Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. – Matthew 7:15
Antelope Canyon in Arizona has smooth, colorful rock formations. It is a place where you can hike, but guides are required. They will take you where pathways can be wide or very narrow. The guides know the way. They are aware of possible danger and will keep you safe.
The gate to Christlike living is described as being very narrow (Matthew 7:13-14) The enemy’s gate, however, is broad to accommodate all the worldly allures and distractions. Jesus warned His followers to be guided by those who live having God’s Word as their foundation. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talked about two gates, two kinds of prophets/teachers, two kinds of disciples, and two kinds of foundations.
You must be on guard against false prophets. The Lord said that you will recognize false teachers by their fruit (Matthew 7: 16, 20). Godly teachers display the fruit of the Spirit in their walk: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). A godly guide will lead you to the truth and away from rocky and unsafe paths of deception. A false teacher may appear to be an impressive leader, but inwardly be estranged from God and lead you into danger.
Study Scripture so you have a solid foundation in truth. Pray for wisdom and a discerning spirit, to know what is good or evil, right or wrong. Ask the Lord to help you be the disciple that is lovingly obedient to Him, that you will be one He will call faithful.
Many in this nation have had people speak into their lives who are antagonistic to God’s Word. Pray that the truth of the Gospel is allowed the freedom to affect lives, both young and old, citizen and leader alike.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 7:13-17, 21-27
13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
