|
Click here for this study in PDF format.
|
||
|
WILL YOUR HOUSE STAND? Part 3By Their Fruit You Shall Know Them
|
||
|
"Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The King James Version (KJV)
Hebrew and Greek word meanings, for selected words in red, are included from the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, unless otherwise stated. Single words in blue represent words that were previously defined.
This study only covers a few things. And even then, it’s not exhaustive. Please pray and ask for guidance as you study the Word of God for yourself. I respectfully suggest that you not rely on others to instruct you. At best, you will never rise above their level of understanding. And at worse, you could be misled and deceived.
It is the Holy Spirit who will guide you into all truth.
John 16:13 “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (KJV)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
“Ye Shall Know Them by Their Fruits” By Your Fruits They Shall Know You
Paul, the one many turn to for their excuse to sin, tells us in 2 Timothy 3:
2 Timothy 3:1-7 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (KJV)
2 Timothy 3:1-7 can apply to anyone; no matter their gender or station in life. Or to the number of titles they have affixed to their names. And may I add that Paul says nothing about the exclusion of the apostles; prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. And we can even go a step further and include those who should be dearest to us, like our father, mother and siblings.
After all, Christ told us:
Matthew 10:34-36 “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.” (KJV)
Yet Christ told us that there are far worse than all of those listed above.
Most of us know that not everyone who smiles in your face has your best interest at heart. But how many know the face of a deceiver. Yet time and time again, Christ instructs us not to be deceived. But are we heeding His warnings?
Matthew 24:4-5 “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” (KJV)
Matthew 24:11 “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” (KJV)
The Apostle Peter told us:
1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (KJV)
And if the careless and unsuspecting do not take heed; they could find themselves in the jaws of the evil one and those that are his.
However, in order to avoid this we learned:
In Part 1 of this study that it is imperative that we keep God’s commandments.
In Part 2, that in order to enter into eternal life we must do the will of God and deny ourselves the passing pleasures of this world like the lust of the flesh; the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.
And in Part 3, Christ will teach us how to recognize deceivers. Especially those who tell you Parts 1 and 2 are no longer required.
And with so much at stake, it is crucial that we learn what the Word of the Living God has to say. If you agree, let us begin Part 3.
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
The above passage seems rather self-explanatory. However, there is a great deal we can learn from it. And though this study will not come close to being exhaustive; I hope it will be food for thought.
We will begin by defining key words in the above passage using the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, as well as other sources.
Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, (5578) which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening (727) wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. (2590) Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good (2570) fruit; (2590) but a corrupt (4550) tree bringeth forth (4160) evil (4190) fruit. (2590) 18 A good (18) tree cannot bring forth (4160) evil (4190) fruit, (2590) neither can a corrupt (4550) tree bring forth (4160) good (2570) fruit. (2590) 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good (2570) fruit (2590) is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits (2590) ye shall know (1921) them.” (KJV)
Bringeth Forth 4160 – ποιέω poiéō, poy-eh'-o; apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct):— (Translated in King James Version as) abide, + agree, appoint, × avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, × journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, × secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon – to make; to produce, construct, form, fashion; to make a path; to create, to produce; to labor, to do work; to be operative, exercise activity; spend, continue; to be the author of, to cause; to make ready, to prepare; to produce, bear, shoot forth; to acquire, to provide a thing for oneself; to gain; to make a thing out of something; appoint or ordain one that; etc.
Corrupt 4550 – σαπρός saprós, sap-ros'; from 4595; rotten, i.e. worthless (literally or morally):— (Translated in King James Version as) bad, corrupt
Evil 4190 – πονηρός ponērós, pon-ay-ros'; from a derivative of 4192; hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from 2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from 4550, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue); figuratively, calamitous; also (passively) ill, i.e. diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, i.e. derelict, vicious, facinorous; neuter (singular) mischief, malice, or (plural) guilt; masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural) sinners:— (Translated in King James Version as) bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked(-ness).
Thayer's Greek Lexicon – full of labors, annoyances, hardships; pressed and harassed by labors; bringing toils, annoyances, perils; bad, of a bad nature or condition; evil, that which is wicked.
False Prophets 5578 – ψευδοπροφήτης pseudoprophḗtēs, psyoo-dop-rof-ay'-tace; from 5571 and 4396; a spurious prophet, i.e. pretended foreteller or religious impostor: — (Translated in King James Version as) false prophet.
Spurious (Dictionary.com) adjective Not genuine, authentic, or true; not from the claimed, pretended, or proper source; counterfeit. Biology. (Of two or more parts, plants, etc.) having a similar appearance but a different structure. Of illegitimate birth; bastard.
5571 – ψευδής pseudḗs, psyoo-dace'; from 5574; untrue, i.e. erroneous, deceitful, wicked:— (Translated in King James Version as) false, liar.
4396 – προφήτης prophḗtēs, prof-ay'-tace; from a compound of 4253 and 5346; a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet:— (Translated in King James Version as) prophet.
4253 – πρό pró, pro; a primary preposition; "fore", i.e. in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to:— (Translated in King James Version as) above, ago, before, or ever.
5346 – φημί phēmí, fay-mee'; properly, the same as the base of 5457 and 5316; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. speak or say:— (Translated in King James Version as) affirm, say.
Fruits 2590 – καρπός karpós, kar-pos'; probably from the base of 726; fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively:— (Translated in King James Version as) fruit.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon – the fruit of one's loins, i. e. his progeny, his posterity; that which originates or comes from something; an effect, result; work, act, deed; advantage, profit, utility.
Good 18 – ἀγαθός agathós, ag-ath-os'; a primary word; "good" (in any sense, often as noun):— (Translated in King James Version as) benefit, good(-s, things), well.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon – excelling in any respect, distinguished, good; of a good constitution or nature; useful, salutary; pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy; upright, honorable; benevolent, kind, generous.
Good 2570 – καλός kalós, kal-os'; of uncertain affinity; properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from 18, which is properly intrinsic):— (Translated in King James Version as) X better, fair, good(-ly), honest, meet, well, worthy.
Know 1921 – ἐπιγινώσκω epiginṓskō, ep-ig-in-oce'-ko; from 1909 and 1097; to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge:— (Translated in King James Version as) (ac-, have, take)know(-ledge, well), perceive.
Ravening 727 – ἅρπαξ hárpax, har'-pax; from 726; rapacious: — (Translated in King James Version as) extortion, ravening.
Rapacious (Dictionary.com) – adjective Given to seizing for plunder or the satisfaction of greed. Inordinately greedy; predatory; extortionate: a rapacious disposition. (Of animals) subsisting by the capture of living prey; predacious
726 – ἁρπάζω harpázō, har-pad'-zo; from a derivative of 138; to seize (in various applications):— (Translated in King James Version as) catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).
Thayer's Greek Lexicon – rapacious, ravenous; a robber, an extortioner.
When it comes to prophets, it is important that we understand the Biblical meaning and character of a true prophet before we get into “false prophets.’’
According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, the primary Greek word, translated into English as “prophet” is as follows:
Prophet 4396 – προφήτης prophetes, prof-ay´-tace; from a compound of 4253 and 5346; a foreteller (“prophet”); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet: — (Translated in King James Version as) prophet.
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon gives us an expanded meaning:
Thayer's Greek Lexicon – to speak forth, speak out; hence, properly, 'one who speaks forth;' which comes from the same root as, 'to divulge,' 'make known,' 'announce'; therefore properly, equivalent to interpreter, an interpreter or spokesman for God; one through whom God speaks; one who speaks forth by divine inspiration.
Wikipedia, under the title “Prophet,” states in part:
In religion, a prophet is an individual who is regarded as being in contact with a divine being and is said to speak on that entity's behalf, serving as an intermediary with humanity by delivering messages or teachings from the supernatural source to other people. The message that the prophet conveys is called a prophecy. Claims of prophet hood have existed in many cultures throughout history, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, in ancient Greek religion, Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, and many others. (Emphasis added)
Wikipedia goes on to say under the title “Prophet,” subtitle “Etymology:”
The English word prophet is a compound Greek word, from pro (in advance) and the verb phesein (to tell); thus, a προφήτης (profétés) is someone who foretells future events, and also conveys messages from the divine to humans; in a different interpretation, it means advocate or speaker. In Hebrew, the word נָבִיא (nāvî), "spokesperson", traditionally translates as "prophet". The second subdivision of the Tanakh, (Nevi'im), is devoted to the Hebrew prophets. The meaning of navi is perhaps described in Deuteronomy 18:18, where God said, "...and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him." Thus, the navi was thought to be the "mouth" of God. The root nun-bet-alef ("navi") is based on the two-letter root nun-bet which denotes hollowness or openness; to receive transcendental wisdom, one must make oneself "open".
And finally, Dictionary.com defines “prophet” as follows:
Prophet noun 1. A person who speaks for God or a deity, or by divine inspiration. 2. (In the Old Testament)
d. A person who practices divination. 3. One of a class of persons in the early church, next in order after the apostles, recognized as inspired to utter special revelations and predictions. 1 Cor. 12:28. 4. The Prophet, Muhammad, the founder of Islam. 5. A person regarded as, or claiming to be, an inspired teacher or leader. 6. A person who foretells or predicts what is to come: a weather prophet; prophets of doom.
As you see from the above sources, the word prophet is not limited to those listed in the Holy Bible.
However, there are also examples in the Tanach (Old Testament) of those classified as prophets who also practiced “Divination.”
Jeremiah 14:14 “Then the LORD said unto me, the prophets (5030) prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, (7081) and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.” (KJV)
Ezekiel 13:6-7 “They have seen vanity and lying divination, (7081) saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word. 7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, (4738) whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?” (KJV)
Divination 4738 – מִקְסָם miqçam, mik-sawn´; from 7080; an augury:— (Translated in King James Version as) divination.
Augury (Dictionary.com) – noun, plural au·gu·ries. 1. The art or practice of an augur; divination. 2. The rite or ceremony of an augur. 3. An omen, token, or indication.
Divination 7081 – קֶסֶם qeçem, keh´-sem; from 7080; a lot: also divination (including its fee), oracle:— (Translated in King James Version as) (reward of) divination, divine sentence, witchcraft.
7080 – קָסַם qaçam, kaw-sam´; a primitive root; properly, to distribute, i.e. determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine:— (Translated in King James Version as) divine(-r, -ation), prudent, soothsayer, use (divination).
