Trinity 8. Beware of False Prophets: A Call for Discernment

Beloved in Christ, today's sermon focuses on the stern warning from our Savior, Jesus Christ, in his Sermon on the Mount. He cautions us against false prophets who disguise themselves as part of God's flock but inwardly seek to devour it. We are called to be discerning, using the spirit of discernment given by Christ to expose and rid ourselves of these deceptive teachers, thereby persevering in true faith until the end of the age.

Christ's vivid imagery of false prophets as ravenous wolves in sheep's clothing serves as a stark reminder of their danger. Their outward holiness and use of familiar buzzwords mask their perversion of God's word, leading to profound spiritual destruction. Jesus teaches that we can discern the true nature of these prophets by their fruits, much like trees are known by their fruit. A good tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.

The episode delves into a biblical example involving the false prophet Hananiah, who contradicted God's true prophet, Jeremiah. Hananiah's false assurance misled the people, but Jeremiah's prophecy proved true, highlighting the dire consequences for those who proclaim falsehood in God's name. This serves as a warning for modern believers to remain vigilant and discerning.

The sermon also addresses contemporary false teachings, particularly those of the Seventh-day Adventists and their prophetess Ellen White. Her teachings, including the concept of Christ's "investigative judgment" in 1844, are shown to contradict the Bible and the completed redemptive work of Christ on the cross. The focus is on the importance of adhering to the liberating truth of the gospel, which is not about bondage to the law but freedom in Christ.

The episode concludes with a call for vigilance and discernment among God's people, emphasizing the responsibility of pastors and the congregation to uphold sound doctrine and moral integrity. A heartfelt prayer is offered for the preservation and flourishing of the church, its leaders, and its members.