Matthew 7:15-20

We live in a world full of voices. Everyone’s got a platform. Everyone’s got a message. You can scroll your phone and hear 10 different “truths” before breakfast. But not every voice that sounds spiritual is speaking for God.

Jesus warned us about this very thing in Matthew 7:15–20 — “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

That’s a strong image. They look like sheep. They sound like sheep. But their hearts aren’t after the Shepherd — they’re after the sheep.

And here’s the thing: Jesus didn’t say if they come; He said when. That means the responsibility to recognize truth from imitation falls on us.

How? By looking at the fruit.

Not the flash.

Not the followers.

Not the fancy talk.

But the fruit.

You can plant a thornbush and call it a grapevine all you want, but when the season comes — the truth shows.

Fruit reveals the root.

That’s why discernment matters more now than ever. Not every sermon that makes you feel good feeds your soul. Not every “Christian” influencer pointing to a verse is pointing to Christ. Some preach comfort instead of conviction, profit instead of repentance, or culture instead of the cross.

The test is simple but sobering:

“You will know them by their fruits.” (v. 16)

Good fruit grows from good roots — roots grounded in truth, humility, and holiness.

Bad fruit grows from bad roots — pride, greed, and self-glory.

This isn’t about perfection, it’s about direction.

A tree that’s rooted in Christ may go through dry seasons, but it still produces life.

A tree that’s only pretending eventually withers when the storms hit.

So maybe it’s time to take inventory.

What’s the fruit of your life revealing about your root?

What voices are shaping your walk?

Are they drawing you closer to Christ, or closer to comfort?

Jesus didn’t tell us to “beware” because He wanted us to live in fear — He told us because He wants us to live in truth.

And truth, like fruit, takes time — but it always tells the story.

🍇 Fruit doesn’t lie.