My SOAP study seems relevant at the moment.
Discernment helps to avoid Deception, Matthew 7:15-16
True and False Prophets
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?
Author Matthew (also called Levi), the former tax collector who became Jesus’ disciple, is the author.
The date Matthew was probably written in the late 50s or early 60s A.D.
The purpose of this Gospel is to show that Jesus is the Messiah, that he has the right to the throne of David as Israel’s true King. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be a blessing to all the world (1:1; Gen. 12:1–3)…
Observation
Matthew 7:15-16 Jesus calls believers to be aware of, take heed, and guard against false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing, appearing righteous but inwardly corrupt. Jesus describes false prophets as ravenous wolves who operate by self-promotion or deceit and cause great spiritual harm to the sheep. [ 2 Cor 11:4; 2 Cor 11:13]
They come in sheep’s clothing, but are pretend ministers of Christ, stating God has given them special revelation leading people away from the truth of the Gospel. (2 Cor 11:4) False Prophets come as a foreteller of future events, or as a teacher of doctrines. They will perform great signs and wonders to lead many astray… [Matt 24:24]
Matthew 17:6 Jesus states we recognise false prophets because of the fruit they produce and be cautious of those who claim to speak in the name of God but do not bear the fruits of righteousness and true faith. [cf: Matthew 7:21-23]
This involves discernment in evaluating the true nature of individuals, particularly spiritual leaders. In the biblical context, “fruit” often symbolizes the visible outcomes of one’s actions and character.
The concept is rooted in the Old Testament, where fruitfulness is associated with righteousness and obedience to God (Psalm 1:3, Jeremiah 17:7-8). Jesus uses this metaphor to teach that genuine faith and character are evidenced by one’s actions and lifestyle. The imagery of fruit is also connected to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, which includes love, joy, peace, and other virtues.
Jesus is warning against false prophets who may appear righteous and holy on the outside but are actually deceitful and ungodly
Father, thank you for reminding me that spiritual discernment comes from You. Help me to read Your Word and seek You in prayer to guard my heart from being deceived by false prophets. In Jesus’ name, Amen.