Gracious Jesus 5 – Kingdom Lifestyle Part 3预览

True and False Prophets

On the heels of Christ’s discussion on the broad and narrow way, Jesus describes leaders in the broad and narrow way as true and false prophets. And with leaders will come followers. Discerning these influences is critical to the growth of the church.

The false prophets leading people on the broad way are:

· Innumerable

· Indistinguishable externally

· Those who bear Inappropriate fruit

· Invalid Christians

Innumerable

Jesus mentions in Matthew 7 that “many” will enter the broad gate and “many” will claim to have served Him whom He “never knew”

Contrast the “many” here to the “few” going down the narrow road.

Indistinguishable

Wolves in sheep’s clothing:

· Look the same

· Do the same stuff in Christian meetings

· Speak in smooth attractive words

· Even appear harmless, warm and fuzzy as sheep

Yet inwardly they are:

·“Ravenous” – insatiable greed for power and position

·“Wolves” – ready to sink their teeth on any who opposes them

They come in various forms:

· The flamboyant crowd pleaser

· The hardworking “do-gooder”

· The loudmouthed “busybody”

· The smartass activity absorber

· The immovable committee sitter

They usurp positions in churches crowding out God’s people and God’s word.

Inappropriate “Fruit”

They are active in many ways, lead many initiatives of good works, but lack the authentic “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22, 23)

On the flip side, there will be signs of “acts of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21) in their lives.

Invalid Christians

Jesus warned that though many will do mighty works in His name, He will disown them as He “never knew” them (Matthew 7:22,23).

Dangerous trends we need to look out for are:

· Teaching and living external moral values and not truly transformed lives

· Believing we are righteous when we are little known by Jesus

· Weak relationship with God

· Popular teachings instead of Spirit-led messages

· Leadership by worldly power and influence instead of being led by the Spirit

· A lot in the head, little in the heart.

Contrasting True Disciples

True disciples or leaders on the other hand:

· Demonstrates the “fruit of the spirit”

· Are constantly renewing their life, getting rid of sin and growing in their relationship with God.

· Are consistent in words and deeds.

FEW REMAIN TRUE IN ALL SITUATIONS

THEY ARE LEADING A SILENT BUT POWERFUL GLOBAL REVOLUTION FOR CHRIST

What subtle qualities of a “false prophet” do we need to eliminate in our lives? How can we protect ourselves, our dear ones and church from any form of “falseness”?