Divination (Dictionary.com) – noun 1. The practice of attempting to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge by occult or supernatural means. 2. Augury; prophecy: The divination of the high priest was fulfilled. 3. Perception by intuition; instinctive foresight.
Prophets 5030 –נָבִיא nâbîyʼ, naw-bee'; from 5012; a prophet or (generally) inspired man:— (Translated in King James Version as) prophecy, that prophesy, prophet.
In the King James Version (KJV) the Hebrew word קֶסֶם (qeçem) was also translated as “witchcraft.”
1Samuel 15:22-23 “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying (8085) the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey (8085) is better than sacrifice, (2077) and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion (4805) is as the sin (2403) of witchcraft, (7081) and stubbornness (6484) is as iniquity (205) and idolatry. (8655) Because thou hast rejected (3988) the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected (3988) thee from being king.” (KJV)
· Verse 23 – The word “Witchcraft” is the same Hebrew word rendered as “Divination.” · Verse 23 - To reject the “Word of the LORD” is to reject both the written Word and Christ who is the Word of God.
John 1:1-4 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (KJV)
Revelation 19:11-16 “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (KJV)
Idolatry 8655 –תְּרָפִים tᵉ râphîym, ter-aw-feme'; plural from 7495; a healer; Teraphim (singular or plural) a family idol:— (Translated in King James Version as) idols(-atry), images, teraphim.
7495 – רָפָא râphâʼ, raw-faw'; or רָפָה râphâh; a primitive root; properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure:— (Translated in King James Version as) cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, × thoroughly, make whole.
Iniquity 205 –אָוֶן ʼ âven, aw-ven'; from an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant (hence, to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught); strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol:— (Translated in King James Version as) affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness).
Obey/ Obeying 8085 –שָׁמַע shâmaʻ, shaw-mah'; a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.):— (Translated in King James Version as) × attentively, call (gather) together, × carefully, × certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, × diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), × indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, × surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
Rebellion 4805 – רִי mᵉ rîy, mer-ee'; from 4784; bitterness, i.e. (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious:— (Translated in King James Version as) bitter, (most) rebel(-lion, -lious).
4784 –מָרָה mârâh, maw-raw'; a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke):— (Translated in King James Version as) bitter, change, be disobedient, disobey, grievously, provocation, provoke(-ing), (be) rebel (against, -lious).
Rejected 3988 –מָאַס mâʼaç, maw-as'; a primitive root; to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear:— (Translated in King James Version as) abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, × utterly, vile person.
Sacrifice 2077 –זֶבַח zebach, zeh'-bakh; from 2076; properly, a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act):— (Translated in King James Version as) offer(-ing), sacrifice.
Sin 2403 –חַטָּאָה chaṭṭâʼâh, khat-taw-aw'; or חַטָּאת chaṭṭâʼth; from 2398; an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender:— (Translated in King James Version as) punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering).
2398 –חָטָא châṭâʼ, khaw-taw'; a primitive root; properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn:— (Translated in King James Version as) bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass.
Stubbornness 6484 –פָּצַר pâtsar, paw-tsar'; a primitive root; to peck at, i.e. (figuratively) stun or dull:— (Translated in King James Version as) press, urge, stubbornness.
Witchcraft 7081 – קֶסֶם qeçem, keh´-sem; from 7080; a lot: also divination (including its fee), :— (Translated in King James Version as) (reward of) divination, divine sentence, witchcraft.
7080 – קָסַם qaçam, kaw-sam´; a primitive root; properly, to distribute, i.e. determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine:— (Translated in King James Version as) divine(-r, -ation), prudent, soothsayer, use (divination).
The Prophets of Yehowah (YAH) According to the Holy Bible
Ø Were First Called “Seers.”
1 Samuel 9:9 “(Before time in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: (7200) for he that is now called a Prophet (5030) was beforetime called a Seer.)” (7200) (KJV)
· The following passage connects both “Prophet” and “Seer.”
2 Samuel 24:10-12 “And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. 11 For when David was up in the morning, the word of the Lord came unto the prophet (5030) Gad, David's seer, (2374) saying, 12 Go and say unto David, Thus saith the Lord, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.” (KJV)
Seer 2374 – חֹזֶה chozeh, kho-zeh´; active participle of 2372; a beholder in vision; also a compact (as looked upon with approval):— (Translated in King James Version as) agreement, prophet, see that, seer, (star-)gazer.
Seers 7200 – רָאָה raʾah, raw-aw´; a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative):— (Translated in King James Version as) advise self, appear, approve, behold, x certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, x indeed, x joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, x be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), x sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, x surely, x think, view, visions.
Ø Women Were Called “Prophetess.”
Exodus 15:20 “And Miriam the prophetess, (5031) the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.” (KJV)
Judges 4:4 “And Deborah, a prophetess, (5031) the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.” (KJV)
Prophetess 5031 – נְבִיאָה nbiyʾah, neb-ee-yaw´; feminine of 5030; a prophetess or (generally) inspired woman; by implication, a poetess; by association a prophet’s wife:— (Translated in King James Version as) prophetess.
Ø How Yehowah Made Himself Known to His Prophets.
Numbers 12:5-6 “And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet (5030) among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” (KJV)
· Moses was an exception.
Deuteronomy 34:10 “And there arose not a prophet (5030) since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,” (KJV)
Ø The Spirit of God was in/upon the Prophets of the Living God.
Nehemiah 9:30 “Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: (5030) yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.” (KJV)
Numbers 11:29 “And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, (5030) and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!” (KJV)
Zechariah 7:12 “Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former (7223) prophets: (5030) therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts.” (KJV)
Former 7223 –רִאשׁוֹן riʼshôwn, ree-shone'; or רִאשֹׁן riʼshôn; from 7221; first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun):— (Translated in King James Version as) ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past.
Ø Prophets of YAH Prophesied When the Spirit of YAH Came Upon Them.
1 Samuel 10:10 “And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets (5030) met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied (5012) among them.” (KJV)
1 Samuel 19:20 “And Saul sent messengers (4397) to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets (5030) prophesying, (5012) and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers (4397) of Saul, and they also prophesied.” (5012) (KJV)
Messengers 4397 – ֲלְאָךְ mălʼâk, mal-awk'; from an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher):— (Translated in King James Version as) ambassador, angel, king, messenger.
Prophesied/ prophesying 5012 –נָבָא nâbâʼ, naw-baw'; a primitive root; to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse):— (Translated in King James Version as) prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet.
Ø It Is YAH Who Sends His Prophets.
Hebrews 1:1 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,” (KJV)
Jeremiah 7:25 “Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, (5030) daily rising up early and sending them:” (KJV)
Malachi 4:5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet (5030) before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:” (KJV)
Christ said:
Matthew 23:34 “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, (4396) and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:” (KJV)
Ø Prophets Would Attempt To Turn The People Back To YAH.
2 Kings 17:13-14 “Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, (5030) and by all the seers, (2374) saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. (5030) 14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.” (KJV)
Ø A Prophet Could Be Used to Test the People.
Deuteronomy 13:1-3 “If there arise among you a prophet, (5030) or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, (5030) or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth (5254) you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” (KJV)
Proveth 5254 – נָסָה naçah, naw-saw´; a primitive root; to test; by implication, to attempt:— (Translated in King James Version as) adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try.
Ø Primary Indicator of a True Prophet of YAH.
Deuteronomy 18: 22 “When a prophet (5030) speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet (5030) hath spoken it presumptuously: (2087) thou shalt not be afraid (1481) of him.” (KJV)
Afraid 1481 –גּוּר gûwr, goor; a primitive root; properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e. sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place); also to gather for hostility (as afraid):— (Translated in King James Version as) abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, × surely.
Presumptuously 2087 –זָדוֹן zâdôwn, zaw-done'; from 2102; arrogance:— (Translated in King James Version as) presumptuously, pride, proud (man).
2102 – זוּד zûwd, zood; or (by permutation) זִיד zîyd; a primitive root; to seethe; figuratively, to be insolent:— (Translated in King James Version as) be proud, deal proudly, presume, (come) presumptuously, sod.
Ø A Prophet Must Be Careful to Follow YAH’s Instructions.
1 Kings 13:11-26 “Now there dwelt an old prophet (5030) in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father. 12 And their father said unto them, What way went he? For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah. 13 And he said unto his sons, Saddle me the ass. So they saddled him the ass: and he rode thereon, 14 And went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak: and he said unto him, Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah? And he said, I am. 15 Then he said unto him, Come home with me, and eat bread. 16 And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place: 17 For it was said to me by the word of the Lord, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest. 18 He said unto him, I am a prophet (5030) also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him. 19 So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water. 20 And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lord came unto the prophet (5030) that brought him back: 21 And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God commanded thee, 22 But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the Lord did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers. 23 And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, to wit, for the prophet (5030) whom he had brought back. 24 And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase. 25 And, behold, men passed by, and saw the carcase cast in the way, and the lion standing by the carcase: and they came and told it in the city where the old prophet (5030) dwelt. 26 And when the prophet (5030) that brought him back from the way heard thereof, he said, It is the man of God, who was disobedient unto the word of the Lord: therefore the Lord hath delivered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake unto him.” (KJV)
Ø The Prophets of YAH Were Often Persecuted and Killed.
James 5.10 “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.” (KJV)
Christ tells us:
Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (KJV)
Luke 6:22-23 “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” (KJV)
· This brings to mind those who are not invited to churches because they speak truth according to the Word of God. In contrast, people usually speak well of the “false prophets” or those who put on a show and tell the people what they want to hear.
Luke 6.26 “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” (KJV)
“The Prophet”
Out of all the prophets in the Tanach (Old Testament) Moses was the only one that YAH spoke to face to face. However, YAH told Moses’ that He would raise up a prophet like Moses’ and this Prophet the people are to listen to. And notice that I said “are” not “were.”
Deuteronomy 18:18-19 “I will raise them up a Prophet (5030) from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.” (KJV)
· It is Christ who spoke all that the Father told Him.
John 8:28 “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.” (KJV)
John 12:49-50 “For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.” (KJV)
And many of the people thought Christ was that Prophet like Moses.
