The Message of the Teachings on the Mount (88)
By Abraham Eli
This study was first taught on September 20, 2011
Topic: Entering Into The Kingdom of Heaven (1)
No audio available for this study.Background
The last time we met, we concluded on the theme, “Beware of False Prophets” by looking at the last identifier of false prophets—that is, their pedigree, teacher, mentor, or spiritual father. Using the Lord’s illustration of good and bad trees producing according to their kind, we saw that a good tree produces good fruit, while a bad tree produces bad fruit. We saw also that it is impossible for a good tree to produce bad fruit; just as it impossible for a bad tree to produce good fruit. Thus, we asserted that a false prophet can be identified by the ‘tree’ from which he was ‘produced’. We noted that the source or origin of every false prophet is the devil, who may use religion, denominations, ‘churches’, and ‘church leaders’ to breed false prophets. We therefore saw that by looking at the denomination, church, or mentor, of a ‘minister of the gospel’, we can easily identify whether or not he is a false prophet.
For instance, we said that since the devil is a murderer, a hater of truth, and, a liar; a false prophet cannot be any different. We also said that as the devil used the serpent to beguile Eve by misleading her away from the word of God, so does the false prophet use subtlety to beguile his victim and lead them to believe another ‘Jesus’, a different ‘spirit’, and another ‘gospel’. Furthermore, we saw that as the devil transforms himself into ‘an angel of light’, so does the false prophet transform himself into ‘a preacher of righteousness’, which is no righteousness at all, because false prophets get people to depend on what they can see, what they can lay hands on physically, their emotions and feelings, rather than teach people to put their trust in God, depend on Christ; and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Finally, we saw that as the devil prowls about looking for whom he may devour, so do false prophets: they go from place to place claiming to be itinerant preachers (whose claims to prophecy and preaching cannot be easily and readily verified), seeking whom they might devour. We noted that false prophets may be very eloquent in quoting Scriptures, but they always lack the ability to live a godly lifestyle.
We concluded by reiterating the instruction of our Lord Jesus’ to His Church: BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS! That is, know how to identify false prophets, and, avoid and resist them steadfastly!
Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 7:21-23
Tonight, we begin to conclude our study on “The Message of the Teachings on the Mount”, as we look at a major criterion for entering into the kingdom of heaven. May the Holy Spirit grant us the grace to explore this matter to ensure that we are on the right track.
In our scripture text, we see that there is more to entering into the kingdom of heaven than just being born again and speaking in tongues. In fact, the Lord Jesus says that professing Him to be Lord is not a sufficient criterion for a man to be given access into the kingdom of heaven; so with prophesying, casting out demons, or even performing miracles, in His name. As we study, we shall see misconceptions which we may have developed over the years crumbling; but we pray that the Holy Spirit will uphold and redirect us in the right path, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
John 14:1-3; 3:3, 5; Acts 8:5-23, 24-38; 10:1-44; Numbers 22:1—24:24; John 11:47-53; Acts 19:13-16; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 10:17-20; Mark 3:13-15; Matthew 21:28-32.
Conclusion
Some of us have erroneously thought that it is only by being born again and speaking in tongues that we will gain access into the kingdom of heaven. But nothing can be further from the truth. Indeed, there is more to gaining access into the kingdom of heaven than just being born again. Some people have actually thought that merely calling Jesus, “Lord, Lord” is enough to be in the kingdom of heaven, while some others believe that by being involved in ministry (prophesying, casting out demons, performing miracles, producing CDs or albums to the glory of God, supporting the work of ministry with money, etc.), they would gain entry into the kingdom of heaven. Again, nothing can be further from the truth!
The bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, that doing the work of ministry without first of all loving God is meaningless, useless, and vain! When the Lord chose people for ministry, His first and uppermost requirement was that they would spend time with Him (to get to know Him and build a firm and loving relationship with Him) before He would send them out to preach/teach and empower them to cast out demons. We have also seen that it was not merely saying “Yes, Lord” to God, but actually doing what you said “Yes, Lord” to. It is not an outward show of ‘devotion’ that matters, but an inward dedication of one’s life to the service of God in true obedience. Obedience to God’s commands is the ticket to gaining access into the kingdom of heaven!
Back to all Bible Study Outline List