Sermon on the Mount #43 Wolves in Sheep's Clothing #1

On the one hand, we must be careful that every disagreement does not turn into a reason to bring a division and disruption into Christ's Church (that is why we have Creeds and a Confession of Faith that summarizes the teaching of Scripture—the "Bible is my creed" would allow Roman Catholics, Mormons, JWs, and any group that uses the Bible into such a church and it would in all consistency forbid preaching altogether)— 1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 3:16.
On the other hand, we must be careful that not every disagreement in doctrine, worship, church government is permitted because as ministers we are only to preach that which Jesus commands (Matthew 28:19-20) and that which is sound, healthy (2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 4:3). Jesus in our text today commands us to use righteous judgment in identifying those who are false prophet/false teachers (righteous judgment=the right standard—Scripture, the right motive—love for God and our neighbor, the right goal—the glory of God). If Jesus commands it, we must carefully examine, believe, love, and practice what He teaches. We cannot glibly push this aside because it is uncomfortable or because it may bring against charges of being uncharitable. Jesus suffered for the truth (as did every prophet and apostle). We cannot suffer for Christ without suffering for His truth revealed in Scripture.