Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Fall as the violation of the purpose of creation
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of
heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (21)
Why did Jesus talk
about false prophets and false disciples immediately after talking about two
gates (Wide and narrow) and choosing between two paths (one that leads to
destruction and the other that leads to life), because He wants us to be aware
of the danger of being led astray and to guard against it. The biggest sign
that a person is a false prophet is by the fruit (deeds) or righteousness of
his life. The primary sign that a person is a false disciple is that he does
not do the will of the father. He may do a lot of good things, but obedience is
what is required. We do have some tools to identify true prophets and true
disciples.
1, Spend time
in prayer and God’s word:
We need to study god’s word. Pray that God might enlighten our minds to
understand it. There are times and situations where we can do it on our own but
the way that God has set it up is that we are meant to do this Christian life
in community. He has given us teachers, pastors, and fellow Christians to help
us in our journey.
2, Watch for
fruitfulness: We cannot
define or understand fruitfulness without knowing God deeply. We have to
keep in mind that mere Biblical knowledge and activity do not replace character
and maturity. Most knowledgeable people have very little understanding. They
haven’t allowed that knowledge to transform them to the image of God. Similarly
our involvement in various activities can become a replacement for spending
time with God. All of this does not lead us to maturity in Christ. True
maturity can be seen in a person who fulfills God’s will and who demonstrates
the ‘fruits of the Spirit.’ (Gal.5:22)
3, Beware of
the miraculous: It is
hard to believe Jesus will accomplish his mission and purpose for our world
even through those who would seek to do it harm. People are transformed, healed
and renewed even though certain false teachers do it for the wrong reasons.
Why? Because this is about God and His Glory. God will work. But the warning is
clear, “I will tell them plainly, I never knew you, away from me, you
evildoers!” (23)
We are expected,
through prayer and through God’s word to figure out the false prophet and false
disciple. We have to keep in mind that we have to make some pretty close
decisions for we are talking about our pursuit of the narrow path that leads to
life and that makes it all the more important.
Prayer: O, Lord, my God, may Your Word become so much a
part of me that obedience comes naturally and cheerfully from my heart. Change
me and mold me into your image....Amen
Thought for
the day: To avoid going wrong, follow God’s
leading. To avoid being pulled into error, keep a firm grip on the truth.
Rev.Sam Mathew, Carrolton MTC Dallas