Beatitudes Series Part 15: Beware of False Prophets
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We are now continuing our Bible Study- The Beatitudes Series, Sermon on The Mount: Part 15 Beware of False Prophets
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Beware of False Prophets
Key Verses of Discussion
Matthew 7:15-20
Luke 6:43-45
Jeremiah 23
If you’re joining me today, I’m so glad you’re here. Take a moment to settle in—grab a fresh, hot cup of coffee or tea, your Bible, and maybe a notebook—and let’s spend some intentional time in God’s Word together.
In the last devotion, we explored “Enter The Strait Gate” in our Beatitudes Bible Study Series. We continue with the Sermon on the Mount with a warning against false teachers. Jesus continues to guide us in what to be cautious of and discernment on how to recognize false teachers or prophets. If you missed the last devotion, you can find it here: Beatitudes Series Part 15.
As we continue our study of the Beatitudes, there is so much to unpack. We’re taking this journey slowly and intentionally, because even a few verses can hold deep wisdom and truth. Studying the Bible isn’t about rushing to the finish—it’s about growing, understanding, and drawing closer to God with each step.
Let’s continue walking through this Beatitudes Bible Study together, learning what Jesus teaches and applying His truth to our daily lives.
Beware
Matthew 7:12-14
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:15-20
Beware of False Prophets
False prophets are not something that is new; Jesus is warning us to be cautious of them, they have been around since the garden of Eden, in the form of a snake. False prophets are not a new concept; they are smooth speakers, they are pleasing or likeable individuals, popular, and seek fame for themselves. We will know them by the fruits of their labor. God gives His children the gift of wise discernment. If we are unsure of an individual, we should pray and seek confirmation from God. But most of the time, that instinct one may get when meeting someone, most likely could be the Holy Spirit warning that your spirit and their spirit are not united the same with the Holy Spirit.
Know Them By Their Fruits
Some false teachers or prophets may be so smooth that it may take a while to recognize their true identity. What is their true desire behind what they teach or preach? Is there a message one that is aligned with God’s Word, or is it slightly changed or interpreted to pervert it into a message that would be aligned with their own desires? A true teacher will want the best for other individuals; they do not seek fame or glory, they have a desire to shine a light on Jesus Christ, and not of themselves.
Know God’s Word
A person’s behavior, how they speak, treat others and what their intentions are gives us a good indication if they are true teachers or wolves in sheep’s clothing. One may say, “We aren’t supposed to judge others,” yes, this is true, but we are to be wise and use our discernment to protect our faith in Jesus Christ. A born-again Christian has the responsibility to know God’s Word, to have a relationship with Him so that the Holy Spirit can warn us and help make wise decisions.
Satan has come to deceive, but why?
If Satan can misdirect us from the truth of God’s Word, then we begin to stray from God. The times that we have read of accounts when Satan has communicated with an individual throughout the Bible, he is sly and deceptive. He speaks parallel to God’s Word but twists just a few words so it seems similar, but in fact means something completely different. God’s Word will not contradict itself; in fact, it’s amazing to know that over several thousand years, with multiple men of God in different generations, there is a portion they wrote that supports and connects in other Scripture across the Bible. To give you a quick idea, imagine going to a library and picking up 40 different books on how to bake bread. Each will be completely different because those authors are putting their own personal opinions into the publishing. The Bible is not so, but how did it become so synchronized over so many generations and different personalities? God inspired them; many of these men did not know each other, though they did have one thing in common: God.
When a teacher, prophet, or preacher has a message of a NEW way to heaven or a NEW Jesus or NEW GOD, be warned! When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness after He fasted, Satan tempted Him. How did Jesus defeat Satan? Jesus defeated Him with God’s Word; there was no convincing or arguing with Jesus’ opinions. He said, “It is written.”
Every Good Tree
“Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:17-20
Every Good Tree
Every good tree bears good fruit. But what is fruit to a tree? When a tree reproduces and multiplies, it produces fruit that carries seeds within it. When the fruit falls to the ground, nature takes over. The seeds become covered by leaves, twigs, and debris until the right season comes. Then those hidden seeds begin to grow into another tree, continuing the cycle of life and reproduction.
In the same way, a faithful teacher of God’s Word spreads seeds through the Gospel message. Over a lifetime, they plant truth into the hearts of many people. If the Gospel being taught is rooted in God’s Word, it will continue to grow even after that teacher is gone. The fruit remains because the seed came from God.
But if someone teaches a self-centered gospel built upon their own ideas instead of truth, it cannot continue to bear lasting fruit. It may appear alive for a season, but once the tree dies, the message dies with it because it was never rooted in God’s foundation.
It is similar to a math teacher creating their own mathematical system instead of teaching established principles. A student may believe they are learning correctly, but when they advance to the next level, they will struggle because the foundation they were taught does not align with true mathematics. The system fails because it was built upon personal ideas rather than established truth.
God’s Word is the true foundation. When we teach what God has spoken instead of our own opinions, the seeds planted can continue to grow, multiply, and bear fruit for generations to come.
Ye Shall Know Them
This Scripture is referenced in Jeremiah 23. I encourage you to read this chapter, as it continues with more detail about false prophets. The chapter also mentions that many have claimed God has sent them, but He hasn’t, and because many had followed these false prophets, it has caused God’s people to do wrong. This entire chapter is very important, and I wouldn’t want you to miss any of it. Here are a few verses:
“I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own hearts; Which thing to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.” Jeremiah 23: 25-27
The chapter is a great one to continue your studies about false prophets and the warning against them, and the everlasting shame they will face when they have to give account to God. If their message was one of God’s Word, or of their own desires and imaginations.
Another reference to Mathew 7:15-20 Scripture is Luke 6:43-45.
Please join me in prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us another day of life. May we approach each day with gratitude and praise for what You do for us. May we study Your Word so that we may be wise in discerning right from wrong, that we may know the intentions of others by the fruit of their labors. Give us a conscious mind so that we may not be easily swayed away from Your truth. I ask that You be with each one who has joined in this continued study of the Beatitudes Series. There is so much to learn, and I ask that You continue to be with me as I share these devotions. May Your messages and Your Word be our focus. May You add to this ministry as You see fit, help me continue to keep my focus on the relationship with You each day. As we begin summer, I ask that You be with each student during the summer, keep them safe, and may they have an opportunity to seek You, God. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for all the blessings You give, not because of our worthiness but because of Who You are, and that we are Your children through Jesus Christ. May You recieve all the honor and glory, we ask this in Your precious Holy Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.
If you have more questions on what the Bible says about Salvation, there is a small video with Scripture that is called The Roman Road- Map Of Salvation, plus a free printable PDF that has all the Scriptures on one page you can use and print as a reference guide or even to hand out while sharing the gospel message with others.
These are not for sale; please respect the copyright.
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Quick Note:
Some Bible studies may take longer than others, as I am often led to explain certain verses in greater detail. I want you to know that these blog posts are written straight from my heart - they are not created by AI, so if you pay close attention, you may find my little nuggets of imperfections! What you read here are my own thoughts and reflections, guided by where God leads me.
I am not a professional; I’m simply a southern wife and mother of five with a deep desire to share the truth of our loving Heavenly Father. He loves you, and He longs to have a relationship with you. We are not called to be perfect, but we are called to be led by Him.
God has placed so much on my heart to share, and my prayer is that these words bless and encourage you. I’m not here for recognition or fame - only to spread the message of God’s love to you, my new friend, and to many others.
