Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus makes it very clear that there are false prophets who disguise themselves as harmless sheep. They are not harmless. That alone should cause us all to pause.
We have all heard the saying that a person can be a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and I am sure we are familiar with the story of Little Red Riding Hood: “My grandmother, what big teeth you have!” We simply cannot assume that everyone is who they claim to be.
Jesus tells us, however, that there are telltale signs that help us identify people—their actions, or their fruit. Just as a leopard cannot change its spots, people cannot change who they are on their own. They may be able to hide their true identity for a while, but eventually, they will reveal themselves. True inner transformation can only come through the power of the Holy Spirit, who changes our nature.
That is why 2 Corinthians 5:17 states that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation; the old things are gone, new things have come.
Paul also clarifies in Romans 2:29:
“No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.”
Romans 2:29 NLT
True change is not external or superficial—it is a transformation of the heart.
People can talk a good game, but the proof is in the pudding, so to speak. Who we are is ultimately revealed by what we do.
Jude also makes it clear that we must contend for the faith:
“I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Jude 1:4 NLT
They can’t change who they are, so they quietly slip in and attempt to distort grace, using it as an excuse to justify immoral living. Rather than being transformed themselves, they attempt to normalize their behavior and influence others to accept it.
Do not be deceived.
Paul, in Galatians 6 reminds us that we cannot mock God’s justice. We will always reap what we sow. Those who live only to satisfy their sinful nature will reap destruction, but those who live to please the Spirit will reap life.
Taking all of this into consideration, let me close with Peter’s words found in 2 Peter 3:17-18:
“You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.”
Take care lest we lose our own secure footing.
We have all heard the saying that a person can be a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and I am sure we are familiar with the story of Little Red Riding Hood: “My grandmother, what big teeth you have!” We simply cannot assume that everyone is who they claim to be.
Jesus tells us, however, that there are telltale signs that help us identify people—their actions, or their fruit. Just as a leopard cannot change its spots, people cannot change who they are on their own. They may be able to hide their true identity for a while, but eventually, they will reveal themselves. True inner transformation can only come through the power of the Holy Spirit, who changes our nature.
That is why 2 Corinthians 5:17 states that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation; the old things are gone, new things have come.
Paul also clarifies in Romans 2:29:
“No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.”
Romans 2:29 NLT
True change is not external or superficial—it is a transformation of the heart.
People can talk a good game, but the proof is in the pudding, so to speak. Who we are is ultimately revealed by what we do.
Jude also makes it clear that we must contend for the faith:
“I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Jude 1:4 NLT
They can’t change who they are, so they quietly slip in and attempt to distort grace, using it as an excuse to justify immoral living. Rather than being transformed themselves, they attempt to normalize their behavior and influence others to accept it.
Do not be deceived.
Paul, in Galatians 6 reminds us that we cannot mock God’s justice. We will always reap what we sow. Those who live only to satisfy their sinful nature will reap destruction, but those who live to please the Spirit will reap life.
Taking all of this into consideration, let me close with Peter’s words found in 2 Peter 3:17-18:
“You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.”
Take care lest we lose our own secure footing.
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