text:
"Emmanuel's Warning Part 2" – Matthew 7:15-23
Matthew 7:15-23 (see also Luke 6:43-45)
"Emmanuel's Warning Pt 2"
Service Orientation: Watch out! Judge religious leaders because the world is full of counterfeit prophets who can deceive and destroy you. Even more critical is that you judge yourself. Are you who you think you are?
Bible Memory Verse for the Week: Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. — 1 John 4:1
We have a tendency to associate prophecy with the foretelling of the future. But in fact that was only a part (and actually a less prominent part) of the prophet's ministry. The basic task of the prophet was to forth-tell, not just to fore-tell, God's word. He was to explain and apply God's truth to the lives of the people in his own day, as well as speak about the future. (Sinclair Ferguson, The Sermon on the Mount, 166)
A "false prophet" is one who falsifies God's word–either by openly contradicting it, or, more likely (as Jesus indicates), by twisting its meaning. (Sinclair Ferguson, The Sermon on the Mount, 166)
(v. 15) Beware always warns of danger. It is not a call simply to notice or sense something, but to be on guard against it because it is so harmful. The word conveys the idea of holding the mind away. False prophets are more than wrong; they are dangerous, and we should not expose our minds to them. They pervert thinking and poison the soul. (John MacArthur, The MacArthur NT Commentary: Matthew 1-7, 464)
(v. 15) In OT times prophets were often recognizable by what they wore. Like Elijah, they often wore rough, hairy, uncomfortable clothing as a symbol of their foregoing the normal comforts of life for the cause of God. John the Baptist, as the last prophet of the Old Covenant, wore a camel's hair coat and ate locusts and wild honey. There were exceptions, but prophets generally could be identified by their plain, coarse clothing. (John MacArthur, The MacArthur NT Commentary: Matthew 1-7, 465)
(v. 16) There were bushes in Israel that had little berries that resembled grapes and certain thistles whose flowers resembled figs. But the berries were bitter, unfit to eat, and the flowers were deceptions. So also with the teaching of false prophets. (James Montgomery Boice, The Gospel of Matthew, Vol. 1, 114)
(v. 22) There are three possible explanations for the claim of the false believers. It may be that they were allowed to do those amazing works by God's power. God put words in Balaam's mouth, even though that prophet was false and wicked (Nm 23:5). King Saul, after he became apostate had the "Spirit of God [come] upon him mightily, so that he prophesied" (1 Sm 10:10). The wicked high priest Caiaphas unwittingly and unintentionally "prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation" (Jn 11:51).
A second possibility is that those amazing acts were accomplished by Satan's power. Jesus predicted that "false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect" (Mt 24:24). The unbelieving sons of Sceva, for example, were Jewish exorcists, who made their living casting out demons (Acts 19:13-14). Mk 9:38-40 tells of someone outside the apostles casting out demons. Paul promises false signs in the last days, lying wonders of Satan (2 Thes 2:8-10). Acts 8:11 describes the work of a satanic sorcerer. Today there are miracle workers, healers, and exorcists who claim to work for Jesus Christ but are satanic deceivers.
A third possibility is that some of the claims were simply false. The prophecies, exorcisms, and miracles were fake and contrived. No doubt all three will be represented. (John MacArthur, The MacArthur NT Commentary: Matthew 1-7, 480)
The question to be answered is . . . Why does Jesus want us to judge religious leaders and ourselves?
Answer: Because listening to lies and following inauthentic religious leaders is not only tempting and unproductive but can lead to destruction. We need the Spirit of Jesus to discern the status of prophets and our own hearts.
