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MATTHEW 7:15-20

"BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS"

I. "BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM."
        A. Some are teaching for gain.
                1. Early church didache.
                        a. If he asks for money he is a false prophet.
                2. Jesus spoke of difference between shepherd and hireling.
                3. "Make merchandise of you." II Peter 2:3.
        B. Some teaching for prestige.
                1. Satisfy some psychological need.
        C. Some teaching out of strife.
        D. When anyone seeks to tell you that they only have the truth.
                1. All others are wrong.
        E. Is the fruit of their ministry division?
                1. Sowing discord among brethren.
        F. Sterile doctrines.
        G. Draw you to themselves instead of to Christ.

II. GOD IS INTERESTED IN OUR LIVES BEARING GOOD FRUIT.
        A. Some bear fruit but it is bad fruit.
                1. Strife.
                2. Contentions.
                3. Divisions.
                4. Party spirit.
                5. Rather than building up they are tearing down.
        B. Love builds up.
                1. Love it produces.
                2. Joy it creates.

Ill. DO THEY TEACH YOU TO ABIDE IN CHRIST?