Matthew 7:15
Thoughts from Dayna Spaulding
Dive Deeper
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
Matthew 7:15
Behind the Scenes
This week we are talking about how Jesus is the door by which we can determine good from evil, but what does that really mean and how does it relate to today’s verse?
In verse 7 of the same chapter, Jesus is saying, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” And of course, we as broken humans tend to misuse this verse. We use it to either brag about where we are in life or shame others for where they are.
This is where our false prophets (teachers) come in. For example, in today’s world, we have a movement called the “Prosperity Gospel”. These false teachers preach a way that was not taught by Jesus. They basically teach that God is like a Genie in a bottle. They twist Matthew 7:7 into a version of a spiritual gumball machine. If I do and say the right things, then God will give me what I ask for. They equate Christian faith with material, and particularly financial, success; teaching that faith, positive speech, and donations to altruistic causes will increase one’s material and earthly wealth.
The problem with this line of thinking is assuming that WE have anything to do with all the good we have. James 1:7 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” God cannot love us any more or any less because of anything WE do. God loves us. Period. The End. He loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son to be a sacrifice for our sin.
Make it Real
Now these “preachers” don’t look like particularly bad people. They help others, they talk about God and Jesus, and they preach (mostly) from the Gospel. But again, they twist it into their own version. They are nicely presented in “sheep’s clothing” – looking and sounding harmless and even Godly.
But here’s where the danger lies. FIRST and foremost, they are twisting God’s Word. Proverbs 30:5-6 says, “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”
Second, what is their motivation? Certain public and popular evangelists are taking money from unsuspecting people telling them that when they give, God will give back tenfold. Inwardly, they are ravenous wolves. These “wolves” can’t get enough money or material possessions. They keep taking and then twisting the Word of God.
Whether these false teachers know it or not, they are playing right into the enemy’s hand. First Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Anytime the enemy can lure someone away from the True Gospel, our enemy rejoices.
So, how do we make sure we don’t get lured by these smooth talkers who use just enough scripture to misguide us? We follow Jesus’s warnings to be on the lookout; to watch each other’s backs; to stay connected to the branch. (see Matt 24:4, Matt 24:11, 1 John 4:1, John 15:5). And further, Paul exhorts us to put on the full armor of God. (see Eph 6).
Through God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, and community, we can walk in confidence grounded in Truth. We can test what we hear against the Holy Word of God and ask Him to show us where things don’t line up. Because Jesus is our door. He is the way by which we determine truth. Praise God!
Colleen McGeorge
ACF Devo Team
End in Prayer
Father God, I come humbly before you asking that You show us when someone is teaching falsely. Help us to discern Your truth from the lies of the enemy, whether they are dressed in fancy clothes preaching from a huge stage or whispered softly in our ears. Give us discernment and Godly friends to help us sort the truth. And Lord most of all, thank You that when we call on the name of Jesus, You give us a Helper that dwells in us to help bring us closer to You.