The Word for the Day is . . . false
The Gospels, book of Acts, epistles, the book of Revelation are full of examples of false prophets (Mt 27:20; 28:12-15; Jn 7:41, 42; 9:29; Acts 2:13; 8:18, 19; 15:1; Rom 6:1; 17:17, 18; 1 Cor 15:12; 2 Cor 10:10; Gal 1:6, 9; 3:1; 4:17; 5:2-4; Eph 5:3-14; Phil 3:2, 17-19; Col 2:4, 8, 16-23; 2 Thess 2:1, 2; 3:6, 14; 1 Tm 1:3-7, 18-30; 4:1-5, 7; 6:20, 21; 2 Tm 2:14-18; 3:1-9; 4:3, 4; Ti 1:10-16; 3:9, 10; Heb 6:4-8; 10:26-28; Jam 2:17; 2 Pt 2:1 ff.; 3:3, 4; 1 Jn 2:18; 4:1; 2 Jn 10; 3 Jn 9, 10; Jude 4 ff.; Rv 2:9, 14, 15, 20-24; 3:9). In fact, one of the dragon's (Satan's) allies is "the beast out of the earth" (Rv 13:11), who is also called "the false prophet" (16:13; 19:20; 20:10). It is worthy of note that Christ's description of the false prophet, the one who comes in sheep's clothing but inwardly is a ravenous wolf, and the picture presented in Rv 13:11, "the beast with two horns like a lamb but speech like a dragon," closely resemble each other. In both cases inner essence is in conflict with outward manifestation. False prophets are the representatives of the power of darkness (Col 1:13; cf. Lk 22;53; Acts 26:18; Eph 6:12) masquerading as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14). (William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary: Matthew, 372)
Of what is Jesus warning us on the heals of teaching about the right path that leads to life and the wrong path that leads to destruction?
I- Watch for false prophets who are selfish, greedy wolves ravaging, pillaging, and deceiving by promoting the broad road that leads to destruction. (Mt 7:15-20 see also: 1 Kgs 22:1-38; Jer 5:30-31; 6:13-15; 8:8-12; 14:14; 23:14-22, 28-40; 29:21; Mic 3:5; Mt 7:13-14; 24:3-15, 24; Mk 13:22; Acts 20:28-32; Rom 16:17-18; 2 Cor 11:13-15; Gal 1:6-12; 2:4; 3:1; 2 Thess 2:1-12; Ti 1:11; 2 Pt 2:1-22; 2 Jn 7; Rv 2:2)
The false prophet is identified by his attitude toward the people of God. He is a "ferocious wolf," and expresses his true nature by the way he devours the flock. He does not lay down his life for the sheep (as the Good Shepherd did–see Jn 10:15). Instead, he uses the sheep to serve his own interests. He is not at all like the Lord Jesus. (Sinclair Ferguson, The Sermon on the Mount, 167)
The basic fault of the false prophet is self-interest. The true shepherd cares for the flock more than he cares for his life; the wolf cares for nothing but to satisfy his own gluttony and his own greed. The false prophet is in the business of teaching, not for what he can give to others, but for what he can get to himself. (William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible Series: Gospel of Matthew, 284)
The false prophet is a man who comes to us, and who at first has the appearance of being everything that could be desired. He is nice and pleasing and pleasant; he appears to be thoroughly Christian, and seems to say the right things. His teaching in general is quite all right and he uses many terms that should be used and employed by a true Christian teacher. He talks about God, he talks about Jesus Christ, he talks about the cross, he emphasizes the love of God, he seems to be saying everything that a Christian should say. He is obviously in sheep's clothing, and his way of living seems to correspond. So you do not suspect that there is anything wrong at all; there is nothing that at once attracts your attention or arouses your suspicion, nothing glaringly wrong. . . . What is so wrong with their teaching? The most convenient way of answering this is to say that there is no "strait gate" in it, there is no "narrow way" in it. As far as it goes it is all right, but it does not include this. It is a teaching, the falseness of which is to be detected by what it does not say rather than by what it does say. (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, 500)
We must realize, then, that it is actually possible for a man to be preaching correct doctrine and yet to be outside the kingdom. (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, 522)
He may teach solely for gain. (William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible Series: Gospel of Matthew, 284)
He may teach solely for prestige. (Barclay, 285)
There is a kind of teacher and preacher who uses his message as a setting for himself. The false prophet is interested in self-display; the true prophet desires self-obliteration. (Barclay, 285)
He may teach solely to transmit his own ideas. (Barclay, 285)
Now in first-century Palestine the wolf was the natural enemy of sheep, which were entirely defenseless against it. Hence a good shepherd, as Jesus was to teach later, was always on the look-out for wolves in order to protect his sheep, whereas the hired laborer (who, not being the sheep-owner, did not care about them) would abandon them at the sight of a wolf and run away, leaving it to attack and scatter the flock. Just so Christ's flock is at the mercy of either good shepherds or paid laborers or wolves. The good pastor feeds the flock with truth, the false teacher like a wolf divides it by error, while the time-serving professional does nothing to protect it but abandons it to false teachers. (John R.W. Stott, The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, 198)
There is someone standing by my side, who looks just like a member of the Church. He is a prophet and a preacher. He looks like a Christian, he talks and acts like one. But dark powers are mysteriously at work; it was those who sent him into our midst…He may even be unconscious himself of what he is doing. The devil can give him every encouragement and at the same time keeps him in the dark about his own motives. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, 212-3)
Here are people who call Jesus 'Lord' with courtesy, orthodoxy and enthusiasm, in private devotion and in public ministry. What can be wrong with this? In itself nothing. And yet everything is wrong because it is talk without truth, profession without reality. It will not save them on the day of judgment. So Jesus moves on from what they are saying and will say to him to what he will say to them. He too will make a solemn profession. The word used in verse 23 is homologēsō, 'I will confess'. Christ's confession to them will be like theirs in being public, but unlike theirs in being true. He will address to them the terrible words: I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers. (John R.W. Stott, The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, 207)
Scripture speaks of three basic kinds of false teachers: heretics, apostates and deceivers. Heretics are those who openly reject the word of God and teach that which is contrary to divine truth. Apostate teachers are those who once followed the true faith but have turned away from it, rejected it, and are trying to lead others away. Those two kinds of false teachers at least have the virtue of a certain honesty.
