If you take the time to drive through certain mountainous areas of the United States you will often find a certain sign on the side of the road, which will read “beware of falling rocks.” The purpose of that sign is to make you aware of the potential danger that may happen if rocks start to tumble down the hill and onto the road. In fact, that really is the purpose of many signs, to inform you of things which you need to know, what to do, or what to look out for. When you drive past that sign that tells you to watch out for falling rocks then you should keep an eye out for that very thing.
Jesus warns us to beware of false prophets who will try to get in amongst the church and try to corrupt our faith, and He tells us that we will know them “by their fruits.”
Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
If something/someone is known “by their fruit” it means that you will be able to discern who or what it/they are by the actions that they do, and the works that they produce. Many people can’t tell whether a tree is an apple tree or a pear tree by simply looking at the leaves, but as soon as the fruit grows and matures it is quite evident which ones they are. You can see the fruit of that tree, just as you can see the “fruit” of someone’s actions and know who they truly are.
Jesus teaches us that we should beware of false prophets, and “beware” means to be wary, cautious, or careful of something, or someone.
Not everyone in a church may be who they claim to be or seem to be at first glance. Anyone can say that they believe in Jesus and that they are a Christian just as easily as they could say that they are a lawyer or veterinarian. Until you actually see the works that they produce you really don’t know, and this is why it is so important that we pay attention to the works of others in the church. It is by our works that shows who we are.
Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
We must remember that the devil knows the Scriptures as well, as we saw when he tried to tempt Christ, and he may be present in the form of false prophets in the church as well. The devil will try to do anything that he can do to try to turn people away from the truth that is found in Christ, even appearing as “an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). He may appear as a jolly old gentleman, or appear in a crisp suit, but “by their fruits you shall know them.”
Pay attention to the signs. Beware of false prophets that may appear holy on the outside, but in truth are just wolves among the sheep. By their fruits you will know them.
In Christ
Andrew
Teufer Lake King James Bible Church 