John 7:39-41 “(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) 40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. (4396) 41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?” (KJV)
And the Apostle Peter said:
Question:
If the Word of God (both Yeshua/Jesus and the written Word) tells you one thing and a supposed apostle; prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher, televangelist, someone on social media, or anyone else for that matter; tells you to do, believe or follow something that contradicts the Word of God, what would you do?
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15
Why do they come to us in “sheep’s clothing”? They will fit in.
] We are likened to sheep.
Jeremiah 50:6 “My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place.” (KJV)
Mark 6:34 “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.” (KJV)
John 10:11-12 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.” (KJV)
] AAnd as a rule, sheep are followers. According to Wikipedia, under the title “Sheep” subtitle “Flock Behavior.”
“Sheep are flock animals and strongly gregarious; much sheep behavior can be understood on the basis of these tendencies. The dominance hierarchy of sheep and their natural inclination to follow a leader to new pastures were the pivotal factors in sheep being one of the first domesticated livestock species.”
] When a wolf comes in “sheep’s clothing” seldom does anyone notice. After all, in sheep’s clothing the wolf looks like everyone else. If it’s a church setting, they also wear their church face and know all the church phrases. So the sheep are at ease around them and feel no need to panic and flee.
But what does John admonish us to do?
1 John 4:1 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (1381) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets (5578) are gone out into the world.” (KJV)
Try 1381 – δοκιμάζω dokimazo, dok-im-ad´-zo; from 1384; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve: — (Translated in King James Version as) allow, discern, examine, x like, (ap-)prove, try. · Note that it states that the false prophets have “gone out into the world,” not just gone out into the “church.” People of every walk of life are being deceived by false prophets.
· Recall that the word “prophet,” according to the English dictionary, can range in meaning from one who “speaks for God,” to one who “practices divination.” And most are no more than fortunetellers appealing to the “itching ears” of their audience.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”(3454) (KJV)
Fables 3454 – μῦθος muthos, moo´-thos; perhaps from the same as 3453 (through the idea of tuition); a tale, i.e. fiction (“myth”): — (Translated in King James Version as) fable.
· There is a prophesy in Daniel 12 that reminds me of the times in which we live.
Daniel 12:4 “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, (7751) and knowledge shall be increased.” (KJV)
To and Fro 7751 – שׁוּט shuwt, shoot; a primitive root; properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e. (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel:— (Translated in King James Version as) go (about, through, to and fro), mariner, rower, run to and fro.
Think about this. According to Wikipedia:
----------------------------------------------------- 1 Wikipedia - History of the Automobile 2 Wikipedia - History of rail transport 3 Wikipedia – Wright brothers 4 Wikipedia - History of personal computers 5 Wikipedia - History of the internet 6 The History of Facebook and How It Was Invented
So, what do you think? Was Daniel 12:4 fulfilled in these last days?
· Whether you think so or not, in the age of the internet and social media, false prophets are running rampant. They are no longer limited to a small audience inside the confines of a church. And in these days of darkness and deception, it’s not hard to find someone online, or off, who’s had a dream, seen a vision or wants to predict what’s going to happen.
And though we cannot overlook the possibility that a few may be legitimate; Yehowah, the true and living God warns us that not everyone saying “the Lord said,” is speaking for Him. And this includes religious gurus pushing their wares on television; online or behind their pulpits.
The Tanach (Old Testament) reminds us that “False Prophets” are not new to the New Testament.
Jeremiah 5:26-31 “For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, (7789) as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, (4889) they catch men. 27 As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. 28 They are waxen fat, they shine: (6245) yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. 29 Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? 30 A wonderful (8047) and horrible thing (8186) is committed in the land; 31 The prophets (5030) prophesy (5012) falsely, (8267) and the priests (3548) bear rule (7287) by their means; (3027) and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” (KJV)
· The above passage is in line with the following:
Isaiah 30:8-10 “Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: 9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: 10 Which say to the seers, (7200) See not; and to the prophets, (2374) Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:” (KJV)
Ezekiel 13:3-8 “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish (5036) prophets, (5030) that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! 4 O Israel, thy prophets (5030) are like the foxes in the deserts. 5 Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD. 6 They have seen vanity and lying divination, (7081) saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word. 7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, (7081) whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken? 8 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.” (KJV)
Ezekiel 22:25-28 “There is a conspiracy (7195) of her prophets (5030) in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. 26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned (2490) among them. 27 Her princes (8269) in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. 28 And her prophets (5030) have daubed (2902) them with untempered (8602) morter, seeing vanity, (7723) and divining (7080) lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken.” (KJV)
Jeremiah 14:14-15 “Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets (5030) prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, (7081) and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. 15 Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets (5030) that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets (5030) be consumed.” (KJV)
Bear rule 7287 – רָדָה radah, raw-daw´; a primitive root; to tread down, i.e. subjugate; specifically, to crumble off: — (Translated in King James Version as) (come to, make to) have dominion, prevail against, reign, (bear, make to) rule,(-r, over), take.
Conspiracy 7195 – קֶשֶׁר qesher, keh´-sher; from 7194; an (unlawful) alliance:— (Translated in King James Version as) confederacy, conspiracy, treason.
Daubed 2902 – טוּחַ tuwach, too´-akh; a primitive root; to smear, especially with lime:— (Translated in King James Version as)daub, overlay, plaister, smut.
Falsely 8267 – שֶׁקֶר sheqer, sheh´-ker; from 8266; an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial):— (Translated in King James Version as) without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, + lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully.
8266 – שָׁקַר shaqar, shaw-kar´; a primitive root; to cheat, i.e. be untrue (usually in words):— (Translated in King James Version as) fail, deal falsely, lie.
Foolish 5036 – נָבָל nabal, naw-bawl´; from 5034; stupid; wicked (especially impious):— (Translated in King James Version as) fool(-ish, -ish man, -ish woman), vile person.
5034 – נָבֵל nabel, naw-bale´; a primitive root; to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint; figuratively, to be foolish or (morally) wicked; causatively, to despise, disgrace:— (Translated in King James Version as) disgrace, dishounour, lightly esteem, fade (away, -ing), fall (down, -ling, off), do foolishly, come to nought, x surely, make vile, wither.
Horrible thing 8186 – שַׁעֲרוּרָה shaʿaruwrah, shah-ar-oo-raw´; or שַׁעֲרִירִיָּה shanariyriyah, shah-ar-ee-ree-yaw´; or שַׁעֲרֻרִת shaparurith, shah-ar-oo-reeth´; feminine from 8176 in the sense of 8175; something fearful:— (Translated in King James Version as) horrible thing.
Lay wait 7789 – שׁוּר shuwr, shoor; a primitive root (identical with 7788 through the idea of going round for inspection); to spy out, i.e. (generally) survey, (for evil) lurk for, (for good) care for:— (Translated in King James Version as) behold, lay wait, look, observe, perceive, regard, see.
Means 3027 – יָד yad, yawd; a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote (as follows):— (Translated in King James Version as) (+ be) able, x about, + armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, x bounty, + broad, (broken-)handed, x by, charge, coast, + consecrate, + creditor, custody, debt, dominion, x enough, + fellowship, force, x from, hand(-staves, -y work), x he, himself, x in, labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, x mine, ministry, near, x of, x order, ordinance, x our, parts, pain, power, x presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, x thee, x by them, x themselves, x thine own, x thou, through, x throwing, + thumb, times, x to, x under, x us, x wait on, (way-)side, where, + wide, x with (him, me, you), work, + yield, x yourselves.
Priests 3548 – כֹּהֵן kohen, ko-hane´; active participle of 3547; literally, one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman):— (Translated in King James Version as) chief ruler, x own, priest, prince, principal officer.
Princes 8269 – שַׂר sar, sar; from 8323; a head person (of any rank or class):— (Translated in King James Version as)captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord, ((-task-))master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward.
Profaned 2490 – חָלַל chalal, khaw-lal´; a primitive root (compare 2470); properly, to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one’s word), to begin (as if by an “opening wedge”); denom. (from 2485) to play (the flute):— (Translated in King James Version as) begin (x men began), defile, x break, defile, x eat (as common things), x first, x gather the grape thereof, x take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound.
Shine 6245 – עָשַׁת ʿashath, aw-shath´; a primitive root; probably to be sleek, i.e. glossy; hence (through the idea of polishing) to excogitate (as if forming in the mind):— (Translated in King James Version as) shine, think.
Trap 4889 – מַשְׁחִית mashchiyth, mash-kheeth´; from 7843; destructive, i.e. (as noun) destruction, literally (specifically a snare) or figuratively (corruption):— (Translated in King James Version as) corruption, (to) destroy(-ing), destruction, trap, x utterly.
Untempered 602 – תָּפֵל taphel, taw-fale´; from an unused root meaning to smear; plaster (as gummy) or slime; (figuratively) frivolity:— (Translated in King James Version as) foolish things, unsavoury, untempered.
Vanity 7723 – שָׁוְא shavʾ, shawv; or שַׁו shav, shav; from the same as 7722 in the sense of desolating; evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, objective; also adverbially, in vain):— (Translated in King James Version as) false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity.
Wonderful 8047 – שַׁמָּה shammah, sham-maw´; from 8074; ruin; by implication, consternation:— (Translated in King James Version as) astonishment, desolate(-ion), waste, wonderful thing.
2 Peter 2 gives us further insight into the character of a “false prophet” and why these people should be avoided at all costs.