The false shepherd (the deceiver), on the other hand, gives the appearance of orthodoxy, frequently with great declarations and fanfare. He is not liberal or a cultist but one who speaks favorably of Christ, the cross, the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and so on, and who associates with true believers. He may go out of his way to appear orthodox, fundamental, and evangelical. From his looks, vocabulary, and associations he gives considerable evidence of genuine belief. But he is not genuine; he is a fake and a deceiver. He has the speech of orthodoxy, but is a living lie. (John MacArthur, The MacArthur NT Commentary: Matthew 1-7, 465)
Today we have a preference towards the gifts of the Spirit and not towards the fruit of the Spirit. WHY? Because the gifts of the Spirit are more showy, impressive, flamboyant, but also easier counterfeited, and easy imitated.
Whereas the real defining of Christian character is in the fruit of the Spirit. It is here that one is GODLIKE and the fruit of the Spirit should be the goal of every Christian. But we chase after the gifts instead of the fruit because they are more showy. It goes to show that we are more interested in show than in substance. (R.C. Sproul message, The Indwelling Power of Love)
Mortification from a self-strength, carried on by ways of self-invention unto the end of a self-righteousness, is the soul and substance of all false religion in the world. (John Owen quoted by Sinclair B. Ferguson; The Christian Life, 160)
II- Examine your own heart for authenticity. Many will be destroyed by self-denial. (Mt 7:21-23 see also: Jn 8:31; 1 Cor 11:28; 2 Cor 13:5; 1 Thess 5:21)
The one great lesson to be learnt from this passage is the danger of self-deception, and this is emphasized in several ways. For instance our Lord uses the word "Many." Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not done this and that?" We must not exaggerate the force and strength of this word "many," but it is a word that carries a very definite meaning. He does not say "an odd person here and there," but "many"–self-deception is a danger to the "many," and His warnings against it are frequent. (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, 526)
Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true. (Demosthenes quoted by Patrick Morley; The Man In The Mirror, 286)
We must take time to ask ourselves these questions, for one of the greatest dangers to the soul is just to be living on our own activities and on our own efforts. To be over-busy is one of the highroads to self-deception. (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, 532)
Self is a great let to divine things; therefore the prophets and apostles were usually carried out of themselves, when they had the clearest, choicest, highest, and most glorious visions. Self-seeking blinds the soul that it cannot see a beauty in Christ, nor an excellency in holiness; it distempers the palate, that a man cannot taste sweetness in the word of God, nor in the ways of God, nor in the society of the people of God. It shuts the hand against all the soul-enriching offers of Christ; it hardens the heart against all the knocks and entreaties of Christ; it makes the soul as an empty vine, and as a barren wilderness: "Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit to himself" (Hos 10:1). There is nothing that speaks a man to be more empty and void of God, Christ, and grace, than self-seeking. (Thomas Brooks; Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, 189)
A superficial doctrine of assurance, therefore, or a false doctrine of assurance, is one of the most common causes of self-delusion. (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, 529)
It is possible for a man to preach the gospel of Christ in an orthodox manner, to mention the name of Christ, to be right in doctrine and to be zealous in the preaching of he Word, and yet really to be doing it the whole time for his own self-interest and his own glory and self-satisfaction. The only way to safeguard ourselves against that is to examine and scrutinize ourselves. It is painful and unpleasant; but it has to be done. It is the only way of safety. A man has to face himself squarely and ask: "Why am I doing it? What is the thing that, in my heart of hearts, I am really out for?" If a man does not do that he is exposing himself to the terrible danger of self-delusion and self-deception. (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, 531)
CONCLUSION/APPLICATION: How can we make a proper judgment of prophets and our own hearts?:
Understand that by our sinful nature, we all have a natural proclivity to lie to ourselves and a desire to hear the "positive and encouraging" lies of others. (Isa 30:9-10; Jer 5:30-31; 17:9; Lk 6:26; Rom 1:18-32; 3:9-21; 2 Cor 11:13-15; 2 Thess 2:1-12; 2 Tm 3:1-6; 4:1-3; 2 Pt 2:17-20)
