Actions Speak Louder than Words.

Matthew 7:15-20

Introduction

Context

Sermon on the mount. Who is teaching? Jesus

What did we talk about last week?

Two gates. One wide, which leads to where? One narrow which leads to where?

Are we on a path? Or are we chilling?

What does it take to get on the narrow?

Grace through faith. Rooted in Christ which produces fruit and good works.

Cross refernce passage is in Luke 6:43-45 ““For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

READ TEXT Matthew 7:15-20 ““Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 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.”

Point 1- Be aware of all teachings.

Exposition

Matthew 7:15 ““Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

V. 15- Beware of false Prophets. What is a false prophet? Who were the false prophets Jesus was talking about?

Someone who teaches other than what God has outlined in the Bible. The false prophets in the context which Jesus is referring to are the Pharisees.

1 John 4:1 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Jesus goes onto explain what those false prophets would like.

V. 15 B- Who come to you in sheep’s clothing.

Most false teachers and prophets don’t get out and start teaching with a giant words on their forehead that says, “I’m a Liar”

I would be willing to say most false teachers, do not think what they are teaching is wrong or false at all.

Rather they think they are teaching what is true of the Bible.

V. 15 C- But inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Even though they are “innocent” and do not think what they are doing is wrong. Jesus says that their false teaching is harmful and not good to the flock.

The false teachers are like ravenous wolves. They lead the flock to destruction

2 Peter 2:1 “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.”

The gates again. If you are listening and following a false teacher, which gate will end up going through? The wide one, While the teachers may not be teaching and knowing they are doing false. They still are dangerous.

Illustration

Adolf Hitler

Application

Hold teachers accountable for what they teach.

How?

Love and being gracious.

Acts 17: 1-4 “Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.”

Paul reasoned with them, and provided them support of the gospel. And the truth of the scripture.

Also, be humble in all things.

In most cases the teacher, pastor, has spent a large amount of time preparing for a lesson or sermon. And they have thought about each teaching thoroughly. In some cases have lost sleep eagerly feeling the pressure of teaching. Not just teaching some cool and good thing. But the word of God.

James 3:1 “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”

Myself, Logan, Bro. Donovan, Bro. Jason feel this and know it.

If the time does come that a teaching is wrong. Remember to love, be gracious, and be humble approaching the situation. Point everything back to the gospel and the word with it being interpreted properly.

Point 2

Matthew 7:16-18 “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.”

Exposition-

V. 16- Matthew 7:16 “You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”

Jesus follows his warning of false teachers, of how to spot them.

We will recognize them by their fruits.

James 2:18 “But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

Illustration

Application