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You will know them by their fruit… (English Standard Version Bible used) (Pg.1)
— Jesus, in teaching the multitude, speaks to them of the dangers of ‘false Christian’ leaders…

Read Matthew 7:15-20… “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. (16) You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? (17) So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. (18) A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. (19) Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (20) Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

— Jesus first warns them of “false prophets”… who are in truth, “ravenous wolves”.
— Then Jesus brings out the subject of false leaders as diseased fruit trees… (Vs.18-20)

In our study today we will look into each of these dangers, and how we are to recognize them and avoid falling for their deceptions.

Q1. I would first ask you to consider an important question: What is a false believer?

Consider that Satan believes in Jesus, but refuses His Lordship. _________________________

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Q2. We also need to determine: How do we recognize them… Any thoughts on this? (Vs.16)

Comments:___________________________________________________________________

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Q3. Consider these examples from the Bible regarding false reports about Jesus…

Matthew 24:23-24… Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. (24) For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

— To see why the underlined is a sign of false reports, (see Vs. 27…) For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.…

2nd Peter 2:1-3… But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. (3) And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

Underline key words (and phrases) here, that help us identify false prophets.

Q3. What will Satan use to motivate his false prophets? (SEE Vs.3)______________________

More to discuss on next page…

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You will know them by their fruit…     (Pg.2)

SEE… Romans 16:17-18… I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (18) For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

— Here Paul is warning us of those rebellious types who oppose church leadership, because they desire more power and recognition, which is the bad fruit of personal ambition.

AND IN… Colossians 2:6-7… Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, (7) rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Q4. As we walk by faith in Jesus what ‘fruit’ is mentioned here? ________________________

James 1:2-5… Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (3) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (4) And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (5) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
— Underline the processes of God at work in our lives that give us steadfast faith.
Q5. How does WISDOM help us when we are in the midst of these times of testing?

Comments? ___________________________________________________________________

Philippians 1:9-11…  And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, (10) so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, (11) filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

— Underline what Paul asks of God, so we may be able to “approve what is excellent”…

Q6. Who is to receive glory and praise for the fruit of righteousness Jesus develops in us?
Answer: _____________________________________________________________________

— We close our study today with the main question to be answered…

Q7. How do we become ‘mature’ in Christ, trained to distinguish good from evil?

(*Note the underlined in…) Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

— As we turn to our time of prayer… Let us praise God for His work in us, as painful as it sometimes may seem… For His purpose is to strengthen and protect us from being deceived.