From Matthew 7:15-2 / Beware of False Prophets. As Jesus nears the end of this momentous sermon,. He must issue a dire warning which is vital in every generation – beware of false prophets.

Now we must note these key things:

1 – In recognizing and avoiding false prophets, the chief issue is not what they might preach or teach – though that is vital too – but Jesus’ focus here is on their fruit. What fruit? Not their signs or miracles. Their character.

A common misunderstanding in this passage, comes from something which in fact does not exist – that there is some sort of generic “tree” (which people are), and that this tree can produce either good fruit or bad or corrupt fruit. But this is not true either to Jesus’ simile nor to the thought. The comparison is between fruit trees, and thorn bushes. It is one of ontology – nature. One would’t expect a pear from a thorn bush under ANY conditions. His point isn’t about what people do or do not do, as much as it is regarding what people are or are not. We need to become new creatures. We come into this world thorn bushes. And we need to be transformed into fruit trees. Something which can only be done by His amazing grace and power. It cannot be done by the reformation of actions.

This is what the following account of coming judgment reveals. So what if they did this or that miracle or great work? Were they His? Were they – are we – other than how we were born. And, as per vs. 23 – what is the nature of their “lawlessness”? Is it not simply that they are not Christ’s servants? That He is not their Lord? They serve self. Not Him, and not the interests of His kingdom.

You will not get sweet things from sour people. They are not showing the fruit of pursuing the kingdom – but of pursuing self and the world. True fruit is in accord with the nature of the tree.

Thorns & Thistles: Can attach themselves to you easily. Always make their presence known. Stimulate action, but not by persuasion to higher things.

Fruit: Nourishes. Refreshes. Sustains life.

2 – Giftedness is not the same as grace. This is truly vital for us to learn. Someone prophesies, and what they say comes to pass. So what? Demons may be genuinely cast out. So what? Mighty works might be done in His name. So what? So they can preach like Spurgeon and sway the masses. So what? None of these say a single thing about the actual spiritual state of the individual.

As Paul would argue later in 2 Cor. 11 – if they do not come in the Spirit of Christ – in His sacrificial love, joy, engendering peace with God and one another, longsuffering, gentleness – especially toward detractors, uprightness in character, faithfulness to the truth, kind and self-controlled – refuse them. If they come in greediness and sensuality – reject them.

3 – When all is said and done, false prophets will inevitably camp on refusing Christ as the true Lord of their lives, so as to live according to their own dreams, visions and new revelations. The WORD, will never be enough. Ultimately they are – lawless. (See 2 Peter and Jude).

Watch out for such. If their character cannot be observed and tested, so as to manifest the character of Christ – look elsewhere. Don’t be fooled by supernatural manifestations. Look for the Spirit of Christ in holiness, humility, and what is best for men’s souls before God.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is here at this moment, guarding His sheep. Protecting us. Warning us. O how we need to listen to Him! Look for His Spirit lived out.