A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

WATCH OUT FOR FALSE PROPHETS     

Matthew 7:15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”   

In both the Old and New Testaments numerous warnings are found regarding false prophets. Moses warned Israel about false prophets in Deuteronomy 13. He told Israel to not follow them even if they are able to work miraculous works. In today’s devotional verse, Jesus warns against false prophets. He said they will “come to you in sheep’s clothing” while they are actually “ferocious wolves.” 

Deception is the operative word when it comes to false prophets and their false prophecies. They will do or say something to deliberately cause you to believe something that is not true. What is truly sad is they personally believe what they are doing is right and good. Or, even worse, they know what they are saying is false, but are using the “umbrella” of religion for personal gain.   

A true prophet of God preaches and teaches all of His Word. This is what separates the true prophet of God from false prophets. If the prophet is teaching and preaching the entire Word of God then his message must present God’s Law and Gospel. To omit one or the other or to improperly present one or the other is false teaching.   

Jesus said, “ . . . study the Scriptures diligently because . . . in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.” (John 5:39-40) Who comes to Him, Jesus says, He will raise up on the last day. (John 6:45) If you know Him, then you know God the Father, who sent Him. (John 14:7)  How do you know if someone is a true prophet of God? Test what they say from all of God’s word. False prophets use the Word of God (the Bible,) but out of context, omitting key words and ignoring clear teachings of the Holy Scriptures. St. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:15-17, “ . . . the Holy Scriptures . . . are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 

Prayer: Lord, keep me steadfast in Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word;   
Curb those who by deceit or sword  
Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son  
And bring to naught all He has done. 

Lord Jesus Christ, Your pow’r make known,  
For You are Lord of lords alone;  
Defend Your holy Church that we  
May sing Your praise eternally. 

O Comforter of priceless worth,  
Send peace and unity on earth;  
Support us in our final strife   
And lead us out of death to life.  

Lord Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - LSB 655