OBSERVE THEIR FRUITS

Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

In the Holy Scriptures the word "prophet" refers to anyone who serves and teaches the will of God. Therefore, a false prophet is one that is self-serving and teaches a false doctrine for whatever motive they may have to do so. And as the metaphor used by Jesus indicates, such false prophets disguise themselves to appear as harmless sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. This disguise is necessary in order to lure their audience into a state of trustworthiness. If the true motive and identity of false prophets were revealed, potential hearers would flee from their presence. Jesus told his disciples to beware of the leaven, that is the influence, of the Jewish spiritual leaders (Matt. 16:6, 11). He also told them to beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation (Mark 12:38-40). These words of Jesus distinctly identify these "spiritual"leaders as ravening wolves that are disguised in sheep's clothing.

The Old Testament is filled with lying, deceitful, false prophets that led the children of Israel astray. This stern warning is carried over into the New Testament with just as much godly concern for Christian children of God today. Jesus gives us this warning by teaching us take heed that no man deceive you, for many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many (Matt. 24:4-5). He also instructs us that many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many (Matt. 24:11). Christ leaves little doubt that false prophets will arise and, with deceitful, false signs and wonders, they shall deceive the very elect (See Matt. 24:23-24). Peter says that false prophets and teachers would come into the midst of the body of Christ, deny Jesus as the Savior, bring destruction to them, induce them to follow their false ways, and through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you, that is, they will sell you on their false doctrine and persuade you to buy it (See 2 Peter 2:1-3).

The apostle, John, in following the advice of Jesus in the lesson text, tells us to believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1). Jesus tells us that we are to test the doctrine of the false prophets by observing the fruits of those that profess to teach God's will. The true test of a teacher of God's word is to observe the fruit that he bears. This can be done in a number of ways. We should test the character of the teacher. Does his life exemplify a godly person? Are his actions worth emulating? We should also test his message. Can each tenet of his doctrine be supported by God's holy word? Does he add to or delete from the inspired scriptures? Is his message centered on a false, personal "revelation" from God? Finally, we should test the conduct of his followers. Do those that support his teaching live godly, Christ-like lives?

These are the fruits by which the tree can be identified. A thorn tree does not bear grapes, nor does a thistle bush bear figs. Neither does a false teacher of God's word bear obedient Christians. From outward appearance it is often difficult to identify a false teacher. The example, given by Jesus, comparing such a one to a tree proves this point. Observing the leaves of a tree, or its shape, size, bark, or blossoms is often misleading, but the fruit it bears cannot hide a false identity. The fruit of a tree, without exception, reveals its kind. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. This is the law of nature, and by its metaphoric application we have this law from God through His Son, Jesus Christ: a false prophet brings forth a false doctrine that will deceive all that fail to examine its fruit. The just reward of a false teacher is the same as that of a corrupt tree. It will be hewn down and cast into the fire, thus purifying the orchard. Such will be the lot of false prophets that corrupt God's will. Eternal salvation is reserved for true ministers of God that bear righteous fruits, and to all that, first examine, and then obey God's will.