2 Peter 2 “But there were false prophets (5578) also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers (5572) among you, who privily (3919) shall bring in damnable (684) heresies, (139) even denying (720) the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (684) 2 And many shall follow (1811) their pernicious ways; (684) by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness (4124) shall they with feigned (4112) words make merchandise (1710) of you: whose judgment (2917) now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation (684) slumbereth not. 4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; (2920) 5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 7 And delivered just Lot, vexed (2669) with the filthy conversation (391) of the wicked: 8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust (1939) of uncleanness, (3394) and despise (2706) government. (2963) Presumptuous (5113) are they, selfwilled, (829) they are not afraid to speak evil (987) of dignities. (1391) 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing (989) accusation (2920) against them before the Lord. 12 But these, as natural (5446) brute (249) beasts, (2226) made to be taken and destroyed, (5356) speak evil (987) of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; (5356) 13 And shall receive the reward (3408) of unrighteousness, (93) as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots (4696) they are and blemishes, (3470) sporting themselves with their own deceivings (539) while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling (1185) unstable (793) souls: an heart they have exercised (1128) with covetous practices; (4124) cursed (2671) children: 15 Which have forsaken (2641) the right (2117) way, (3598) and are gone astray, (4105) following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; (93) 16 But was rebuked (1649) for his iniquity: (3892) the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. (4396) 17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist (2217) of darkness (4655) is reserved (5083) forever. 18 For when they speak great swelling (5246) words of vanity, (3153) they allure (1185) through the lusts (1939) of the flesh, through much wantonness, (766) those that were clean (3689) escaped (668) from them who live in error. (4106) 19 While they promise (1861) them liberty, (1657) they themselves are the servants (1401) of corruption: (5356) for of whom a man is overcome, (2274) of the same is he brought in bondage. (1402) 20 For if after they have escaped (668) the pollutions (3393) of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled (1707) therein, and overcome, (2274) the latter end is worse (5501) with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, (1343) than, after they have known it, to turn (1994) from the holy (40) commandment delivered (3860) unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” (KJV)
· Verse 15 – “Gone astray” translated as “Deceived.” (see page 34)
Jude also warns us:
Jude 1: 3-4 “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend (1864) for the faith (4102) which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, (3921) who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace (5485) of our God into lasciviousness, and denying (720) the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (KJV)
· Both 2 Peter 2:1 and Jude 1:4 tell us that these “ungodly men” deny the Lord. However, this may not refer to them denying Christ’s existence; though that may be true for some. Instead, they deny Christ by what they preach, teach and proclaim. And the vast majority of these charlatans have carte blanche to say and do whatever they choose, without question. Why? Because most professing “Christians” do not know Christ or His words.
· These “ungodly men” are ravenous wolves and they, like Satan, are seeking whom they may devour.
1 Peter 5:8-9 “ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” (KJV)
Acts 20:28-30 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse (1294) things, to draw away disciples after them.” (KJV)
YAH says that His people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. And in spite of the “False Prophets” and “False Teachers” each of us, individually, will be held accountable for not seeking God and His truth for ourselves.
Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (KJV)
Accusation 2920 – κρίσις krisis, kree´-sis; decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law): — (Translated in King James Version as)accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment.
Allure/ Beguiling 1185 – δελεάζω deleazo, del-eh-ad´-zo; from the base of 1388; to entrap, i.e. (figuratively) delude: — (Translated in King James Version as) allure, beguile, entice.
1388 – δόλος dolos, dol´-os; from an obsolete primary verb, δέλλω dello (probably meaning to decoy; compare 1185); a trick (bait), i.e. (figuratively) wile: — (Translated in King James Version as) craft, deceit, guile, subtilty.
Beasts 2226 – ζῶον zoon, dzo´-on; neuter of a derivative of 2198; a live thing, i.e. an animal: — (Translated in King James Version as) beast.
Beguiling 1185 – see “Allure”
Blemishes 3470 – μῶμος momos, mo´-mos; perhaps from 3201; a flaw or blot, i.e. (figuratively) disgraceful person: — (Translated in King James Version as) blemish.
Brought in Bondage 1402 – δουλόω douloo, doo-lo´-o; from 1401; to enslave (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) bring into (be under) bondage, x given, become (make) servant.
Brute 249 – ἄλογος alogos, al´-og-os; from 1 (as a negative particle) and 3056; irrational: — (Translated in King James Version as) brute, unreasonable.
Clean 3689 – ὄντως ontos, on´-toce; adverb of the oblique cases of 5607; really: — (Translated in King James Version as) certainly, clean, indeed, of a truth, verily.
Conversation 391 – ἀναστροφή anastrophe, an-as-trof-ay´; from 390; behavior: — (Translated in King James Version as) conversation.
Corruption/Destroyed 5356 – φθορά phthora, fthor-ah´; from 5351; decay, i.e. ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) corruption, destroy, perish.
5351 – φθείρω phtheiro, fthi´-ro; probably strengthened from φθίω phthio (to pine or waste); properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave): — (Translated in King James Version as) corrupt (self), defile, destroy.
Covetous Practices /Covetousness 4124 – πλεονεξία pleonexia, pleh-on-ex-ee´-ah; from 4123; avarice, i.e. (by implication) fraudulency, extortion: — (Translated in King James Version as) covetous(-ness) practices, greediness.
4123 – πλεονέκτης pleonektes, pleh-on-ek´-tace; from 4119 and 2192; holding (desiring) more, i.e. eager for gain (avaricious, hence a defrauder): — (Translated in King James Version as) covetous.
Crept in unawares 3921 – παρεισδύνω pareisduno, par-ice-doo´-no; from 3844 and a compound of 1519 and 1416; to settle in alongside, i.e. lodge stealthily: — (Translated in King James Version as) creep in unawares.
Cursed 2671 – κατάρα katara, kat-ar´-ah; from 2596 (intensive) and 685; imprecation, execration: — (Translated in King James Version as) curse(-d, ing).
Imprecate (Dictionary.com) – Verb 1. To invoke or call down (evil or curses), upon a person.
Execrate (Dictionary.com) – Verb 1. To detest utterly, abhor; abominate. 2. To curse;imprevate evil upon; damn;denounce.
Damnable/ Damnation/ Destruction/ Pernicious Ways 684 – ἀπώλεια apoleia, ap-o´-li-a; from a presumed derivative of 622; ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal): — (Translated in King James Version as) damnable(-nation), destruction, die, perdition, x perish, pernicious ways, waste.
Darkness 4655 – σκότος skotos, skot´-os; from the base of 4639; shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) darkness.
Deceivings 539 – ἀπάτη apate, ap-at´-ay; from 538; delusion: — (Translated in King James Version as) deceit(-ful, -fulness), deceivableness(-ving).
538 – ἀπατάω apatao, ap-at-ah´-o; of uncertain derivation; to cheat, i.e. delude: — (Translated in King James Version as) deceive.
Delivered 3860 – παραδίδωμι paradidomi, par-ad-id´-o-mee; from 3844 and 1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit: — (Translated in King James Version as) betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend.
Denying 720 – ἀρνέομαι arneomai, ar-neh´-om-ahee; perhaps from 1 (as a negative particle) and the middle voice of 4483; to contradict, i.e. disavow, reject, abnegate: — (Translated in King James Version as) deny, refuse.
Contradict (Dictionary.com) – verb (used with object) 1. To assert the contrary or opposite of; deny directly and categorically. 2. To speak contrary to the assertions of: to contradict oneself. 3. (Of an action or event) to imply a denial of: His way of life contradicts his stated principles. 4. Obsolete. to speak or declare against; oppose.
verb (used without object)
5. To utter a contrary statement
Disavow (Dictionary.com) – verb (used with object) To disclaim knowledge of, connection with, or responsibility for; disown; repudiate: He disavowed the remark that had been attributed to him.
Reject (Dictionary.com) – verb (used with object) 1. To refuse to have, take, recognize, etc.: to reject the offer of a better job. 2. To refuse to grant (a request, demand, etc.). 3. To refuse to accept (someone or something); rebuff: The other children rejected him. The publisher rejected the author's latest novel. 4. To discard as useless or unsatisfactory: The mind rejects painful memories. 5. To cast out or eject; vomit. 6. To cast out or off. 7. Medicine/Medical. (of a human or other animal) to have an immunological reaction against (a transplanted organ or grafted tissue): If tissue types are not matched properly, a patient undergoing a transplant will reject the graft.
Abnegate (Dictionary.com) verb (used with object), ab·ne·gat·ed, ab·ne·gat·ing. 1. To refuse or deny oneself (some rights, conveniences, etc.); reject; renounce. 2. To relinquish; give up.
Despise 2706 – καταφρονέω kataphroneo, kat-af-ron-eh´-o; from 2596 and 5426; to think against, i.e. disesteem: — (Translated in King James Version as) despise.
Destroyed 5356 – see “Corruption”
Destruction 684 – see “Damnable” Dignities 1391 – δόξα doxa, dox´-ah; from the base of 1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective): — (Translated in King James Version as) dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.
Earnestly contend 1864 – ἐπαγωνίζομαι epagonizomai, ep-ag-o-nid´-zom-ahee; from 1909 and 75; to struggle for: — (Translated in King James Version as) earnestly contend foreign
75 – ἀγωνίζομαι agonizomai, ag-o-nid´-zom-ahee; from 73; to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something): — (Translated in King James Version as)fight, labor fervently, strive.
Entangled 1707 – ἐμπλέκω empleko, em-plek´-o; from 1722 and 4120; to entwine, i.e. (figuratively) involve with: — (Translated in King James Version as) entangle (in, self with).
Error 4106 – πλάνη plane, plan´-ay; feminine of 4108 (as abstractly); objectively, fraudulence; subjectively, a straying from orthodoxy or piety: — (Translated in King James Version as) deceit, to deceive, delusion, error.
4108 – πλάνος planos, plan´-os; of uncertain affinity; roving (as a tramp), i.e. (by implication) an impostor or misleader; — (Translated in King James Version as) deceiver, seducing.
Escaped 668 – ἀποφεύγω apopheugo, ap-of-yoo´-go; from 575 and 5343; (figuratively) to escape: — (Translated in King James Version as) escape.
575 – ἀπό apo, apo´; a primary particle; “off,” i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative): — (Translated in King James Version as) (x here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.
5343 – φεύγω pheugo, fyoo´-go; apparently a primary verb; to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish: — (Translated in King James Version as) escape, flee (away).
Evil/ Speak Evil 987 – βλασφημέω blasphemeo, blas-fay-meh´-o; from 989; to vilify; specially, to speak impiously: — (Translated in King James Version as) (speak) blaspheme(-er, -mously, -my), defame, rail on, revile, speak evil.
Exercised 1128 – γυμνάζω gumnazo, goom-nad´-zo; from 1131; to practise naked (in the games), i.e. train (figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) exercise.
Faith 4102 – πίστις pistis, pis´-tis; from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: — (Translated in King James Version as) assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.
3982 – πείθω peitho, pi´-tho; a primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty): — (Translated in King James Version as) agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) conflent, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.
