Wesley's 12th Discourse

We are in a sermon series based on the Sermon on the Mount. As part of this we will also be studying Wesley's original sermons. These sermons are a part of the rich history and doctrinal teachings of Methodism.

Below you will find a study guide our small groups and Bible study groups will be using during this series. Also there is an AI translated version of Wesley's original sermon to aid in your reading (Wesley's Quotes and key ideas are in bold). Also there is a preached sermon video from youtube if you are like me and find listening as a better avenue for the content.

Keep growing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnURBGUFCQQ

Study Guide Questions

Sermon

Sermon 32

Upon Our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount

Discourse 12

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous 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.” Matt. 7:15–20

1. It is hard to fully express or even imagine how many people rush toward destruction simply because they will not be persuaded to walk the narrow way—even though it is the way that leads to eternal life. And we still see this every day. Such is the foolishness of humanity that thousands continue on the road to hell simply because it is broad. They walk in it because others do. Because so many are perishing, they choose to add themselves to the number. Such is the powerful influence of example over weak and fallen people. It continually fills the place of death and carries countless souls into everlasting ruin.

2. To warn people about this, and to guard as many as possible against this spreading danger, God has commanded His watchmen to cry out and show people the danger they are in. For this purpose He has sent His servants—the prophets—through every generation, to point out the narrow path and urge all people not to be shaped by this world. But what if the watchmen themselves fall into the very trap they are supposed to warn others about? What if those who speak for God speak what is false? What if they lead people away from the path instead of guiding them in it? What if they point to a road as leading to eternal life when it actually leads to eternal death—and then urge others to follow them on the broad road instead of the narrow one?

3. Is this something rare or unheard of? Not at all. God knows it is not. There are countless examples of it in every age and nation. And how terrible this is—when those who are sent as God’s representatives become agents of the enemy! When those commissioned to teach the way to heaven actually teach the way to hell! They are like the locusts of Egypt that consumed what remained after the hail. They destroy even those who had escaped other dangers. It is no wonder, then, that our wise and gracious Lord gives such a serious warning: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

4. This is a warning of the greatest importance. So that it may truly take hold in our hearts, let us consider three things: first, who these false prophets are; second, what kind of appearance they present; and third, how we can recognize what they really are despite their outward appearance.

Part I

1. First, we must ask who these false prophets are. This is especially important because these very people have worked hard to twist this Scripture to their own advantage—though in the end it leads to their own destruction. To avoid confusion, I will not use vague language or emotional exaggeration to stir people up. Instead, I will speak plainly—truths that anyone with understanding and honesty can recognize—and truths that are directly connected to everything Jesus has just taught. Too many have interpreted these words without considering the rest of the sermon, as if they had no connection to what came before.

2. By “prophets” here (as in many other places in Scripture, especially in the New Testament), Jesus is not referring to those who predict the future, but to those who speak in the name of God—those who claim to be sent by God to teach others the way to heaven.

False prophets, then, are those who teach a false way to heaven—a way that does not actually lead there; or, in the end, those who fail to teach the true way.

3. Every broad way is certainly a false one. So here is a clear and reliable rule: those who teach people to walk in a broad way—a way that many are following—are false prophets.

Again, the true way to heaven is a narrow way. So here is another clear rule: those who do not teach people to walk in the narrow way, even if it means being different from others, are false prophets.

4. To be more specific: the only true way to heaven is the one described earlier in this sermon. Therefore, anyone who teaches a different path is a false prophet.

The way to heaven that Jesus has described is the way of humility, mourning over sin, gentleness, deep desire for righteousness, love for God and neighbor, doing good, and enduring suffering for Christ’s sake. Anyone who teaches another way to heaven besides this is a false prophet.

5. It does not matter what name they give to that other way. They may call it faith, or good works, or faith and works, or repentance, or repentance along with faith and obedience. These are all good words. But if, under any of these terms, they teach something different from this way, they are truly false prophets.

