False Teachers, False Belivers

Pass out a lemon

Intro- Sermon on the mount, blueprint for discipleship, pointy end. Jesus gives us a warning about the authenticity of our discipleship. Jesus will contrast the genuine with the spurious. Last week it was the two paths, this week the trees, next week the houses. Ultimately, this blueprint of discipleship Jesus has given us isn’t meant to be a nice teaching that we admire, but a spuring call to obedience. Our salvation in Jesus is by grace alone but the genuineness of that salvation is evident not in profession but in expression- the fruit of your life.

Let me be clear: you cannot earn salvation by “performance”, or by works. This is a long and hotly debated topic in christian circles. Yet, the two truths exist in tension: you are saved by grace at the genuine profession of your faith- right then and there Jesus blood accounts for your sin and you’re saved. That is the truth- and if that is true for you, then there should be an outword expression of that faith in your life, such as a: transformation of your character, a re-ordering of your priorities, service and contribution to the work of the Church, etc. These are the fruit of a saved life not the path to one.

Jesus’ warning in our passage today is about the genuineness of our salvation and by extention our understanding of the Gospel. But also that some will come to twist that truth. Either they’ll make the road easier and thereby grow a large following, it’s more attractive. Or, they’ve come with intent to destroy and harm believers, they are called false teachers. Beware false teachers.

Beware of False Teachers

Command

Matthew 7:15 ESV

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

That first phrase in the Greek says keep watch or pay attention for ‘pseudo prophets’. Pseudo meaning ingenuine, insincere or sham. So not someone who might misteach or misrepresent the Gospel but rather someone who intentionally is seeking to cause harm and often for self gain (a sham). This is a serious issue, there are over 50 bible verses talking about false prophets/teachings/teaching or the cncept of ‘sheep in wolves clothing’. James is the only NT author who doesn’t explicitly mention ‘false teachers’ but still gives a warning about not being decieved, earthly wisdom and being slow to pick up the mantle of teaching and instruction.

Later in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is recorded as saying

Matthew 24:4–5 ESV

And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.

He repeats himself twice in verse 11 and then in verse 24. Note the language to- it’s not if, but when. False prophets will come, therefore, keep watch and pay attention for false prophets. What is a false prophet though? I’ve already used prophet/teacher interchangelby and on purpose. Let’s look at that, back to verse 15.

Matthew 7:15

Firstly, prophets here is a lower case ‘p’. That’s important because there is a different, captial ‘P’ prophet like the OT Prophets, were called by God to speak with covenantal authority on His behalf. Lowercase prophets are described as ones having a spiritual gift for the purose of edifying and encouraging other believers. Their authority is subject to the congregation and evaluation, meaning we are instructed to listen but to weigh up what is said to see if it is true. Lowercase prophets do not speak on the authority of God and their words are not equivelant to the Word of God, scripture the bible, and they are often not correct.

Capital ‘P’ prophecy has concluded. They are no more Prophets. If someone says something contrary to that their name is possibly Joseph Smith and he is a false prophet looking to start his own false religion that he might just call Mormonism. Whilst there is debate about whether little ‘p’ prophecy continues on to day, the key thing you should believe is what most scholars agree on: any modern prophecy should never contradict scipture and must be tested. ‘Some’ don’t agree with that, but I’ll just say that it may be wise to consider that a “red flag”.

So, why is prophet and teacher interchangeable? 1. The purpose of these giftings are similar: edification, upbuilding and equipping; 2. The way in which they are abused and misused are also similar: misusing God’s word or adding to it in a way that contradicts and mislead’s the church- often for personal gain. A false prophet or teacher is someone who is using God’s name or His word to manipulate God’s people either for self-gain or harm.

Jesus describes them as being like ravenous wolves. Not necessarily to devour, though sometimes this is true, but when a wolf makes itself known amongst a flock of sheep, the flock scatters. Though a few sheep may be run down, the harm of a scattered flock is the first issue caused.

Explanation - How do we recognise False Teachers?

Matthew 7:16–20 ESV

You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Jesus teaches us how to discern false prophets or teachers in these verses. He does so with a sandwich, the bread is “you will recognize them by their fruits”. Everthing between the bread is explaining that.

