False Prophets: Recognized by Their Fruit

November 3, 2024

Sermon preached by Matthew DelValle on November 3, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Delphi, Indiana. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠First Baptist Church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an evangelical church in Delphi, Indiana helping people find and follow Jesus. Our mission is to declare God's truth, disciple God's people, delight in God's Son, and display God's glory. Join us for Sunday Worship at 10:30am. Sunday School begins at 9:30am. We gather at 103 S. Indiana Street, Delphi, Indiana 46923.

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Introduction: The Most Dangerous People in the World

Big Idea: Be on guard against false prophets, for they are wolves in sheep’s clothing whose fruit proves them to be false.

1. Why Should We Be on Guard Against False Prophets? [Mt. 7:15]
  1. They Are Deceptive [Mt. 24:11, 24; 2 Cor. 11:13–15]
  2. They Are Dangerous [Ezek. 22:27–28; Acts 20:28–31]
2. How Can We Recognize False Prophets? [Mt. 7:16–18]
  1. The Tree and Its Fruit [Mt. 7:16–18]
    • One’s True Nature Determines the Fruit One Will Bear [Mt. 7:16–17]
    • One Cannot Produce Fruit Contrary to One’s True Nature [Mt. 7:18]
  2. The Test of Their Fruit [Mt. 7:16]
    • Their Confession (doctrinal test) [1 Jn. 4:1–6; 1 Tim. 1:3–7; 6:3–5]
    • Their Conduct (ethical test) [2 Tim. 3:5; Tit. 1:10–16]
    • Their Converts (influential test) [Mt. 15:14; 2 Tim. 4:3; 2 Pet. 2:1–3]
3. What Is the Destiny of False Prophets? [Mt. 7:19–20]
  1. Their Punishment [Mt. 7:19; cf. 3:10]
  2. The Principle [Mt. 7:20; 12:33–37]
Conclusion: Listen to the True Prophet, Follow the Good Shepherd, Abide in the True Vine!