False Teachers 5572 – ψευδοδιδάσκαλος pseudodidaskalos, psyoo-dod-id-as´-kal-os; from 5571 and 1320; a spurious teacher, i.e. propagator of erroneous Christian doctrine: — (Translated in King James Version as) false teacher.
Feigned 4112 – πλαστός plastos, plas-tos´; from 4111; moulded, i.e. (by implication) artificial or (figuratively) fictitious (false): — (Translated in King James Version as) feigned.
4111 – πλάσσω plasso, plas´-so; a primary verb; to mould, i.e. shape or fabricate: — (Translated in King James Version as) form.
Follow 1811 – ἐξακολουθέω exakoloutheo, ex-ak-ol-oo-theh´-o; from 1537 and 190; to follow out, i.e. (figuratively) to imitate, obey, yield to: — (Translated in King James Version as) follow.
190 – ἀκολουθέω akoloutheo, ak-ol-oo-theh´-o; from 1 (as a particle of union) and κέλευθος keleuthos (a road); properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany (specially, as a disciple): — (Translated in King James Version as) follow, reach. Forsaken 2641 – καταλείπω kataleipo, kat-al-i´-po; from 2596 and 3007; to leave down, i.e. behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining: — (Translated in King James Version as) forsake, leave, reserve.
Gone Astray 4105 – πλανάω planao, plan-ah´-o; from 4106; to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue): — (Translated in King James Version as) go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way.
4106 – πλάνη plane, plan´-ay; feminine of 4108 (as abstractly); objectively, fraudulence; subjectively, a straying from orthodoxy or piety: — (Translated in King James Version as) deceit, to deceive, delusion, error.
Government 2963 – κυριότης kuriotes, koo-ree-ot´-ace; from 2962; mastery, i.e. (concretely and collectively) rulers: — (Translated in King James Version as) dominion, government.
2962 – κύριος kurios, koo´-ree-os; from κῦρος kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title): — (Translated in King James Version as) God, Lord, master, Sir.
Grace 5485 – χάρις charis, khar´-ece; from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): — (Translated in King James Version as) acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).
Heresies 139 – αἵρεσις hairesis, hah´-ee-res-is; from 138; properly, a choice, i.e. (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion: —(Translated in King James Version as) heresy (which is the Greek word itself), sect.
138 – αἱρέομαι haireomai, hahee-reh´-om-ahee; probably akin to 142; to take for oneself, i.e. to prefer: — (Translated in King James Version as) choose. Some of the forms are borrowed from a cognate ἕλλομαι hellomai which is otherwise obsolete.
Holy 40 – ἅγιος hagios, hag´-ee-os; from ἅγος hagos (an awful thing) (compare 53, 2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated): — (Translated in King James Version as) (most) holy (one, thing), saint.
Iniquity 3892 – παρανομία paranomia, par-an-om-ee´-ah; from the same as 3891; transgression: -(Translated in King James Version as) iniquity.
3891 – παρανομέω paranomeo, par-an-om-eh´-o; from a compound of 3844 and 3551; to be opposed to law, i.e. to transgress: — (Translated in King James Version as) contrary to law.
Transgression (Dictionary.com) – Noun 1. An act of transgressing; violation of a law, command, etc.; sin.
Judgment 2917 – Κρίμα Krima, Kree´-Mah; From 2919; A Decision (The Function Or The Effect, For Or Against (“Crime”)): — (Translated In King James Version As) Avenge, Condemned, Condemnation, Damnation, + Go To Law, Judgment.
Liberty 1657 – ἐλευθερία eleutheria, el-yoo-ther-ee´-ah; from 1658; freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial): — (Translated in King James Version as) liberty.
1658 – ἐλεύθερος eleutheros, el-yoo´-ther-os; probably from the alternate of 2064; unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e. (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or liability): — (Translated in King James Version as) free (man, woman), at liberty.
Lust 1939 – ἐπιθυμία epithumia, ep-ee-thoo-mee´-ah; from 1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden): —(Translated in King James Version as) concupiscence, desire, lust (after).
1937 – ἐπιθυμέω epithumeo, ep-ee-thoo-meh´-o; from 1909 and 2372; to set the heart upon, i.e. long for (rightfully or otherwise): —(Translated in King James Version as) covet, desire, would fain, lust (after).
Merchandise 1710 – ἐμπορεύομαι emporeuomai, em-por-yoo´-om-ahee; from 1722 and 4198; to travel in (a country as a pedlar), i.e. (by implication) to trade: — (Translated in King James Version as) buy and sell, make merchandise.
Mist 2217 – ζόφος zophos, dzof´-os; akin to the base of 3509; gloom (as shrouding like a cloud): — (Translated in King James Version as) blackness, darkness, mist.
Natural 5446 – φυσικός phusikos, foo-see-kos´; from 5449; “physical”, i.e. (by implication) instinctive: — (Translated in King James Version as) natural.
Overcome 2274 – ἡττάω hettao, hayt-tah´-o; from the same as 2276; to make worse, i.e. vanquish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to rate lower: — (Translated in King James Version as) be inferior, overcome.
Pernicious Ways 684 – see “Damnable”
Perverse 1294 – διαστρέφω diastrepho, dee-as-tref´-o; from 1223 and 4762; to distort, i.e. (figuratively) misinterpret, or (morally) corrupt: —(Translated in King James Version as) perverse(-rt), turn away.
Pollutions 3393 – μίασμα miasma, mee´-as-mah; from 3392 (“miasma”); (morally) foulness (properly, the effect): — (Translated in King James Version as) pollution.
Miasma (noun) · miasmas (plural noun) 1. A highly unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapor. 2. An oppressive or unpleasant atmosphere which surrounds or emanates from something.
3392 – μιαίνω miaino, me-ah´-ee-no; perhaps a primary verb; to sully or taint, i.e. contaminate (ceremonially or morally): — (Translated in King James Version as) defile.
Practices 4124 – πλεονεξία pleonexia, pleh-on-ex-ee´-ah; from 4123; avarice, i.e. (by implication) fraudulency, extortion: — (Translated in King James Version as) covetous(-ness) practices, greediness.
Presumptuous 5113 – τολμητής tolmetes, tol-may-tace´; from 5111; a daring (audacious) man: — (Translated in King James Version as) presumptuous.
Privily shall bring in 3919 – παρεισάγω pareisago, par-ice-ag´-o; from 3844 and 1521; to lead in aside, i.e. introduce surreptitiously: — (Translated in King James Version as) privily bring in.
Promise 1861 – ἐπαγγέλλω epaggello, ep-ang-el´-lo; from 1909 and the base of 32; to announce upon (reflexively), i.e. (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself: — (Translated in King James Version as) profess, (make) promise.
Railing 989 – βλάσφημος blasphemos, blas´-fay-mos; from a derivative of 984 and 5345; scurrilious, i.e. calumnious (against men), or (specially) impious (against God): — (Translated in King James Version as) blasphemer(-mous), railing.
Rebuked 1649 – ἔλεγξις elegxis, el´-eng-xis; from 1651; refutation, i.e. reproof: — (Translated in King James Version as) rebuke.
1651 – ἐλέγχω elegcho, el-eng´-kho; of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish: — (Translated in King James Version as) convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove.
Reserved 5083 – τηρέω tereo, tay-reh´-o; from τερός teros (a watch; perhaps akin to 2334); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from 5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from 2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), i.e. to note (a prophecy; figuratively, to fulfil a command); by implication, to detain (in custody; figuratively, to maintain); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried): — (Translated in King James Version as) hold fast, keep(- er), (pre-, re-)serve, watch.
Reward 3408 – μισθός misthos, mis-thos´; apparently a primary word; pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad: — (Translated in King James Version as) hire, reward, wages.
Right 2117 – εὐθύς euthus, yoo-thoos´; perhaps from 2095 and 5087; straight, i.e. (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once: — (Translated in King James Version as) anon, by and by, forthwith, immediately, straightway.
Righteousness 1343 – δικαιοσύνη dikaiosune, dik-ah-yos-oo´-nay; from 1342; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification: — (Translated in King James Version as) righteousness.
1342 – δίκαιος dikaios, dik´-ah-yos; from 1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively): —(Translated in King James Version as) just, meet, right(-eous).
Selfwilled 829 – αὐθάδης authades, ow-thad´-ace; from 846 and the base of 2237; self-pleasing, i.e. arrogant: — (Translated in King James Version as) self-willed.
2237 – ἡδονή hedone, hay-don-ay´; from ἁνδάνω handano (to please); sensual delight; by implication, desire: — (Translated in King James Version as) lust, pleasure.
Servants 1401 – δοῦλος doulos, doo´-los; from 1210; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency): — (Translated in King James Version as) bond(-man), servant.
Speak Evil 987 – βλασφημέω blasphemeo, blas-fay-meh´-o; from 989; to vilify; specially, to speak impiously: — (Translated in King James Version as) (speak) blaspheme(-er, -mously, -my), defame, rail on, revile, speak evil.
Spots 4696 – σπίλος spilos, spee´-los; of uncertain derivation; a stain or blemish, i.e. (figuratively) defect, disgrace: — (Translated in King James Version as) spot.
Swelling 5246 – ὑπέρογκος huperogkos, hoop-er´-ong-kos; from 5228 and 3591; bulging over, i.e. (figuratively) insolent: — (Translated in King James Version as) great swelling.
Turn 1994 – ἐπιστρέφω epistrepho, ep-ee-stref´-o; from 1909 and 4762; to revert (literally, figuratively or morally): — (Translated in King James Version as) come (go) again, convert, (re-)turn (about, again).
Uncleanness 3394 – μιασμός miasmos, mee-as-mos´; from 3392; (morally) contamination (properly, the act): — (Translated in King James Version as) uncleanness.
3392 – μιαίνω miaino, me-ah´-ee-no; perhaps a primary verb; to sully or taint, i.e. contaminate (ceremonially or morally): — (Translated in King James Version as) defile.
Unrighteousness 93 – ἀδικία adikia, ad-ee-kee´-ah; from 94; (legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act): — (Translated in King James Version as) iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.
Unstable 793 – ἀστήρικτος asteriktos, as-tay´-rik-tos; from 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of 4741; unfixed, i.e. (figuratively) vacillating: — (Translated in King James Version as) unstable.
Vacillating (Dictionary.com) – Adjective 1. Not resolute, wavering, indecisive, hesitating 2. Oscillating; swaying; fluctuating.
