True and False

 

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 7:15-21), Jesus gives instruction about true and false prophets and disciples. This instruction is as applicable today as it was when it was first spoken. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why this warning from Jesus is still important for us today, how we can identify false prophets and disciples, and what life application we can draw from Jesus’ words.

 

Jesus’ Warning Is Still Relevant Today

Jesus warns that there will be false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but are really wolves in disguise. He cautions his followers to be aware of these false prophets who seek to deceive them with their words. False prophets do not just exist in biblical times; they also exist today. We must be careful not to be deceived by those who claim to speak truth but actually spread lies.

Identifying False Prophets and Disciples

How do we know if someone is a true or a false prophet? The answer lies in 1 John 4:1-3 which says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…for every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.” By testing people’s teaching against biblical truth, we can discern who speaks truth and who does not. We should also look closely at people’s lifestyles; if their lifestyle does not align with what they preach, that should cause us to be careful about this person.

 

Life Application of Jesus’ Instruction

The life application for this warning from Jesus is simple: always remain vigilant about what teachers you follow and whom you listen to. Make sure that any teachings align with biblical truth so you don’t get deceived by someone claiming to speak for God when they are actually speaking lies. Also make sure that a person’s lifestyle matches what they preach; if someone preaches one thing yet lives another way there is cause for concern.

Jesus gave clear instructions on how to identify true versus false prophets and disciples during his Sermon on the Mount. These instructions are still relevant today in our fast-paced digital world where anyone can proclaim themselves an expert or teacher of God’s word without having proven credentials or character traits that demonstrate their commitment to following Christ’s teachings accurately. It’s important for all Christians to take heed of this warning from Jesus so they can avoid being deceived by those who seek only to mislead them away from true faith in Christ. But the responsibility is ours, we must be actively discerning what we are taught by praying and reading the Bible regularly.

 

For a more, join us for our series on the Sermon on the Mount.