Kingdom Life | January 23, 2022
+ Read Scripture
Matthew 7:15-23
15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'
Talk Sheet Questions
What does the image of “wolves in sheep’s clothing” tell you about false prophets?
How does the image of good/bad trees and fruit help your ability to evaluate false prophets?
What kinds of practical things would you look for to tell if someone was a false teacher? What is the fruit you are looking for?
How is the audience for verses 21-23 similar to the audience for 15-20? How are they different?
How do you know your faith is real? How do you know you are not one that he is talking about in verses 21-23?
Prayer
Pray that we would bear good fruit and have genuine faith.