A PROPHET BY HIS FRUIT 憑果子看先知 Mat 7:15-20 Sermon on the Mount Series

INTRODUCTION Sermon on the Mount drawing to an end. Jesus’ Prompting and warning Message today is important and relevant

Mat 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruits, nor can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you shall know them.

Jesus’ message Jewish leadership is corrupt To be aware of false prophets False prophets may be identified by their fruits God will judge and punish false prophets

What is a prophet? The role of a prophet ◦ A leader ◦ A messenger of God ◦ For the benefit of God’s people Prophets in Jesus time ◦ Prophet is a preacher ◦ 1Co 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for building up, and exhortation, and comfort

Marks of a False prophet Deceptions Hypocrisy Preying on the flock ◦ To take advantage of the flock for his own benefit ◦ Does not love and hurts the flock ◦ Lead them to unrighteousness and death

The Analogy of the Fruit of a Tree Fruit is the definitive indicator of ◦ the nature and the quality of the tree ◦ The quality and quantity of the fruits ◦ The longevity of fruitfulness Takes time to see

Times needed for Trees to Fruit Apple Trees2-5 years Apricot Trees2-5 years Banana Plants2-3 years Cherry Trees (sour) 3-5 years Cherry Trees (sweet) 4-7 years Citrus Trees1-2 years Fig Trees1-2 years Mulberry Trees2-3 years Nectarine Trees2-4 years Olive Trees2-3 years Pawpaw Trees5-7 years Peach Trees2-4 years Pear Trees4-6 years Persimmon Trees 3-4 years Plum Trees3-6 years

Mature Fig Trees

My Fig Tree

What Are the Fruits of Prophets? (1) What they do, their work: their faithfulness Their personal conduct and ethical behavior The product of their labor: faithful church

What Are the Fruits of Prophets? (2) Jesus was a prophet ◦ And after two days He departed from there and went into Galilee. (44) For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own native-place. (Joh 4:43-44 ) We are His fruits ◦ In this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, so you shall be My disciples. (Joh 15:8)

Consequences False prophet will be judged and punished We are fruit, ◦ if we are corrupt or unrighteous, ◦ If we follow the false prophet, ◦ we are as well like a tree, ◦ shall also be judged accordingly

Therefore, Beware! To be alert To be discerning To observe for fruit over time To self-examine as a church and as an individual

Application Who Are the False Prophets Today? ◦ Those who are not faithful to the gospel ◦ Those who seek the world / current society ◦ Those who appease the congregation. Some Questions you should ask your prophet

CONCLUSION Jesus warns us of false teachers (prophets) who will hurt us We need to beware We need to identify false teachers by what they do and over time.