Vanity 3153 – ματαιότης mataiotes, mat-ah-yot´-ace; from 3152; inutility; figuratively, transientness; morally, depravity: — (Translated in King James Version as) vanity.
3152 – μάταιος mataios, mat´-ah-yos; from the base of 3155; empty, i.e. (literally) profitless, or (specially), an idol: — (Translated in King James Version as) vain, vanity.
Vexed 2669 – καταπονέω kataponeo, kat-ap-on-eh´-o; from 2596 and a derivative of 4192; to labor down, i.e. wear with toil (figuratively, harass): — (Translated in King James Version as) oppress, vex.
Way 3598 – ὁδός hodos, hod-os´; apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means: — (Translated in King James Version as) journey, (high-)way. Wantonness 766 – ἀσέλγεια aselgeia, as-elg´-i-a; from a compound of 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed σελγής selges (of uncertain derivation, but apparently meaning continent); licentiousness (sometimes including other vices): — (Translated in King James Version as) filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness.
Licentiousness (Dictionary.com) – adjective 1. Sexually unrestrained; lascivious; libertine; lewd. 2. Unrestrained by law or general morality; lawless; immoral. 3. Going beyond customary or proper bounds or limits; disregarding rules.
Worse 5501 – χείρων cheiron, khi´-rone; irregular comparative of 2556; from an obsolete equivalent χέρης cheres (of uncertain derivation); more evil or aggravated (physically, mentally or morally): — (Translated in King James Version as) sorer, worse.
Ø JUST A THOUGHT:
Earlier in this study we briefly touched on Deuteronomy 13:1-5. However, there are certain elements in this passage that I would like us to take a closer look at.
Deuteronomy 13:1-5 “If there arise among you a prophet, (5030) or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign (226) or a wonder, (4159) 2 And the sign (226) or the wonder (4159) come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, (5030) or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth (5254) you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. 5 And that prophet, (5030) or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the Lord thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.” (KJV)
Sign 226 – אוֹת ʾowth, oth; probably from 225 (in the sense of appearing); a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc.:— (Translated in King James Version as) mark, miracle, (en-)sign, token.
Wonder 4159 – מוֹפֵת mowpheth, mo-faith´; or מֹפֵת mopheth, mo-faith´; from 3302 in the sense of conspicuousness; a miracle; by implication, a token or omen:— (Translated in King James Version as) miracle, sign, wonder(-ed at).
To begin with, Christ said that right before His return “false Christs and false prophets” will show signs and wonders and will deceive many. Matthew 24:11-12 “And many false prophets (5578) shall rise, and shall deceive (4105) many. 12 And because iniquity (458) shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (KJV)
Matthew 24:23-24 “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, (5580) and false prophets, (5578) and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive (4105) the very elect.” (KJV)
Deceive 4105 – πλανάω planao, plan-ah´-o; from 4106; to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue): — (Translated in King James Version as) go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way.
4106 – πλάνη plane, plan´-ay; feminine of 4108 (as abstractly); objectively, fraudulence; subjectively, a straying from orthodoxy or piety: — (Translated in King James Version as) deceit, to deceive, delusion, error.
False Christs 5580 – ψευδόχριστος pseudochristos, psyoo-dokh´-ris-tos; from 5571 and 5547; a spurious Messiah: — (Translated in King James Version as) false Christ.
5571 – ψευδής pseudes, psyoo-dace´; from 5574; untrue, i.e. erroneous, deceitful, wicked: —(Translated in King James Version as) false, liar.
5547 – Χριστός Christos, khris-tos´; from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus: — (Translated in King James Version as) Christ.
Iniquity 458 – ἀνομία anomia, an-om-ee´-ah; from 459; illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness: — (Translated in King James Version as) iniquity, x transgress(-ion of) the law, unrighteousness.
459 – ἄνομος anomos, an´-om-os; from 1 (as a negative particle) and 3551; lawless, i.e. (negatively) not subject to (the Jewish) law; (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked: — (Translated in King James Version as) without law, lawless, transgressor, unlawful, wicked.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon - the condition of one without law — either because ignorant of it, or because violating it; contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness:
· The word “Christ” means “anointed.” And according to the Word, the “anointing is with the Holy Spirit. Therefore “false Christs” could mean false anointed ones. Or those who claim to have the Holy Spirit but do not.
Christ 5547 – Χριστός Christos, khris-tos´; from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus: — (Translated in King James Version as) Christ.
Following are examples showing the meaning of anointed.
Luke 4:14-18 “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet (4396) Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed (5548) me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” (KJV)
Acts 10:38 “How God anointed (5548) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” (KJV)
And according to 1 John 2:27 the “anointing” of the Holy Spirit is in the one who truly abides in Christ, who is the Anointed One.
1 John 2:23-27 “Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. 26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing (5545) which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (KJV)”
Anointing 5545 – χρίσμα chrisma, khris´-mah; from 5548; an unguent or smearing, i.e. (figuratively) the special endowment (“chrism”) of the Holy Spirit: — (Translated in King James Version as) anointing, unction.
Anointed 5548 – χρίω chrio, khree´-o; probably akin to 5530 through the idea of contact; to smear or rub with oil, i.e. (by implication) to consecrate to an office or religious service: — (Translated in King James Version as) anoint.
· As for the “false prophets,” Deuteronomy 13:1, 3 brings to mind what the Apostle Peter said in Acts 2:
Acts 2:14-18 “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet (4396) Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:” (KJV)
· Peter is quoting from the Book of Joel.
Joel 2:28-31 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come.” (KJV)
· So, when Yehowah pours out His Spirit, like the prophets of old:
1. Sons and daughters shall prophesy 2. Old men shall dream dreams 3. Young men shall see visions
And it is Yehowah who will “shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth”
· Finally, Satan tries to emulate everything YAH does or says He will do. So when YAH started pouring out His Spirit, the enemy sent in his tares to imitate. And if possible, right down to the signs and wonders.
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-39 “Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn…
36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.” (KJV)
· Like the ravening wolves, the tares walk among us. In fact, there is a strong probability that these ravening wolves are tares.
Could it be that people will assume that these “false Christs and false prophets” are legitimate children of YAH because they claim to be born again, Holy Spirit filled believers who prophesy; dream dreams, see visions and perform wonders? When in fact they are the children of Satan who are succeeding in turning many away from Yehowah?
Just a thought.
Like people, there are a variety of trees. Some are tall and majestic like the Sequoia. There are also trees, like the pine tree, that are big and beautiful; but they have very shallow roots. A storm of any magnitude could easily knock them over. On the other hand, there are shade trees like the silver maple whose roots crack pavements and overrun water lines. I could go on and on; but in Matthew 7 Christ did not go into any detail regarding the type of tree. Instead He told us to focus on the fruit that the tree produces, not the outward appearance of the tree; because the façade could be deceiving.
And one thing we should always keep in mind; no matter how great, powerful and majestic a tree, or person, may appear to be, it can still fall.
For example:
Daniel 4:1-27 “Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 2 I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. 3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. 4 I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace: 5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 6 Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream. 7 Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof. 8 But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my God, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying, 9 O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof. 10 Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great. 11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: 12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it. 13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; 14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches: 15 Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: 16 Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. 17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. 18 This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee. 19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies. 20 The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; 21 Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation: 22 It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. 23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; 24 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: 25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 26 And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule. 27 Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities (5758) by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.” (KJV)
Our self-absorbed selfie society has its focus on the outward self when the book of 1 Samuel tells us:
1 Samual 16:7 “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused (5758) him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (KJV)
Iniquities 5758 – עִוְיָא ʿivyaʾ, iv-yaw´; (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to 5753; perverseness:— (Translated in King James Version as) iniquity.
5753 – עָוָה ʿavah, aw-vaw´; a primitive root; to crook, literally or figuratively (as follows):— (Translated in King James Version as) do amiss, bow down, make crooked, commit iniquity, pervert, (do) perverse(-ly), trouble, x turn, do wickedly, do wrong.
Refused 3988 – מָאַס maʾaç, maw-as´; a primitive root; to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear:— (Translated in King James Version as) abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, x utterly, vile person.
“YE SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS”
Mark 4:28-29 “For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 29 But when the fruit (2590) is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” (KJV)
· This brings to mind the following passage:
James 1:12-15 “Blessed is the man that endureth (5278) temptation: (3986) for when he is tried, (1384) he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, (3985) I am tempted (3985) of God: for God cannot be tempted (551) with evil, (2556) neither tempteth (3985) he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, (3985) when he is drawn away (1828) of his own lust, (1939) and enticed. (1185) 15 Then when lust (1939) hath conceived, (4815) it bringeth forth sin: (266) and sin, (266) when it is finished, (658) bringeth forth death.” (KJV)
· As stated above, sin is a type of fruit and it too takes time to ripen.
Conceived 4815 – συλλαμβάνω sullambano, sool-lam-ban´-o; from 4862 and 2983; to clasp, i.e. seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid: — (Translated in King James Version as) catch, conceive, help, take.
4862 – σύν sun, soon; a primary preposition denoting union; with or together (but much closer than 3326 or 3844), i.e. by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, addition, etc.: — (Translated in King James Version as) beside, with. In composition it has similar applications, including completeness.
2983 – λαμβάνω lambano, lam-ban´-o; a prolonged form of a primary verb, which is use only as an alternate in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively (properly objective or active, to get hold of; whereas 1209 is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while 138 is more violent, to seize or remove)): — (Translated in King James Version as) accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, x when I call, catch, come on (x unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (x after), take (away, up).
Drawn Away 1828 – ἐξέλκω exelko, ex-el´-ko; from 1537 and 1670; to drag forth, i.e. (figuratively) to entice (to sin): —(Translated in King James Version as) draw away.
Endureth 5278 – ὑπομένω hupomeno, hoop-om-en´-o; from 5259 and 3306; to stay under (behind), i.e. remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e. bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere: —(Translated in King James Version as) abide, endure, (take) patient(-ly), suffer, tarry behind.
Enticed 1185 – δελεάζω deleazo, del-eh-ad´-zo; from the base of 1388; to entrap, i.e. (figuratively) delude: — (Translated in King James Version as) allure, beguile, entice.
