A Study of the commands from our Lord, Jesus the Christ

Week 22, April 25th

This week's Tour Stop is the command: "Beware of False Prophets".

The command is found in Matthew 7:15 (NASB)

"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

The command "Beware of False Prophets" was given to the crowd as part the Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7(NASB). In these three chapters, Jesus is teaching his disciples (see verse 2) about the Kingdom of Heaven. We have discussed other commands found in this passage during the Tour:
Week 4: Rest of the Story
Week 5: Do Not Worry
Week 12: Benefits of Obedience - Continued
Week 13: Ask, Seek, and Knock

I shared last week about my Mom's health issues and the need to "trust" what I know (The word of GOD) instead of my feelings. This week is really a continuation of that exercise. False Prophets are everywhere. And we need to be aware of them. Sometimes they come as friends who just want to console you during your time of trouble.

The Greek word that Jesus used for "Beware" is "prosechō" which matches the Greek προσέχω (prosechō), Strongs G4337, which occurs 34 times in 24 verses in the Greek concordance of the NASB. Strong defines prosechō as: to hold the mind towards, i.e. pay attention to, be cautious about, or give (take) heed (to unto); have regard.

Examine the definition of word, prosechō. What jumps out at me is Jesus wants us to use our mind. We are to pay attention, be cautious, and take heed.

And exactly what are we to be "beware of"?

The Greek word Jesus used for "false prophets" is "pseudoprophētēs" which Strong defines as: a spurious prophet, i.e. pretended foreteller or religious impostor.

Jesus is warning us about "religious" people.

I got this definition for religion from Wikipedia: "Religion is a cultural system of behaviors and practices, world views, sacred texts, holy places, ethics, and societal organization that relate humanity to what an anthropologist has called 'an order of existence'."

Read this definition very closely. Terms like "cultural system of behaviors", "world views", and "societal organizations" all man made, man centered. These man made terms are used to "relate humanity" to "an order of existence"

Simply put religion is Man's futile attempt to get close to GOD.

Christianity is NOT a religion. Christianity requires nothing from a sinful man. Christianity is about GOD reaching out to me while I was still a sinner. Read Romans 5:8-10(NASB). GOD is doing everything.

GOD is demonstrating his love for me (verse 8)
by what Jesus did for me.

- Christ's Blood justified me (verse 9).
I can now approach the throne of GOD.

- Christ saved me from the wrath of GOD (verse 9).
I am no longer condemned.

- Christ's death reconciled me to GOD (verse 10).
I have been forgiven.

- Christ's life saved me (verse 10).
I am now a child of GOD.

Christianity is about Jesus. Being a Christian is about believing Jesus; Not False prophets associating man made "behaviors and practices" as a requirement of Christianity. Being a Christian is belief in Jesus' finished work.

What is the take away this week?

Beware of individuals that want to make rules to obey that make you "twice as much a son of hell" (see Matthew 23:15 (NASB)).

Rather, live your life in such a way that glorifies the LORD and says "Thank you Jesus" for what you have done for me. Do everything as if for the LORD. (see Colossians 3:23 (NASB)).

AND

Use YOUR mind. DO NOT be deceived. The only way to identify and combat false prophets is to be well versed in the word of GOD. That is why:
- John tells us to "test every spirit" (see 1 John 4:1 (NASB)).
- The NOBLE Bereans "examined the scriptures (see Acts 17:11 (NASB)

Paul tells us " And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is" (see Romans 12:2 (NASB)).

And never forget that the Holy Spirit is right there to guide you in ALL truth (see John 16:13 (NASB)).

If you have any other questions for me please send me an email

If this link does not work for you my email address is 'burtonmark@cox.net' with the subject line of 'Week 22'. I would love to hear from you.

The tour continues next week with a look at another command from the Gospel of Mark.

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