People are experts at hearing who they want to hear so they can believe what they want to believe and do what they want to do. (Leadership Magazine quote given by Steve Brown in a sermon entitled, "False Prophets II: Matthew 7:13-29)
"It is not strange to see that the most dangerous heretics have many followers, every error being a friend to some sort of lust." (Alexander Nesbitt as quoted by Alistair Begg in a sermon False Teachers Among You – Part 1)
The false prophet is always a very comforting preacher. As you listen to him he always gives you the impression that there is not very much wrong. (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, 501)
There has always been a large market for false prophets, because most people do not want to hear the truth. They prefer to hear what is pleasant and flattering, even if it is false and dangerous, over what is unpleasant and unflattering, even if it is true and helpful. (John MacArthur, The MacArthur NT Commentary: Matthew 1-7, 461)
One of the major characteristics of false prophets in the OT was their amoral optimism, their denial that God was the God of judgment as well as of steadfast love and mercy. They were guilty, Jeremiah said to the people, of "filling you with vain hopes…They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, "It shall be well with you"; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart they say, "No evil shall come upon you." Similarly, God complains; "They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace." Such talk was, to say the least, a grave disservice to the people of God. It gave them a false sense of security. It lulled them to sleep in their sins. It failed to warn them of the impending judgment of God or tell them how to escape it. (John R.W. Stott, The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, 199)
The false prophet is a man who has no "strait gate" or "narrow way" in his gospel. He has nothing which is offensive to the natural man; he pleases all. He is in "sheep's clothing," so attractive, so pleasant, so nice to look at. He has such a nice and comfortable and comforting message. He pleases everybody and everybody speaks well of him. (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, 500-1)
Diogenes said that false teachers were those whose method it was to follow wherever the applause of the crowd led." Today Diogenes would say that False teachers and false scientists' method is to follow wherever the buck led." (William Barclay; Commentary on 2 Peter, 315)
Within the context of the Sermon on the Mount, the false prophet can only be someone who does not advocate the narrow way presented by Jesus. He may not be wildly heretical in other areas; indeed, he may set himself up as a staunch defender of orthodoxy. But the way which he commends is not narrow or disturbing, and therefore he can gain quite a hearing. (D. A. Carson, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, 135)
There is nothing in their preaching which fosters poverty of spirit, nothing which searches the conscience and makes men cry to God for mercy, nothing which excoriates all forms of religious hypocrisy, nothing which prompts such righteousness of conduct and attitude that some persecution is inevitable. It is even possible in some instances that everything these false prophets say is true; but because they leave out the difficult bits, they do not tell the whole truth, and their total message is false. (D. A. Carson, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, 135-6)
Self-deception is "corrupted consciousness," says Lewis Smedes. Whether fear, passion, weariness, or even faith prompts it, self-deception, like a skillful computer fraud, doubles back to cover its own trail. "First we deceive ourselves, and then we convince ourselves that we are not deceiving ourselves." (Cornelius Plantinga, Jr., Not the Way It's Supposed to Be, 107)
He who would distinguish the true from the false must have an adequate idea of what is true and false. — Spinoza
Giving false assurance to sinners is a Scriptural sign of a false prophet. 'From the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the bruise of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace' [Jer 6:14]. It is the Holy Spirit's work to assure the hearts of God's children. Thus, our forefathers would not have used the methods of assurance which are in vogue today. (Walter J. Chantry, Today's Gospel: Authentic or Synthetic?, 70)
The warning of Jesus against false prophets is "relevant" now as well as when it was first spoken. Today the following are among the slogans used by the modern representatives of this cult of deceit:
"Heaven and hell are myths."
"The God of love will not permit anyone to be punished everlastingly."
"Satan is a myth."
"Sin is sickness. It has nothing to do with guilt. Get rid of your guilt-complex."
An individual is not responsible for his own so-called sins. The blame, if there is any, rests on the parents or on society."
