July 27, 2026
Wolves in Sheeps' Clothing - Part 1
Matthew 7:15-20
07/27/2026
15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in
sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are
grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from
thistles?
17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the
diseased tree bears bad fruit.
18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a
diseased tree bear good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut
down and thrown into the fire.
20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
(ESV)
Our prayer of the Church this week confesses that our
thoughts and actions must be guided by the Holy Spirit, otherwise
all we think and do is tainted by sin.
Grant to us, Lord, the Spirit to think and do always
such things as are right, that we, who cannot do
anything that is good without You, may be enabled by
You to live according to Your will; through Jesus
Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with
You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
How do we know God's will? How does the Holy Spirit guide
us in all things? Who do you trust to tell you the truth?
Jesus said, as He was finishing the Sermon on the Mount:
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's
clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will
recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered
from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every
healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree
bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit,
nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree
that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown
into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their
fruits.
God calls pastors to serve the Church to apply the Word of
God to each person. This is the prophetic part of the Office of
the Ministry. What should you look for in the message of each of
these pastors, each of these prophets? That is the topic this
week.
May our Lord grant us wisdom and faith to recognize true
prophets and avoid false teaching. Amen.