Delude (Dictionary.com) – verb 1. To mislead the mind or judgment of; deceive 2. To mock or frustrate the hopes or aims of. 3. Obsolete. To elude; evade.
Evil 2556 – κακός kakos, kak-os´; apparently a primary word; worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas 4190 properly refers to effects), i.e. (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious: — (Translated in King James Version as) bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.
Finished 658 – ἀποτελέω apoteleo, ap-ot-el-eh´-o; from 575 and 5055; to complete entirely, i.e. consummate: —(Translated in King James Version as) finish.
Sin 266 – ἁμαρτία hamartia, ham-ar-tee´-ah; from 264; a sin (properly abstract): —(Translated in King James Version as) offence, sin(-ful).
264 – ἁμαρτάνω hamartano, ham-ar-tan´-o; perhaps from 1 (as a negative particle) and the base of 3313; properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e. (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin: — (Translated in King James Version as) for your faults, offend, sin, trespass.
Temptation 3986 – πειρασμός peirasmos, pi-ras-mos´; from 3985; a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity: —(Translated in King James Version as) temptation, x try.
Tempted 551 – ἀπείραστος apeirastos, ap-i´-ras-tos; from 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of 3987; untried, i.e. not temptable: —(Translated in King James Version as) not to be tempted.
Tempted 3985 – πειράζω peirazo, pi-rad´-zo; from 3984; to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline: —(Translated in King James Version as) assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try.
3984 – πεῖρα peira, pi´-rah; from the base of 4008 (through the idea of piercing); a test, i.e. attempt, experience: —(Translated in King James Version as) assaying, trial.
Tried 1384 – δόκιμος dokimos, dok´-ee-mos; from 1380; properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e. approved: — (Translated in King James Version as) approved, tried.
There are many references in the Bible that associate “fruit” with more than what grows on a tree. For instance:
Deuteronomy 28:4 “Blessed shall be the fruit (6529) of thy body, and the fruit (6529) of thy ground, and the fruit (6529) of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, (504) and the flocks of thy sheep.” (KJV)
Deuteronomy 7:13 “And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit (6529) of thy womb, and the fruit (6529) of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, (504) and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.” (KJV)
Kine 504 – אֶלֶף ʾeleph, eh´-lef; from 502; a family; also (from the sense of yoking or taming) an ox or cow:— (Translated in King James Version as) family, kine, oxen.
However, fruit can also represent:
Ø What You Think
Jeremiah 6:19 “Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit (6529) of their thoughts, (4284) because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.” (KJV)
· Thoughts lead to actions
Thoughts 4284 – מַחֲשָׁבָה machashabah, makh-ash-aw-baw´; or מַחֲשֶׁבֶת machashebeth, makh-ash-eh´-beth; from 2803; a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice):— (Translated in King James Version as) cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought.
Ø What You Say
Proverbs 13:2-3 “A man shall eat good by the fruit (6529) of his mouth: (6310) but the soul of the transgressors (898) shall eat violence. (2555) 3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” (KJV)
Proverbs 18:19-21 “A brother offended (6586) is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit (6529) of his mouth; (6310) and with the increase (8393) of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit (6529) thereof.” (KJV)
Isaiah 57:19-21 “ I create the fruit (5108) of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him. 20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. 21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” (KJV)
Fruit 5108 – נוֹב nowb, nobe; or ניֵב neyb, nabe; from 5107; produce, literally or figuratively:— (Translated in King James Version as) fruit.
5107 – נוּב nuwb, noob; a primitive root; to germinate, i.e. (figuratively) to (causatively, make) flourish; also (of words), to utter:— (Translated in King James Version as) bring forth (fruit), make cheerful, increase.
Increase 8393 – תְּבוּאָה tbuwʾah, teb-oo-aw´; from 935; income, i.e. produce (literally or figuratively):— (Translated in King James Version as) fruit, gain, increase, revenue.
Mouth 6310 – פֶּה peh, peh; from 6284; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to:— (Translated in King James Version as) accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), x eat, edge, end, entry, + file, hole, x in, mind, mouth, part, portion, x (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, x spoken, talk, tenor, x to, + two-edged, wish, word.
Offended 6586 – פָּשַׁע pashaʿ, paw-shah´; a primitive root (identical with 6585 through the idea of expansion); to break away (from just authority), i.e. trespass, apostatize, quarrel:— (Translated in King James Version as) offend, rebel, revolt, transgress(-ion, -or).
Transgressors 898 – בָּגַד bagad, baw-gad´; a primitive root; to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage:— (Translated in King James Version as) deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress(-or), (depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful(-ly, man), x very.
Violence 2555 – חָמָס chamaç, khaw-mawce´; from 2554; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust gain:— (Translated in King James Version as) cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, x oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong.
Ø What You Do (your actions, deeds or works)
Isaiah 3:10-11 “Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit (6529) of their doings. (4611) 11 Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.” (KJV)
Jeremiah 21:12-14 “ O house of David, thus saith the Lord; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. 13 Behold, I am against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, and rock of the plain, saith the Lord; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations? 14 But I will punish you according to the fruit (6529) of your doings, (4611) saith the Lord: and I will kindle a fire in the forest thereof, and it shall devour all things round about it.” (KJV)
Jeremiah 32:17-19 “Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: 18 Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts, is his name, 19 Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit (6529) of his doings:” (4611) (KJV)
Doings 4611 – מַעֲלָל maʿalal, mah-al-awl´; from 5953; an act (good or bad):— (Translated in King James Version as) doing, endeavour, invention, work.
5953 – עָלַל ʿalal, aw-lal´; a primitive root; to effect thoroughly; specifically, to glean (also figuratively); by implication (in a bad sense) to overdo, i.e. maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose (also literal):— (Translated in King James Version as) abuse, affect, x child, defile, do, glean, mock, practise, thoroughly, work (wonderfully).
Ø And the Course of Your Life (a road, route taken or your actions).
Proverbs 1:23-33 “Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. 28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: 30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit (6529) of their own way,(1870) and be filled with their own devices. (4156) 32 For the turning away (4878) of the simple (6612) shall slay them, and the prosperity (7962) of fools shall destroy (6) them. 33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” (KJV)
And Christ said the source of all of these is the heart.
Matthew 15:18-20 “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile (2840) a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” (KJV)
Defile 2840 – κοινόω koinoo, koy-no´-o; from 2839; to make (or consider) profane (ceremonially): — (Translated in King James Version as) call common, defile, pollute, unclean.
Profane – (Dictionary.com) adjective 1. Characterized be irreverence or contempt for God or sacred principles or things; irreligious.
Destroy 6 – אָבַד ʾabad, aw-bad´; a primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy):— (Translated in King James Version as) break, destroy(-uction), + not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, x and surely, take, be undone, x utterly, be void of, have no way to flee.
Devices 4156 – מוֹעֵצָה mowʿetsah, mo-ay-tsaw´; from 3289; a purpose:— (Translated in King James Version as) counsel, device.
Prosperity 7962 – שַׁלְוָה shalvah, shal-vaw´; from 7951; security (genuine or false):— (Translated in King James Version as) abundance, peace(-ably), prosperity, quietness.
Simple 6612 – פְּתִי pthiy, peth-ee´; or פֶּתִי pethiy, peh´-thee; or פְּתָאִי pthaeiy, peth-aw-ee´; from 6601; silly (i.e. seducible):— (Translated in King James Version as) foolish, simple(-icity, one).
6601 – פָּתָה pathah, paw-thaw´; a primitive root; to open, i.e. be (causatively, make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively, make) simple or (in a sinister way) delude:— (Translated in King James Version as) allure, deceive, enlarge, entice, flatter, persuade, silly (one).
Turning Away 4878 – מְשׁוּבָה mshuwbah, mesh-oo-baw´; or מְשֻׁבָה mshubah, mesh-oo-baw´; from 7725; apostasy:— (Translated in King James Version as) backsliding, turning away.
7725 – שׁוּב shuwb, shoob; a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again:— (Translated in King James Version as) ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) x again, (cause to) answer (+ again), x in any case (wise), x at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, x certainly, come again (back), x consider, + continually, convert, deliver (again), + deny, draw back, fetch home again, x fro, get (oneself) (back) again, x give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, x needs, be past, x pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, + say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, x surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw.
Way 1870 – דֶּרֶךְ derek, deh´-rek; from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb:— (Translated in King James Version as) along, away, because of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side), whither(-soever).
Proverbs 10:16 “The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit (8393) of the wicked (7563) to sin.” (2403) (KJV)
Fruit 8393 – תְּבוּאָה tbuwʾah, teb-oo-aw´; from 935; income, i.e. produce (literally or figuratively):— (Translated in King James Version as) fruit, gain, increase, revenue.
Wicked 7563 – רָשָׁע rashaʿ, raw-shaw´; from 7561; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person:— (Translated in King James Version as) + condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong.
If you go back and review the passages on the “False Prophets” there is one fruit that stands out a little more than the others. And that fruit is their greediness for gain. In other words, they want your money and the more the better.
They are quick to say that the law of God has been negated. But in almost the same breath, as they pass out the collection plates, they tell you that tithing is the exception.
However, they will never tell you that the tithe was for the tribe of Levi because they were not given an inheritance of the land.
Numbers 18:24 “But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.” (KJV)
Following is a New Testament passage showing that it was the tribe of Levi received the tithes.
Hebrews 7:5-10 “And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: 6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. 7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.” (KJV)
This is just one reason why it is imperative that you know the Word of God for yourself.
There is an old idiom that says, “Ignorance is bliss.” Which basically means it is better not to know something that may cause you to worry or stress. And this is similar to yet another saying, “what you don’t know won’t hurt you.” In either case, they should not be applied to the Word of God. Because what you don’t know could end up costing you everything.
For instance, there is a tree called Manchineel. Its outward appearance is attractive and its fruit looks good enough to eat. However, this tree is considered by many to be the most dangerous tree in the world. Its nickname is the “tree of death.”
According to Wikipedia:
“The manchineel tree (Hippomane mancinella) is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Its native range stretches from tropical southern North America to northern South America. The name "manchineel" (sometimes spelled "manchioneel" or "manchineal") as well as the specific epithet mancinella is from Spanish manzanilla ("little apple"), from the superficial resemblance of its fruit and leaves to those of an apple tree. It is also known as the beach apple. A present-day Spanish name is manzanilla de la muerte, "little apple of death." This refers to the fact that manchineel is one of the most toxic trees in the world: the tree has milky-white sap which contains numerous toxins and can cause blistering. The sap is present in every part of the tree: the bark, the leaves, and the fruit.”
