SF500 - LIFE ON THE ROCK - PREPARING FOR LIFE’S GREATEST TEST (Matthew 7 15-23)
Matthew 7:15-23
Introduction
Life is filled with tests!
The scene here is the trial of those who have claimed to be Christian and in fact are not.
Jesus has just told us to follow the S&N
How can we know which way is the S&N?
He tells us here to watch out for...
Ø False prophets
Ø False produce
Ø False peace
1A. False Prophets (7:15)
1B. They Are Deceptive
“false” = pseudo-prophets, ‑‑false prophet.
(Acts 20:28‑29) Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
(2 Corinthians 11:13‑15) For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
2B. They Are Defined (Jude 11)
They pervert the Gospel - Cain
Ø Two brothers - Cain & Abel
Ø Two offerings
(Hebrews 9:22) In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Ø Two religions - True - False
Ø Two destinies
They prostitute the Gospel - Balaam (Numbers 25)
Ø Balaam was orthodox but greedy!
Ø He was a apostate prophet
Ø He sought personal gain
(2 Corinthians 2:17) Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit...
They protest the Gospel - Korah (Numbers 16)
Ø He was a prince and cousin of Moses - opposed Moses and Aaron.
Ø There are those in America who hate what we preach.
3B. They Are Dangerous
Wolves were the most dangerous enemy of the sheep.
Ø Merciless and ferocious
“Ferocious wolves” = translated “swindler” (Luke 18:11)
Ø Will completely destroy it’s prey
2A. False Produce (7:16-20)
1B. It is the root that determines the Fruit (7:16)
Ways we try to change the fruit...
Ø Prune it - get rid of it
Ø Transplant it - move membership
Ø Cultivate it - Church growth
Ø Rename it
Ø Decorate it
Problem is you have a bad root
2B. It is the fruit that reveals the root
Remember it takes time to produce fruit
(John 15:16) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit‑‑fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
(Galatians 5:22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, such things there is no law.
3B. It is the seed that determines the root and the fruit
The seed is the Word of God (Matthew 13)
False prophets sow false seeds
3A. False Peace (7:21-23)
1B. Spiritual activity without scriptural authority is satanic iniquity.
False profession
False preaching
False power
False performance
2B. Spiritual assurance comes through Scriptural authority
The test is God’s Word!
Ø Study the faith
Ø Show the faith
Ø Stand for the faith
Ø Support the faith
Ø Share the faith!
Application
Are you ready for the test?
Is your profession true?
Is your preaching true?
Is your power true?
Is your performance true?
What are you trusting?