Fruit demonstration.

Fruit is an important part of a healthy diet, but if you eat fruit that is diseased it’ll likely make you sick. That’s the imagery for us. Good and godly teachers and leaders will help you grow and flourish into christlikeness. However, a false teacher with false doctrine will make you spiritually sick.

What are the fruit of false teachers:

Teachings lead to sin 2 Peter 2:1-2; Rev. 2:20 Sexual sin, idol worship

Teachings contrary to scripture Romans 16:17-18; 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Deny Christ is God or sent from God 1 John 4:3-4, Gal. 1:6-9

Greedy, Selfish, Manipulative Persons 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 2 Cor. 11:13-15

Sow dissension and division Acts 20:29-30

False teachers bear the fruit of sin, division and false doctrine in their listeners and followers.

How we protect ourselves?

Know Your Bible Almost every reference you can read in the NT that refers to false prophets talks about false teaching and false doctrine as a sign. Want to be able to recognise it? Know what the bible teaches- read it!

Practice Discernment Some people have discernment as a spiritual gift, but we can all practice it. How? Slow down. Don’t believe everything that some says “God told me...” Be slow to trust it, examine it against God’s Word- if it is contrary, throw it away! The safest disposition you can have, when someone says “God told me...” is disbelief. Allow that word prove itself to be true rather than believe it suddenly find yourself decieved or hurt.

Role of the Church’s Shepherds At His ascension, Jesus says to Peter “feed my sheep”. ‘Sheep’ or the ‘flock’ is a common image used to describe the church- and is present in our passage today as well. Jesus instructs Peter, as one of His appointed leaders to feed the sheep. Jesus passed on leadership of the church (care taking of the sheep) to His Apostles. As the Apostles planted churches across the world they implemented a long term leadership structure for God’s church- Elders. Church leaders were sent to churches to find suitable people to appoint to Eldership. The role of the Elder is summarised by the interchangble titles provided to them; Elder (wise, steady leaders); Overseer (responsibility for the governance and overseeing of the church) and shepherd (responsible for “feeding the sheep”, or teaching). In our modern setting, we also have a staff team that helps fulfil part of the those specific roles. Following a biblical model and method, will result in Godly people being appointed to lead God’s church. Their role will help to ensure that the flock is fed and kept safe from false teachers.

Your role is to know God’s word and be wise about what you see and hear. You’re invited to speak up if you feel you have concerns about the teaching you hear, whether it is here, or through a friend a book or online. We may need to adjust, or may you misunderstand- that’s an opportunity for us to know better and grow deeper in our faith. We also as a staff have a resource table provided in the foyer with books vetted by us, that we think can be really helpful if your christian walk. If you want our help with discerning good authors and books to read, we’d also love to have that conversation.

Know, that we take this task seriously. We want every single person here at Whitehill to frequently be in His word, growing in faith and regularly hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus warns us against being decieved by false doctrine, and by implication we should take it upon ourselves and as a community of believers to seek His word and grown into maturity. This is doubly important for his second warning: beware you’re not a false believer.

Beware You’re Not a False Believer

Command

Matthew 7:21 ESV

“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.

Not everyone who calls Jesus Lord will enter Heaven. Lord here means master. I have heard some interpretations of this passage as saying “those calling out Lord are other religions” who believed they’d been worshipping God. But that doesn’t pass the pub test. Firstly, lot’s of other religions don’t believe in heaven; secondly, most don’t recognise Jesus; and lastly, even if they do recognise Jesus (such as muslims) they certainly wouldn’t call Him master. These are Christians.

Jesus is making the claim, some professing christians will one day find themself face to face with Jesus and receiving denied enterance into His eternal rest. False prophets and teachers is a significant issue, but ehis just might be the most significant. It is possible that some people, who today are gathered in a church, and not true believers. Are not saved by His grace and will one day be turned away from His presence. This is terrifying. How is it even possible? Let’s reread this verse and the next couple.

