Falsehood and deception are a part of life
Most people have had the experience of encountering a phone or email scam. Unfortunately, falsehoods and deception like this are part of life in a fallen world. The key to not falling prey to a scam is discernment. Jesus taught his disciples to be non-judgmental yet discerning. In the passage we are exploring today Jesus covered two key areas of discernment; false prophets and false believers.

It is one of the fundamental facts of nature that trees produce fruit according to their kind. A good tree will produce good fruit, a bad tree will produce bad fruit. Jesus utilises this example to teach us how to discern whether we should listen to a prophet, leader or teacher. We need to be alert but not alarmed. We simply need to test what kind of fruit is on the tree.

Jesus shifted his focus from false prophets to false believers. This is not an invitation to identify others as false believers but an invitation to engage in some self-discernment. The critical question that Jesus’ teaching prompts us to ask is this; What am I trusting in for my salvation?

Salvation Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
I am sorry for the things that I have done wrong and sinful in my life. Please forgive me. I turn away from everything that I now is wrong and sinful. Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free. Thank you for your forgiveness and the gift of your Holy Spirit to guide me. I commit my life to follow you. I want to know you and be known by you.
Amen.

As our life groups gather this week, we have attached our reference verse and some questions to prompt a deeper discussion and search into this week's topic.

If you are not currently part of a life group, and would like to join a small group of like minded people in fellowship and connection during the week, please contact Nick on 0417472474 to register your interest.

1. In this passage Jesus talks about false prophets and how to discern them. Why is it so important for Christians to be discerning when it comes to which prophets, teachers, pastors or leaders that they choose to listen to and follow?
2. Jesus taught that we should identify a false prophet by their fruit. What kind of fruit would you expect to be associated with a false prophet or Christian leader?
3. What kind of fruit would you expect to see/taste from a faithful Christian prophet/leader?
4. Why are those who come to Jesus claiming to have performed miracles in his name cast aside? What does this mean?
5. How can we be sure of our salvation in Jesus?

Are there any members of the group who have not made a commitment to relationship with Jesus? Invite them into an opportunity to do that today.

Subscribe

If you would like to keep up to date with our messages, please subscribe to our podcasts at;