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for June 26, 2024

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06-26-2024 Matthew 7 V-1520 Recognizing False Teachers by their Fruits

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The Book of Matthew 7 v- 15 thru 20

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So by their fruits you will know them.

In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus provides a critical teaching on discerning false prophets by evaluating their fruits. He begins with a stark warning: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15). This vivid imagery underscores the deceptive nature of false prophets, who appear harmless and trustworthy on the surface but harbor dangerous intentions.

To recognize these false prophets, Jesus advises examining their fruits—essentially, the outcomes of their actions and teachings. Just as a tree is known by the fruit it bears, so too can the authenticity of a prophet be discerned through their deeds and the effects of their ministry. "You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?" (Matthew 7:16). This rhetorical question emphasizes the impossibility of good outcomes arising from a corrupt source.

A key indicator of false prophets is the inconsistency between their words and actions. True prophets align their lives with the teachings of Christ, producing fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). In contrast, false prophets may preach convincingly but fail to exhibit these virtues in their own lives. Their ministries may result in division, confusion, or moral decay rather than spiritual growth and unity.

Moreover, false prophets often seek personal gain—fame, power, or wealth—rather than the glory of God and the well-being of others. Their ministries may be marked by manipulation, exploitation, or a lack of transparency. Jesus states, "Every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit" (Matthew 7:17-18). This means that the overall impact of a true prophet's work will be positive and life-giving, whereas a false prophet will ultimately produce harm.

Finally, Jesus concludes with a sobering reminder: "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:19-20). This emphasizes the ultimate judgment that awaits false prophets and underscores the importance of vigilance and discernment among believers. Recognizing false prophets requires careful observation of their fruits—the tangible outcomes of their lives and ministries. True prophets will consistently demonstrate the character and teachings of Christ in their actions producing fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

06-26-2024 Matthew 7 v-1520

**Recognizing False Teachers by their Fruits**

Beware the wolves in sheep's disguise,

With honeyed words and charming lies,

For outwardly they seem so pure,

But inwardly, their hearts obscure.

By their fruits, you’ll know their name,

Not by their claims or worldly fame,

For figs don’t grow on thorny trees,

Nor grapes from thistles in the breeze.

The healthy tree bears fruit that's sweet,

In kindness, love, and deeds complete,

But trees diseased with rot and blight,

Yield only harm, despite the light.

Observe the fruit, both good and ill,

In actions, words, and hearts that fill,

For every tree that fails this test,

Will face the fire, find no rest.

So recognize the true, the false,

By fruits they bear, and heed the calls,

Of wisdom, love, and truth’s embrace,

To walk the path of God’s own grace. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

June 26, 2024 @ 05:36 AM EST

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