“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:15–16a, ESV).

In 1533, Martin Luther preached on Matt. 7:15–23, saying: “Where our Lord God builds a church, there the devil builds a tavern” (House Postils, 2:342). When God gives something good, the devil tries to spoil it with a rotten imitation. Luther continued: “It has always been this way, that where the truth is preached, there the devil has intermingled false doctrine and heresy” (House Postils, 2:342).

Hence, Jesus exhorts us: “Beware of false prophets.” They may look like sheep, but inside their woolly costumes they are really “ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” Such fruits are not outward deeds or immoral behaviors (though these may be telltale signs); they are the false teachings, messages, and proclamations.

How might you detect a false prophet? Consider how the bank teller learns to beware of counterfeit money. The teller works with stacks and stacks of genuine legal tender, counting out the bills over and over, getting the feel of the genuine article. It becomes automatic and second nature. Then, when a manager sneaks a counterfeit bill into the stack for training purposes, the teller can easily and quickly discern the difference and remove the fake.

How can you discern when the devil builds a tavern next to—or even within—God’s church? Know the genuine article, the true, life-giving Word. Luther said:

“For where a Christian is diligent, possessing nothing more than the catechism, the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the words of our Lord about baptism and the Sacrament of the Altar, he could defend himself very nicely with them and hold his own against all heresies. No better word or doctrine will arise than what has been summed up in the catechism from Holy Scripture” (House Postils, 2:343).

The Commandments keep us centered on trusting God above all and loving neighbors as ourselves. The Creed keeps our eyes fixed on all God has done and still does for us—creating us, redeeming us, and making us holy. The Lord’s Prayer leads us to rely on and call upon our true Father for all our needs of soul and body. Baptism, Absolution, and Lord’s Supper all deliver the genuine articles of Jesus’ forgiveness, life, and salvation.

As Luther proclaimed: “If we shall diligently hear and learn this Word, we can well fend off the false word, and the devil will have to yield” (House Postils, 2:349).

Prayer:
“Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word;
Curb those who by deceit or sword
Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son
And bring to naught all He has done” (LSB 655:1).

In Christ’s service,

Rev. Randy K. Asburry
Second Vice President
Missouri District