6. How much more clearly do they fall under this condemnation if they speak against this good way—and especially if they teach the exact opposite: a life marked by pride, carelessness, uncontrolled passions, love of the world, pleasure above God, unkindness toward others, neglect of good works, and avoiding any suffering or sacrifice for righteousness’ sake.

7. If someone asks, “Who would ever teach this? Who actually presents this as the way to heaven?” the answer is: many respected and intelligent people—people of every kind—who encourage the proud, the careless, the pleasure-seeking, the worldly, the unjust, the unkind, and the spiritually passive person to believe they are on the path to heaven. These are false prophets in the strongest sense. They betray both God and people. They are not merely dangerous—they destroy souls. They fill the place of darkness with those they have misled. And when they follow those souls into eternity, even hell itself will rise to meet them.

Part II.

1. But do these people come openly as they truly are? Not at all. If they did, they would not succeed in deceiving anyone. You would recognize the danger and run from them. So instead, they take on a completely different appearance—which is the second thing we need to consider. “They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

2. They come in sheep’s clothing—that is, they appear gentle and harmless. They present themselves in a mild and non-threatening way, with nothing outwardly that would raise suspicion. Who would imagine that such calm and pleasant people could cause harm? Perhaps they are not as active or passionate in doing good as we might hope. But still, there seems to be no reason to think they would intentionally do wrong. Yet this is only part of the picture.

3. They also come with an appearance of usefulness. In fact, they are often placed in positions where they are expected to do good. They are seen as people whose role is to care for others spiritually, to guide them, and to help prepare them for eternal life. It is their responsibility to serve others, to do good, and to help those who are struggling. And because of this, people are used to thinking of them as servants of God, sent to bring blessing.

4. They also come with an appearance of religion. Everything they do seems to be done out of conscience. They claim that their actions are motivated by zeal for God, even when what they say contradicts the truth. They may speak passionately about protecting the truth, defending the faith, or preserving the church. They present themselves as people who are deeply concerned about spiritual matters and eager to guard others from error.

5. Most of all, they come with an appearance of love. They present their actions as concern for others. They speak as if they are motivated by kindness and care. They express worry about people being misled, going too far, or becoming unbalanced in their faith. They may warn others not to be extreme, not to take things too seriously, or not to become “too righteous.” They often encourage people to stay in what seems like a safe, moderate middle ground—but in doing so, they quietly lead them away from the narrow way that leads to life.

Part III.

1. But how can we recognize what these people truly are, despite their outward appearance? This is the third thing we must consider. Our Lord knew how necessary it was for everyone to be able to identify false prophets, no matter how well they are disguised. He also knew that most people are not able to follow long or complicated arguments. So He gives us a short and simple rule—one that anyone can understand and apply in any situation: “You will know them by their fruit.”

2. This rule is easy to apply. If you want to know whether someone who speaks in God’s name is a true or false prophet, first look at the fruit of their teaching in their own life. What effect has it had on how they live? Are they holy and blameless in their conduct? What effect has it had on their heart? Does the overall pattern of their life show a Christlike character? Are they humble, gentle, patient, and full of love for God and others? Are they devoted to doing good?

3. Next, look at the fruit of their teaching in the lives of those who follow them—at least in many of them, even if not in all, since even the apostles did not convert everyone who heard them. Do those who listen to them begin to take on the character of Christ? Do they begin to live as He lived? And did this change begin through their teaching? Were they once living in sin, but now growing in holiness? If so, that is strong evidence that the teacher is sent by God. But if this is not the case—if people remain unchanged, or are not led to love and serve God—then it is clear that the teacher is not sent by God.

