The Means of Virtue

Introduction:

· Pursuing Virtue: à behavior management, sin suppression, spiritual disciplines become an end in themselves – like Greed à Giving

· Jesus warns us that not only will this hold us back, it may even be a sign of spiritual decay

WE’LL LOOK AT TWO PARTS THIS MORNING – FIRST, WHAT DOES JESUS TELL US ABOUT WHO IS SHAPING AND TEACHING US, AND HTEN ABOUT FALSE DISCIPLES.

I) Discerning True and False Teachers

A. False Leaders are deadly to our health : (vv. 15-20)

i. Who is Jesus talking about?

1. “Prophets” were people responsible for instruction, teaching

2. In a media-saturated world prophets can be blogs, YouTube, Books…

ii. False teachers appear healthy

1. “prophets” are like trees, sheep: harmless, even helpful (vv. 15b-18)

2. ILLUSTRATION A buckthorn looks like grapes, but is invasive & deadly

iii. But are inwardly dead & destructive (vs. 15)

1. “Ravenous” isn’t so much violence, but extortion or bribery

2. False teachers promise something appealing, but demand your life!

iv. Describing False teachers: Who does Jesus have in mind? (vv. 13-14)

1. CONTEXT: Wide & narrow gate are those who promise easy gospel

2. APPLICATION: Three wide roads promised by false teachers

a. Prosperity gospel (promises material success at eternal expense)

b. Feelings-Faith: Promises happiness in self, apart from Christ

c. Performance-driven: Promises God’s approval based on behavior

B. Genuine Leaders can Be recognized By Their Fruit

i. Therefore, we must guard against unhealthy teachers(vs. 15)

1. Your spiritual growth will NOT happen without “prophets”

2. APPLICATION: Are you discerning or consuming?

ii. What to look for in a godly leader?

1. What fruits? Does the person display integrity in all of life?

2. What purpose: Does the person point me to Christ…or my effort?

3. EXAMPLE: Barnhouse & the radio station

NOW JESUS GETS MORE PERSONAL WITH US – HE’S NOT TALKING ABOUT HOW TO DISCERN TRUE & FALSE LEADERS, HE’S TALKING ABOUT HOW TO DISERN TRUE FROM FALSE BELIEVERS.

II) Discerning True and False Followers

A. The Danger of False Followers

i. False Followers Look Like Genuine Followers (vv. 21, 22)

1. “Lord, Lord!” a passionate & theologically sound profession (vs. 21)

2. The Mighty Works are religious actions done in Jesus’ name (vs. 22)

3. EXAMPLE: Changed my profile pic; posted a hashtag, protested injustice, preached sermons, read my bible, went to church…

ii. Yet False Followers are missing: (vs. 21, 23)

1. Terrifying words: Jesus sends them away as workers of lawlessness

2. Does Jesus not care about theology? (no!) Obedience?(No!)

B. Genuine Followers are Rooted in Christ

i. Problem 1: Failure to do the will of the Father

1. Counterfeit disciples do not do the will of the Father (vs. 21)

2. So: “Easy! Just follow the Sermon on the Mount!” (Right? NO!)

a. It’s not enough not to murder; we must not hate!

b. It’s not enough to give, give in such a way that is honoring to God

3. Jesus is showing us that Outward change is not enough – God desires inward transformation

ii. Problem 2: Failure to Know Jesus (see vs. 23)

1. APPLICATION: Some are tired of performance-Religion!

2. Knowing Jesus = brought into relationship in which your identity is in him

iii. Jesus provides the means of inward growth

1. APPLICATION: Some desire growth àcultivate your walk with Christ

2. EXAMPLE: Spiritual disciplines are useful…as a way to know Christ

Transition:

Conclusion

Profession of Faith