"In many situations what used to be considered sin is not really that at all." Is this what is meant by "situation ethics"? Is it a handy device for condoning extramarital sexuality and other evils? (William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary: Matthew, 373)
Pretending seems a much more reliable road to Christian maturity. The only price we pay is a loss of soul, of communion with God, a loss of direction, and a loss of hope. (Larry Crabb quoted by John Eldredge; The Journey of Desire, 61)
Though there is nothing apparently wrong with this messenger, there are things that are subtly wrong–terribly wrong. In terms suggested by the immediate preceding context of the Sermon on the Mount, there is no narrow gate in his message. This man's preaching is all right in that he says nothing that is untrue. The problem stems from what he does not say. He says many right things, but he also leaves out some indispensable points of belief. And that makes him exceedingly dangerous. He is truly a wolf "in sheep's clothing." His preaching also has another telltale characteristic–he says nothing that is offensive to the natural man. His message comforts and soothes and never warns of judgment. (R. Kent Hughes, The Sermon on the Mount, 249)
There is nothing to make anyone uneasy, but rather only things that make people feel good, content, and falsely assured. They characterize anyone who preaches otherwise as negative. (R. Kent Hughes, The Sermon on the Mount, 249)
The proof is in the fruit. What a person sows is that which he will reap. What is the result or fruit of my acting on what I believe? (1 Sm 15:22; Mt 3:8-10; 7:15-20; 12:33-34; 13:24-39; 21:43; Lk 3:8-9; 6:43-46; 13:6-9; Jn 15:1-16; Rom 2:4-6; 7:4-5; 2 Cor 9:6; Gal 5:22-25; 6:7-9; Col 1:6-10; Heb 12:11; 1 Jn 3:6-10; 4:20; Jude 4, 10)
"Fruit is a Jewish metaphor for both character and conduct. Jesus' followers would be able to discern false prophets by looking at their lives and conduct. (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Matthew, 138)
The false prophet is identified by his priorities. On the last day, these prophets will say to Jesus, "Did we not prophesy in your name,…and drive out demons and perform many miracles?" But Jesus will reject their claims to him (Mt 7:22-23). Why? They placed success before obedience (only those who do the will of the Father belong to the kingdom–verse 21). They put their own position before their service. Most obviously, they substituted gifts for grace. (Sinclair Ferguson, The Sermon on the Mount, 168-9)
Religion is meant to bring men closer together, not to drive men apart. Religion is meant to gather men into one family, not to split them up into hostile groups. The teaching which declares that any Church or any sect has a monopoly of the grace of God is false teaching, for Christ is not the Christ who divides, he is the Christ who unites. (William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible Series: Gospel of Matthew, 288)
There is only one proof of love, and that proof is obedience. There is no point in saying that we love a person, and then doing things which break that person's heart. (William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible Series: Gospel of Matthew, 289)
"Faith that does not act is a faith that is just an act." (Lois Evans and Jane Rubietta, Stones of Remembrance)
But no person, no matter how clever and deceitful, can indefinitely hide a character that is rotten and out of tune with God. John Calvin said, "Nothing is more difficult to counterfeit than virtue." It demands too much. It demands more than any person has in himself, and when God's divine provision and power are absent the charade cannot last long. (John MacArthur, The MacArthur NT Commentary: Matthew 1-7, 470)
The test is rephrased by a famous second-century document, the Didache, which says, "But not everyone who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet, except he have the behavior of the Lord." (D. A. Carson, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, 138)
The vital difference is between 'saying' and 'doing'. The reason Christ the Judge will banish them from him is that they are evildoers. They may claim to do mighty works in their ministry; but in their everyday behavior the works they do are not good, but evil. (John R.W. Stott, The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, 207-8)
The Didachē is the first order book of the Christian Church; it dates to about A.D. 100; and its regulations concerning these wandering prophets are very illuminating. A true prophet was to be held in the highest honor; he was to be welcomed; his word must never be disregarded, and his freedom must never be curtailed; but "He shall remain one day, and, if necessary, another day also; but if he remain three days, he is a false prophet." He must never ask for anything but bread. "If he asks for money, he is a false prophet." Prophets all claim to speak in the Spirit, but there is one acid test: "By their characters a true and a false prophet shall be known." Every prophet that teacheth the truth, if he do not what he teacheth, is a false prophet." (William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible Series: Gospel of Matthew, 282-3)
There may be a superficial resemblance between the true and the false prophet. The false prophet may wear the right clothes and use the right language; but you cannot sustain life with the berries of a buckthorn or the flowers of a thistle; and the life of the soul can never be sustained with the food which a false prophet offers. The real test of any teaching is: Does it strengthen a man to bear the burdens of life, and to walk in the way wherein he ought to go? (William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible Series: Gospel of Matthew, 283-4)
The Didache gives several means for distinguishing true prophets from false. One was that a true prophet would not remain as a house guest more than two days, because he would need to be up and about his work. A false prophet, however, would willingly stay indefinitely, since he had no real mission to accomplish except serving his own interests. The second test was in regard to asking for money. The true prophet, said The Didache, would ask for bread and water, but nothing more–that is, only for necessities to keep himself going. A false prophet, on the other hand, is not the least averse to asking for or even demanding money. A third test was in the area of life-style. A person who does not lead a life that corresponds to the standards he teaches is clearly not a man of God. Still another test was in regard to willingness to work. If a person wanted to live off others and would not work for his own keep, he was a Christ trafficker. (John MacArthur, The MacArthur NT Commentary: Matthew 1-7, 466)
(i) Teaching is false if it produces a religion which consists solely or mainly in the observance of externals...
