Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. – Matthew 7:15
An old Scottish proverb says, “It is impossible to have your feet on the ground when your head is in the clouds.” Jesus says in today’s verse, “Beware.” Pay close attention. Stay alert. There is a battle going on, and the battlefield is your mind.
Seminary professor and author Dr. Simon Kistemaker said the fake teachers among you are those who say, “Heaven and hell are myths,” or “A loving God would never send anyone to hell.” Theologian Arthur Pink wrote, “False prophets are to be found in the circles of the most orthodox, and they pretend to have a fervent love for souls, yet they fatally delude multitudes concerning the way of salvation.” The Disciples Study Bible says, “To recognize false prophets, the ordinary Christian must examine the way they live and their message. Does their behavior and character conform to Christ and His teaching? Do they proclaim only what people want to hear that, painting life as easy and pleasurable while ignoring the demands and difficult requirements of discipleship?”
Jesus said, “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand” (Matthew 24:24-25). Theologian John MacArthur says, “False prophets do not deceive the flock by impersonating sheep but by impersonating the shepherd.” He adds, “Scripture speaks of three basic kinds of false teachers: heretics, apostates, and deceivers. Heretics are those who openly reject the word of God and teach that which is contrary to divine truth. Apostate teachers are those who once followed the true faith but have turned away from it, rejected it, and are trying to lead others away.”
Theological ethicist James Gustafson poetically stated, “Since savage wolves, consumed with greed, seek simple sheep on which to feed, wise are those weary lambs who graze close by their Shepherd’s watchful gaze.” Live in the awareness of the subtleties of these false teachers and remain continually alert, with your mind set firmly on the truth of God and His Word.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 24:3-14
3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
