal lures of the world. Keep me steadfast my walk with you. In Your holy name I pray Amen.