4. This is a difficult truth, and many people do not want to accept it. Jesus knew this, and so He supports it with clear examples. “Do people gather grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” You would not expect good fruit from something that is bad. In the same way, a good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A true teacher—one sent by God—produces the fruit of holiness. A false teacher produces sin. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. A true teacher does not produce good fruit only occasionally, but consistently. In the same way, a false teacher does not occasionally produce harm—it is the natural result of their teaching. And Jesus gives a serious warning: every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. This will be the end of those who do not lead people to repentance and new life. So let this stand as a lasting rule: you will know them by their fruit. Those who lead people from pride, anger, and selfishness into humility, love, and obedience are true messengers of God. But those whose followers remain unchanged—or lack a deeper righteousness—are not sent by God. Unless there is a miracle of grace, both they and their followers are in danger of destruction.

5. So, beware of these false prophets. Even though they appear harmless, they are dangerous. They do not care for the flock—they harm it. They cannot lead you to heaven, because they do not know the way themselves. Be careful that they do not lead you away from the truth and cause you to lose what you have gained.

6. You may ask, “If there is so much danger in listening to them, should I avoid them altogether?” This is an important and difficult question. It deserves careful thought and prayer. For many years, I have hesitated to give a clear answer. There are strong reasons to say, “Do not listen to them.” But at the same time, Jesus’ own words seem to suggest something different. He said about the religious leaders of His day, “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” Jesus made it clear that these leaders were false in their lives. Yet He did not forbid people from hearing them. In fact, He told them to listen and obey what they taught—at least when it was true.

7. Some might say that Jesus only meant they should listen when Scripture was being read. But at that time, reading and explaining Scripture were closely connected. There is no indication that people were to listen to one and not the other. In fact, when Jesus says, “Do everything they tell you,” it suggests that they were to listen to their teaching as well.

8. In addition, even today, people who are not truly faithful may still be responsible for leading parts of worship, including the sacraments. To say that we should never listen to them would, in some cases, cut people off from these important means of grace. But the effectiveness of these practices does not depend on the character of the person leading them—it depends on God, who is faithful. Even when imperfect people lead, God can still work through what He has established. Many have experienced real grace through these means, even when those leading them were not living faithfully.

9. So what should we do? In each situation, seek God through humble and sincere prayer. Then act according to the best understanding you have, seeking what will most help your spiritual life. Be careful not to judge too quickly or harshly. And if you do become convinced that someone is a false teacher, do not respond with anger or contempt. Instead, make your decision before God. If you find that listening to them harms your spiritual life, then quietly step away and listen to those who help you grow. But if it does not harm you, you may continue to listen—with caution. Be careful how you listen. Test everything you hear against Scripture. Do not accept anything without examining it carefully. Hold on to what agrees with God’s Word, and reject anything that does not. And especially reject any teaching about salvation that differs from—or falls short of—the way Jesus has described.

10. Before closing, I want to speak directly to those who may be leading others in the wrong way. You who speak in God’s name but do not speak His truth—listen. How long will you claim to speak for God when He has not sent you? How long will you distort what is right, calling darkness light and light darkness? How long will you teach a path that leads to death and call it life? How long will you lead people away from God while claiming to lead them to Him?

11. Jesus warned about leaders like this: “You are blind guides.” You shut the door to heaven for others. You do not enter yourselves, and you prevent others from entering. When people begin to seek God, you hold them back. When they start to grow, you warn them not to go too far. You cause them to stumble before they even begin. Why do you do this? What do you gain by leading others to destruction? Their loss will not benefit you. They will perish in their sin, and God will hold you accountable.

12. Do you even realize what you are doing? Have you misled others for so long that you now believe your own error? Do you truly think God has sent you? If He had, the results would be clear. God confirms the work of those He sends. But your work does not lead people to repentance. It does not produce new life. You are not seeing souls saved.

