Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 72)
Introduction:
1. According to James 1:27, "pure and undefiled religion before God" includes "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." 2. In His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Jesus gave valuable instructions that will help us to remain free from the world's spots. 3. This lesson is a study of the Lord's warning against false teachers in Matthew 7:15-20. 4. To keep ourselves unspotted from the world so we can practice pure and undefiled religion before God, we must avoid the influence of false teachers. Discussion: I. (vs.15) JESUS SAID, "BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS"
A. We understand what "Beware" means. 1. When we see a "Beware of Dog" sign on a fence we understand that a dog is in the yard. 2. This is a warning -- we need to stay out of the yard. 3. If we do not heed this warning we may be bitten. B. We are to beware of "false prophets." 1. False prophets are those who claim to be speaking the Word of God. 2. However, in reality they present things that are false. 3. False teachers are also warned against in 2 Peter 2:1-3. C. It seems that Jesus wants us to beware of a particular kind of false teacher. 1. He warned against those who come in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 2. They have a wonderful outward appearance, but something else is inside (Matthew 23:28; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). 3. Certain false teachers can be very appealing because of their personalities and the attention they give. 4. We must remember the Lord's instruction in John 7:24. D. The Bible makes it clear that we are to beware of false teachers. E. Jesus continued by showing how they can be identified. II. (vs.16) JESUS SAID, "YE SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS" (see vs.20)
A. Jesus talked about plants and the fruit they bear. 1. Grapes cannot be picked from thorn bushes because only a grapevine produces grapes. 2. Figs cannot be picked from thistles because only a fig bush produces figs. 3. In vs.17-18 Jesus contrasted a "good tree" and a "corrupt tree." B. Teachers must be examined on the basis of the fruit that they bear. 1. Their manner of life must be examined. 2. Their teaching must be examined (1 John 4:1). C. (vs.19) Jesus revealed what will happen to false teachers. D. Those who follow their teachings will suffer the same fate. E. The Lord tells us to beware of false prophets and how to identify them. III. LET US BE REMINDED OF OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
A. We must know the truth ourselves (John 8:31-32). B. We must examine the things we are taught (Acts 17:11). C. If one is determined to be a false teacher we are to have no fellowship with him. 1. Romans 16:17-18 2. 2 John 9-11 D. We must not listen to false teachers or read their writings. Conclusion:
1. These matters are extremely serious. 2. We must be able to identify false teachers, and we must avoid them. 3. To keep ourselves unspotted from the world, let us remain faithful to God and His Word.
