November 10th - Matthew 7:15-23 - Counterfeits

Adjective: Counterfeit – made in exact imitation of something valuable or important with the intention to deceive or defraud.

Synonyms: Pretend, fake, simulate, assume, imitate, bluff, sham, conceal, masquerade, impersonate

Questions to think about

Have you ever bought something and then found out that it was a fake? How did you find out it was fake? Were there any consequences from buying a counterfeit product?

Counterfeit products can include artwork, food, clothing, bags, electronics, drugs, cleaning devices, footwear, cosmetics, medical equipment, jewelry, and money just to name a few things. Why is the counterfeit industry so big? Why do people make fake products?

Jesus tells us that we are to beware of false (counterfeit) prophets. Why?

What are some of the common false messages today that are being passed off as “Biblical”?

What are some ways that we can identify false messages and why is it important to be able to do this?

Why is it so important to read/study the Bible regularly?

Related Scripture passages to meditate on

Deuteronomy 13

Deuteronomy 18:20-22

Jeremiah 21:21-40

Matthew 18:7-9

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Hebrews 4:12

2 Peter 1:16-2:3; 17-22

1 John 4:1-6