13. How can you ignore the clear words of Jesus? How can you fail to see the fruit of your own work? Do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles? Then why do you expect good results from a wrong foundation? You are not producing good fruit. Your teaching has only strengthened people in sin. Take this warning seriously. Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

14. My brothers and sisters, do not harden your hearts any longer. You have resisted the truth for too long. Open your eyes before it is too late. Do not let temporary concerns keep you from seeing what is at stake—eternity itself. You have stepped into a role you were not called to. Do not continue down this path. Turn back. Seek God in humility. Ask Him to bring life to your own soul—to give you true faith that works through love, a humble and gentle spirit, purity, mercy, and a passion for good works. Then the Spirit of Christ will rest upon you, and it will be clear that God has sent you. You will truly serve Him. Your words will carry power, and lives will be changed. And as you lead many toward righteousness, you will shine like the stars forever.

Week 12 - Known by the Fruit

Scripture: Matthew 7:15–20

Wesley Text: Sermon on the Mount, Discourse 12 (Sermon 32)

Introduction

Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount with a sober warning: not everyone who speaks for God actually walks with God. Some voices sound religious, loving, and reasonable—but their teaching quietly leads people away from the narrow way of life. That’s why Jesus says, “Beware of false prophets.”

John Wesley takes this warning seriously. He reminds us that the danger isn’t always obvious. False teaching often comes wrapped in kindness, moderation, and concern. So Jesus gives us a simple test—one ordinary believers can use: fruit. Not titles. Not intentions. Not appearances. Fruit.

This week invites us to slow down and ask honest questions—not just about who we listen to, but about the direction of our own lives.

GATHER

Purpose

To reflect on who influences our faith and how we discern spiritual voices in everyday life.

Personal Discovery

• Who have been the most influential voices in shaping your faith over the years (pastors, teachers, authors, family members)?

• When you think about spiritual guidance, what do you tend to trust first—how someone sounds, how kind they seem, or how they live?

• Where do you currently get most of your spiritual input (church, podcasts, books, social media, conversations)?

Group Discussion

• Why do you think Jesus felt it was necessary to warn His followers about false prophets at the end of the Sermon on the Mount?

• Wesley says false teaching often encourages an easy, comfortable faith. Why is that so appealing?

• How can good intentions still lead people in the wrong direction spiritually?

GROW

Purpose

To understand Jesus’ test for truth—fruit—and Wesley’s insistence that the narrow way always produces holy lives.

Summary

Wesley defines false prophets simply: anyone who teaches a way to heaven that does not actually lead there. The narrow way Jesus describes—humility, mercy, hunger for righteousness, love, obedience, and willingness to suffer for Christ—cannot be replaced with an easier substitute.

What makes false prophets dangerous is not that they reject faith outright, but that they redefine it. They may speak of faith, grace, or freedom while quietly excusing pride, worldliness, or spiritual complacency.

Jesus’ test cuts through all appearances: What kind of life does this teaching produce? True teaching leads people toward repentance, holiness, love, and good works. False teaching leaves people unchanged—or worse, comfortable in sin.

Wesley presses the question home: if teaching does not produce Christlike lives, it does not come from Christ.

Personal Discovery

• When you evaluate your own spiritual growth, what “fruit” do you see developing over time?

• Are there areas where you’ve mistaken comfort or sincerity for spiritual health?

• How does Wesley’s emphasis on holiness challenge modern ideas of “easy faith”?

Group Discussion

• Jesus says, “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit.” Why is consistency over time so important?

• Wesley argues that true teaching always leads toward holiness of heart and life. How does that shape how we evaluate preaching and teaching today?

• How can we practice discernment without becoming judgmental or harsh?

GO

Purpose

To live as people who both discern truth wisely and bear good fruit faithfully.

Take It Home – Mark of Holiness

A growing life marked by humility, love for God and neighbor, obedience, and visible good works—not perfection, but direction.

Scripture Readings for the Week

• Matthew 7:13–27

• Galatians 5:16–26

• James 1:22–27

• Colossians 1:9–14

Memory Verse

“By their fruits you will know them.” — Matthew 7:20

Prayer Prompt

Lord Jesus,Give me eyes to see clearly and a heart that loves truth.Guard me from voices that make faith easy but obedience optional.Shape my life so that good fruit grows naturally from walking with You.Teach me not only to hear Your words—but to live them.Amen.