Beware the Ravenous Wolves

Matthew 7:15-23

Sometimes in life, things are not what they seem.  There is no place in life where that is more certain than in religion. That is so because the devil wants things confusing.  The question so many people ask is, "With so many people claiming to be speaking the truth, how can you sort them out?  How can you tell who is telling the truth and who is not?  Jesus says, "Beware of the false prophets". That means that you need to be paying attention.

1. I. False Front v.15
1. A. The Clothes Don’t Make the Man v.15a

Prophet – one who speaks God’s message.

1. B. Remember “Red Riding Hood” v.15b

• • His motivation is self-gain instead of self-denial.
• • His spirit is deceitful.
• • His result is to destroy instead of develop. 

1. II. False Fruit v.16-20
1. A. Nature cannot lie. v.16-19

The fruit of a teacher is doctrine.

1. B. The end of worthlessness is destruction v.19
2. C. Discernment reveals truth. v.20

Beware religion when you don’t have to think.

1. III. False Following v.21-22
2. A. The Insufficiency of Mere Confession v.21a

Confession is not a commitment.

1. B. The Inadequacy of Religious Activity v.22   
2. C. Jesus says, “You never knew Me so I never knew you.” v.22 
3. IV. False “Profits” Today 

A little knowledge is dangerous when it comes to faith and religion.

Human reason outside of God’s revelation is dangerous to religion.

Cult leaders and False Prophets give people what they want and take everything they have. 

A heart for God without a knowledge of God = vulnerability.

There must be a basis for truth and that is the Word of God.

It is not enough to know what you believe but also why you believe.