Meeting guide · command 31

Beware of False Prophets

Recognize deceptive teachers by the lasting fruit their lives and teaching produce.

Read

Read the complete passage aloud.

Primary passage

Matthew 7:15–20

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. 16 By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree produces good fruit, but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

World English Bible

Near the close of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns that some who appear harmless and speak religiously conceal destructive aims.

Discuss

Listen carefully to what Jesus says.

  1. What does Jesus command?
  2. What does this passage reveal about Him?
  3. Where do we resist this command?
  4. What is difficult or unclear?
  5. What fruit should help us distinguish a trustworthy teacher from one whose influence is spiritually destructive?

Practice

Choose one specific act of obedience.

Examine one influential voice you regularly receive. Compare its message and visible fruit with Jesus' teaching, and discuss your observations with a mature believer.

Return

Come back and discuss what happened.

What fruit did you observe, and did it confirm trust, raise a concern, or show that more patient attention is needed?

Close together

Pray. Then prepare to teach.

Pray

Jesus, give us clear eyes and humble hearts. Protect us from deception and grow good fruit in those who teach in your name.

Teach

Teach discernment without suspicion or rumor: Jesus directs attention to sustained fruit, and serious concerns should be handled with evidence, wisdom, and appropriate accountability.