Don’t Believe Everything You See or Hear

Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-20 

Jesus taught us that we need to be alert—beware. Listen closely to what we are taught by Bible leaders. Are they following God’s Word? Are they teaching the truth? We have to study God’s Word ourselves so that we know whether or not what we are hearing IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life. A smooth talker can convince anyone—anyone who doesn’t know the truth for themselves. As is prophesied in Daniel about a Persian king…By smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. Daniel 11:32. Read more about that king in Daniel 11. Beware of leaders, kings…false prophets. We think of sheep as gentle creatures—but here we are warned that wolves—vicious leaders—can appear to be soft hearted and gentle, but they are really terrible ravenous beings. Like a bad tree—producing bad fruit. We have to judge for ourselves—so know what is right and true. Teach your children to know what is right and true. Watch out what you hear—and don’t believe everything you see. 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us today to watch out for false prophets and teachers. Know His words and don’t be deceived. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, give me, my children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors wisdom and understanding that we would be able to identify false prophets and not follow them.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.