“The fruit is poisonous, as is
“All parts of the tree contain strong toxins, some unidentified. Its milky white sap contains phorbol and other skin irritants, producing strong allergic contact dermatitis. Standing beneath the tree during rain will cause blistering of the skin from mere contact with this liquid: even a small drop of rain with the milky substance in it will cause the skin to blister. The sap has also been known to damage the paint on cars. Burning the tree may cause ocular injuries if the smoke reaches the eyes. Contact with its milky sap (latex) produces bullous dermatitis, acute keratoconjunctivitis and possibly large corneal epithelial defects. The fruit is potentially fatal if eaten; however, no such occurrences are reported in the modern literature; ingestion may produce severe gastroenteritis with bleeding, shock, bacterial superinfection, and the potential for airway compromise due to edema. When ingested, the fruit is reportedly "pleasantly sweet" at first, with a subsequent "strange peppery feeling ... gradually progress[ing] to a burning, tearing sensation and tightness of the throat." Symptoms continue to worsen until the patient can "barely swallow solid food because of the excruciating pain and the feeling of a huge obstructing pharyngeal lump." In some parts of its range, many trees carry a warning sign – for example on Curaçao – while others are marked with a red "X" on the trunk to indicate danger. In the French Antilles the trees are often marked with a painted red band a few feet above the ground.”
Like this tree, our society is besieged with toxic people. They are given labels like narcissistic, psychopath and sociopath, to name a few; but there is no sign posted to warn us about them. Outwardly, most appear pleasant and attractive. But behind their pleasant demeanor is a deceiver out to manipulate and destroy their prey physically; mentally, emotionally, financially and spiritually. They have no empathy. You are just a means to an end. And many of them have possessions, titles and celebrity. Some can even be found in your local church. Not to mention social media, mass media and the like. And like a pied piper, or a “false prophet,” they lure souls away to their destruction.
Do you recall the parable of the tares?
Matthew 13:38-39 38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.” (KJV)
· As stated before, the tares are Satan’s children. They are among us. And if given the chance, they will choke the life out of us.
What did Christ tell us?
Matthew 7:20 “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (KJV)
True, there are some who are so covert that they are difficult to see or perceive. However there are those we do see but we choose to turn a blind eye to them.
When it comes to those who choose not to see Christ tells us:
Matthew 13:13-15 “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” (KJV)
· Who closed the people’s eyes? They did! And in today’s culture where good is now bad and bad is good there is less of a desire to discern. Especially when the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life are accepted. Even by many who call themselves “Christians.”
· So who was Christ speaking to when He said we shall know them by their fruit? Christ was speaking to His disciples. To those whose eyes He had opened. And to all I suggest that you pray for eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts to understand.
However, to those who are His, Christ says:
John 15:16 “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (KJV)
If you are uncertain about a person’s fruit and you would like to see them for who they really are, pray (ask) that your eyes be open to the truth.
BY YOUR FRUITS THEY SHALL KNOW YOU
The following part of this study was not dealt with in Matthew 7:15-20; however, since we are on the subject of trees and fruit this is a perfect time to address it.
There are many passages in the Holy Bible that refer to the righteous as fruit bearing trees. For instance:
Psalm 1:1-5 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit (6529) in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. ” (KJV)
Psalm 92:12-15 “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit (5107) in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; 15 To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” (KJV)
Fruit 5107 – נוּב nuwb, noob; a primitive root; to germinate, i.e. (figuratively) to (causatively, make) flourish; also (of words), to utter: — (Translated in King James Version as) bring forth (fruit), make cheerful, increase.
As wonderful and uplifting as those passages are, let‘s go a little deeper.
If we are truly in Christ, we will bear fruit - His fruit. He is the vine, we are the branches.
John 15:1-8 “I am the true (228) vine, (288) and my Father is the husbandman.(1902) 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit (2590) he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, (2590) he purgeth (2508) it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (2590) 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide (3306) in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit (2590)of itself, except it abide (3306) in the vine; (288) no more can ye, except ye abide (3306) in me. 5 I am the vine, (288) ye are the branches: He that abideth (3306) in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: (2590) for without me ye can do nothing.” (3762) 6 If a man abide (3306) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide (3306) in me, and my words abide (3306) in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (KJV)
· Verse 2 – It is important to note that there are branches in Christ that will be taken away because they are not bearing fruit.
This brings to mind the parable of the sower.
Matthew 13:18-23 “Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth(4920) it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (KJV)
· All four (4) groups hear the word. But only one (1) group out of four (4) bears fruit.
The Gospel of Mark says this about those who bear fruit.
Mark 4:20 “And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive (3858) it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.” (KJV)
Matthew says they understood (comprehended) the word; but Mark says they received (accepted or delighted in) the word.
The Gospel of Luke takes it even further.
Luke 8:15 “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” (5281) (KJV)
· John 15:3, 5 – We are clean by the word given to us by Christ and His words should be abiding in us. However, if a person has no desire for the words of Christ, which were given to Him by the Father to give to us, then is that person abiding in Christ? Furthermore, is that person clean?
· John 15:4-5 needs to be firmly fixed in our hearts.
“…As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
· John 15:1, 8 – If you’ve ever had a garden; you know how fulfilling it is to see seedlings grow into beautiful plants with ripe fruits and vegetables. In verse 1 Christ begins by telling us that He is the vine and the Father is the husbandman or farmer.
Over time branches grow out, and then there are blossoms and later fruit. The farmer prunes the vine so that more fruit will grow on the branches. The farmer loves to see His beautiful plant grow and bear much fruit. Now with this in mind verse 8 above says:
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit;”
We glorify YAH not just by lifting our hands in praise or by singing praises to Him. We also glorify YAH by bearing much fruit. But it’s also important for us to remember that the fruit isn’t ours, the fruit belongs to Christ. For without Him, the vine, we can do nothing.
· Revelation 14:18-19 speaks of another vine which is the enemy of Christ. And the fruit of his vine are ripe for destruction.
Revelation 14:18-19 “And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. 19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.” (KJV)
Abide, Abideth 3306 – μένω meno, men´-o; a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): — (Translated in King James Version as) abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), x thine own.
Husbandman 1092 – γεωργός georgos, gheh-ore-gos´; from 1093 and the base of 2041; a land-worker, i.e. farmer: — (Translated in King James Version as) husbandman.
Nothing 3762 – οὐδείς oudeis, oo-dice´, including feminine οὐδεμία oudemia, oo-dem-ee´-ah, and neuter; οὐδέν ouden, oo-den´; from 3761 and 1520; not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing: — (Translated in King James Version as) any (man), aught, man, neither any (thing), never (man), no (man), none (+ of these things), not (any, at all, -thing), nought.
Patience 5281 – ὑπομονή hupomone, hoop-om-on-ay´; from 5278; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: — (Translated in King James Version as) enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).
5278 – ὑπομένω hupomeno, hoop-om-en´-o; from 5259 and 3306; to stay under (behind), i.e. remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e. bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere: — (Translated in King James Version as) abide, endure, (take) patient(-ly), suffer, tarry behind
Purgeth 2508 – καθαίρω kathairo, kath-ah´-ee-ro; from 2513; to cleanse, i.e. (specially) to prune; figuratively, to expiate: — (Translated in King James Version as) purge.
Receive 3858 – παραδέχομαι paradechomai, par-ad-ekh´-om-ahee; from 3844 and 1209; to accept near, i.e. admit or (by implication) delight in: — (Translated in King James Version as) receive.
True 228 – ἀληθινός alethinos, al-ay-thee-nos´; from 227; truthful: — (Translated in King James Version as) true.
227 – ἀληθής alethes, al-ay-thace´; from 1 (as a negative particle) and 2990; true (as not concealing): — (Translated in King James Version as) true, truly, truth.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon (228) – “that which has not only the name and semblance, but the real nature corresponding to the name; in every respect corresponding to the idea signified by the name, real and true, genuine;” a. opposed to what is fictitious, counterfeit, imaginary, simulated, pretended b. it contrasts realities with their semblances: c. opposed to what is imperfect, defective, frail, uncertain
Understandeth 4920 – συνίημι suniemi, soon-ee´-ay-mee; from 4862 and ἵημι hiemi (to send); to put together, i.e. (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously: — (Translated in King James Version as) consider, understand, be wise.
Vine 288 – ἄμπελος ampelos, am´-pel-os; probably from the base of 297 and that of 257; a vine (as coiling about a support): — (Translated in King James Version as) vine.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon (288) – “Christ calls himself a vine, because, as the vine imparts to its branches sap and productiveness, so Christ infuses into his followers his own divine strength and life.
One final point. It is recorded that the following will be cast into the fire.
Matthew 18:8-9 “Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.”
Matthew 3:8-10 “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” (KJV)
Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (KJV)
Matthew 13:40-42 “As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (KJV)
John 15:5-6 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: (2590) for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (KJV) A person should not assume that just because they say they believe in Christ that they have it made and eternity is theirs. Just like the tares, sinners, unrepentant and false prophets; the fires of hell await those who are in Christ but choose to act like the world and never bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-10 “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (6529) 9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit (6529) of his doings.” (4611) (KJV)
Matthew 12:33 “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.” (KJV)
False prophets from every walk of life have a profound effect on your fruit.
What you think What you do What you say And the course of your life
For instance, on this day, April 23, 2020, most of the world is still on lockdown based on the words of a few secular false prophets. Not only have they locked down the countries of the world; they have also systematically locked down the minds of mankind. And even though their words have proven to be wrong, the sheeple still continue to obey their mandates.
Not too long ago the United States was called the land of the free and the home of the brave. But today, we are more like the land of the enslaved and the home of the fearful.
In the span of a few short months they have altered
What we think What we do What we say And the course of our life
Christ told us to “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Will we listen to Him now?
Links to All Five Parts of This Study In PDF Format
Part 4 - He That Does the The Will of My Father Part 5 - How Will You Build Your House?
|
||
| disciplesproject.com 4/23/2020 | ||
Like
trees, it takes time for fruit to grow. However, as a rule, long
before it is fully ripe and ready for harvest, you can see what kind
of fruit it is.
