Matthew 7:15-23 - 15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Discussion Questions
Starter: Has there ever been a time you took bad advice? What made you trust the person who gave it?
Go Deeper
1. Read Matthew 7:15-20
2. Jesus’ words are very plain. In your experience, what is the best way to determine if someone is a false prophet/teacher/leader?
3. Can you think of examples of teaching that is false and you should avoid?
4. Read Matthew 7:21-23
5. How would you explain the difference between doing the will of our Heavenly Father and doing works in his name?
6. Imagine Judgment Day. What will it be like for the people who say, “Lord, did we not prophesy, cast out demons, and do miracles in your name?” What will go through their minds? What will they understand on that day they do not understand now?
7.