Explanation

Matthew 7:21–23 ESV

“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. 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?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Jesus has given us another sandwich. It’s not as explicit as our previous passage. Our bread is obedience. v.21 - Those who enter heaven, enter because they “do the will of My Father”, v.23 - those are depart are those Jesus calls “workers of lawlessness”. The key is that cold phrase- “I never knew you”. It’s relational obedience- you can’t do the will of the Father if you don’t know who He is. And that’s our key- these ‘christians’ did not know Jesus. They maybe knew about him, went to church, maybe even read their bible or prayed- but they were not known to Him. See in verse 22, they even did good deeds, notably “prophesying, casting out demons and ‘mighty works” in Jesus’ name. Case in point why we should employ discernment and healthy skeptisicsm.

We are saved by grace through faith, filled by His spirit upon belief and confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. We recognise Jesus is God and now have a personal relationship with Him. That relationship is marked by how to relate to him, as: father, teacher, friend, saviour, Lord, He is our brother- co heir and co conqueror- He is our rock and refuge, our high tower, our shepherd, creater and King. It’s personal. We are to know him. That’s the first command and first criteria for true believers. The second is obedience. Once you know the Father, you know His will- and i the faith is genuine, you’ll do it- just like Jesus did by going to the cross. This relates directly back to verse 19.

Matthew 7:19 ESV

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

This verse isn’t an explanation of hell or final judgement and how that’ll come to pass. Rather it’s a practical reality with a spiritual meaning.

Lemon. Say I planted that lemon tree- if that tree after 5 years never bore a single piece of fruit, what would I do? It’s a horribly thorny thing. I planted it. I, by my grace gave it a place to grow and to live. It is my will therefore that it should exist- but that it should also bear fruit. If it didn’t bear fruit, what should I do? I’d cut it down. Same as an orchard- a tree that doesn’t bear fruit, or a tree that is diseased could destroy the crop, sop it must be quickly removed and destroyed to protect the other trees.

What’s the spiritual meaning? Like a tree that bears fruit does the will of the one who plants it, a Christian who bears good fruit does the will of the One who made him.

In Genesis 3, we hear of the story of the Fall. When God’s created image, you and me, rebelled against Him, rejecting His will and rule over us and determining ourselves to be like God and therefore worthy to determine right from wrong, according to our own will. However, because we are not God- this has lead to disaster. Our rule is insufficient and has lead to the suffering and brokenness or our world, and a fractured relationship with our maker. This is what sin is, and it’s very much like a disease that causes a tree to bear bad fruit. How do we then bear good fruit?

Well, verse 19 is a quote of John the baptist from chapter 3. John is recorded as saying;

Matthew 3:7–10 ESV

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Verse 10 is the quoted verse- Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. What is this good fruit? Verse 8- bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

This is God’s will for your life, that;

A- You’d come to a knowing faith in Jesus Christ

B- That your life would bear fruit in repentance- meaning a life that is transformed.

By His grace, and His grace alone, the Father sent Jesus to die for us as a substitute for our rebellion. He did this with perfect obedience, was without sin, and is therefore able to provide payment for our sin. Or, because he was without the disease e are afflicted by, he is able to absorb ours.

Now being healthy, we are commanded to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. Repentance simply means to turn around or to turn away. Ultimately, repentance is not how you earn your salvation, but rather how you demonstrate it was true, or genuine.

Communion

Helpers to come around - read psalm 6

Psalm 6 is a raw and honest cry from David’s heart:

“Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint… Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.” (vv.2, 4)

As we come to the Lord’s table today, Psalm 6 reminds us that we don’t come in strength, but in need. David confesses his weakness, his sorrow, even his guilt—yet he doesn't run from God. He runs to Him, crying out for mercy.

That’s the heart of communion. We’re not here because we’ve earned a place at this table. We’re here because Jesus, in His mercy, made a way. His body broken. His blood poured out. All because of what David calls God’s unfailing love.

David ends Psalm 6 with confidence:

“The Lord has heard my weeping… the Lord accepts my prayer.” (v.8-9)

Because of the cross, we too can say with assurance: God hears. God forgives. God welcomes.

So as we take the bread and the cup, let’s come honestly—bringing our weakness, our need—and receive again the mercy of Christ.

Psalm 6 ESV

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments; according to The Sheminith. A Psalm of David. O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O Lord—how long? Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love. For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise? I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes. Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer. All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.