The Word of God for wisdom:
Proverbs 5:21 (MSG)
Mark well that God doesn't miss a move you make; he's aware of every step you take.
The Word of God for inspiration:
Psalm 25:11 (ESV)
For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great.
The Word of God for encouragement:
Matthew 7:15-20 (HCSB)
15 "Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. 16 You'll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can't produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn't produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So you'll recognize them by their fruit.
My observation:
The choice word for today's focal passage from the teaching of Jesus is the word "discernment". In this portion of his teaching Jesus returns to the theme of having the need for balance. He previous taught them not to be quick to judge, but also to beware of being naively accepting.
The Pharisees and the scribes had lots of professions, but Jesus put up a bright warning sign admonishing his followers to beware of false prophets. Today, we must beware of false teachers in the church.
2 Peter 2:1 (HCSB)
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, and will bring swift destruction on themselves.
Jesus said his disciples should be prepared to be fruit inspectors of those who come proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom. Don't just listen to what they say without checking it out in the scriptures. If they are true teachers of the gospel their lives will show the evidence of spiritual fruit. It's not just about the talk, it's about the walk. The destiny of the false teacher is destruction. Listen to Jesus; beware of those you choose to follow.
My prayer:
Father God, my dear Father, I pray for the grace gift of being able to wisely discern those who are false prophets and false teachers among us. Father, surround your people with fruit bearing servants who will love and care for your people with the compassion that you have for us.
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2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
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