Sermon on the Mount – False Prophets

Understanding False Prophets and the Idolatry of Control

During this Founded in Truth Fellowship teaching, the focus is on identifying and understanding false prophets, as outlined by Yeshua in his sermon on the mount. The speaker, potentially Matthew Vander Els, links this to modern-day situations where control and fear manipulate our actions, often leading us away from the kingdom of God.

One of the critical issues discussed is the human tendency to grab onto control in response to fear. This need for control can lead to destructive behaviors in relationships and communities, driven by an inner fear that prompts us to hold onto power at any cost. We are challenged to recognize these tendencies within ourselves and to release them to God instead.

The Challenge of Discernment

The teaching goes into the difficulty of discerning true intentions, particularly in the context of spiritual leadership. False prophets are not always obvious and can often appear as insiders—those who outwardly seem to belong to the community but inwardly have ulterior motives. The text challenges believers to consider whether their actions and hearts align with Yeshua’s kingdom values.

Yeshua’s words about the narrow and broad paths are revisited, emphasizing that the narrow path is difficult, unpopular, and challenging, yet leads to life. This path requires followers to live by the kingdom’s counter-cultural values, prioritizing mercy, love, and justice over power and control.

The Historical and Biblical Context

The teaching surveys biblical history to illustrate the tension between true and false voices throughout Israel’s narrative. The prophets frequently warned against corrupt leadership in Israel, likening them to wolves in sheep’s clothing—vicious predators disguised as caretakers. The biblical story underscores that this is not only a theological issue but a prevalent human problem.

Key biblical passages include Yeshua’s warning in Matthew 7:15-20 about recognizing false prophets by their fruits, drawing a parallel with practices of religious leaders who appeared righteous but exploited their people. The connection is made between the prophets’ critiques of Israel and the teachings of Yeshua, both of which emphasize ethical conduct over mere ritual adherence.

False Prophets Then and Now

Yeshua’s metaphor of wolves in sheep’s clothing is examined, revealing that false prophets won’t always be identifiable by outward appearances. Wolves are known for their cunning and ability to disguise themselves within the flock, posing a substantial threat from within. This metaphor remains relevant today, warning believers of those who exploit faith for personal gain while sidestepping kingdom ethics.

The imagery of trees and their fruits is used to illustrate that true intentions are revealed through actions over time. A good tree bears good fruit, while a bad tree cannot. This analogy serves as a criterion for discerning the authenticity of spiritual leaders and their alignment with God’s kingdom.

The Trap of Control

Special emphasis is placed on how fear and past traumas can lead individuals to seek control over their environments, relationships, and even their interpretation of divine guidance. This need for control can often masquerade as religious zeal, leading individuals to justify manipulation or harsh actions in the name of faith.

The speaker warns against conflating one’s inner monologue with the voice of the Holy Spirit when past wounds influence perceptions and decisions. Such conflation turns personal biases into perceived divine mandates, risking harm to oneself and others.

Application and Self-Reflection

To counter these tendencies, believers are encouraged to embrace a lifestyle of humility, justice, and mercy—hallmarks of the narrow path. The sermon calls for introspection in moments of emotional upheaval, urging individuals to pause, reflect, and seek divine guidance before acting. This practice can prevent actions driven by fear or control from taking root.

• Examine your motives: Are they aligned with God’s kingdom ethics or driven by fear?
• Beware of the subtle ways fear can influence actions and decisions.
• Develop discernment to recognize true and false prophets by their fruits.
• Practice humility and justice as foundational values in all interactions.
• Regularly pause for reflection and seek divine guidance in challenging situations.

Conclusion

The message concludes with a challenge to embody the values of Yeshua by walking the narrow path, resisting the urge to control, and bearing fruit that reflects the kingdom of God. It invites believers to confront personal fears and past traumas, ensuring they do not subtly guide actions in ways contrary to Yeshua’s teachings.

The overarching point of the message is a call to vigilance, both in identifying wolves in our midst and in recognizing the potential for such tendencies within ourselves. By aligning with the true values of God’s kingdom, believers can ensure they remain on the path that leads to life.

Bible Verses Mentioned

• Matthew 7:15
• Matthew 7:16
• Ezekiel 22:27
• Amos 2:7
• Isaiah 1:11
• Jeremiah 7

Recommended Books

• The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann
• Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
• Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard

For more Bible Teachings, click here.