(ii) Teaching is false if it produces a religion which consists in prohibitions.
(iii) Teaching is false if it produces an easy religion.
(iv) Teaching is false if it divorces religion and life.
(v) Teaching is false if it produces a religion which is arrogant and separatist. (William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible Series: Gospel of Matthew, 286-88)
In his book Deceived, Mel White tries to determine why so many people could be so fatally misled. Among the reasons he suggests are:
He [Jim Jones] knew how to inspire hope. He was committed to people in need; he counseled prisoners and juvenile delinquents. He started a job placement center; he opened rest homes and homes for the retarded; he had a health clinic; he organized a vocational training center; he provided free legal aid; he founded a community center; he preached about God. He even claimed to cast out demons, do miracles and heal.
But on the other hand we find all the marks of a false prophet. He promoted himself through the use of celebrities, a very common vehicle for false prophets to gain credibility. He manipulated the press; he wanted certain favorable stories; he was big on playing the press…And he used the language and the forms of faith to gain his power. (John MacArthur, The MacArthur NT Commentary: Matthew 1-7, 462)
I find it amusing, in the light of our text, that today we call an academic degree or diploma a sheepskin. For some professors and ministers clearly cover their intentions with the sheepskins of higher learning while using their knowledge of the Bible and church history to damage the faith of those who listen to them. We are to be warned against such teachers. (James Montgomery Boice, The Sermon on the Mount, 255)
Let's check the "fruit of the Spirit" in our lives:
When you find that you are feeling more love for unlovely people, people you don't particularly like, it is the work of the Holy Spirit.
When you find that there is a sense of joy about your life, without necessarily a change in your circumstances, know that the Holy Spirit has been at work.
When you find moments of peace that circumstances can't destroy, you're not going crazy, it is our Lord, the Holy Spirit.
When you find yourself being patient in areas where before you would have been quick-tempered and angry, you will know that the Holy Spirit has been doing His work.
When you find yourself kinder than you have been before, maybe even in the face of people who aren't kind to you, that is the Holy Spirit doing what He does.
When you notice that you are better than you were before, doing right things just because they are the right things to do–balancing your actions, not against the bottom line, but against God's commandments in your life, and working for what you know to be right–you know the Holy Spirit has been at work.
When others, who were supposed to be holding the rope for a brother or sister, got distracted by the pretty flowers…and you held on and were faithful, it is Him.
When you are surprised with the gentleness with which you turned away an angry friend or family member, when before you would have been quick-tempered, you know the Holy Spirit has been working.
When you are strongly tempted but are able to say no, though you wanted to say yes, you have seen the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. (Steve Brown; Follow the Wind–Our Lord, The Holy Spirit, 109-110)
God's Word is the basis of all truth. Test every spirit (miracle, teaching, deed, etc.) in which you come in contact. Use the "means of grace" to keep yourself honest and others with you. (Eph 4:11-16; 2 Pt 1:5-8) Is this spirit from God or Satan? (Ex 7:11-12, 22; 8:7, 18-19; Nm 23:8-10, 18-24; 24:5-9, 17; Dt 13:1-5; Ps 119:11, 105; Acts 17:11; 1 Thess 5:21; 2 Tm 3:12-17; Heb 4:12-13; 1 Jn 4:1 )
What is the best safeguard against false teaching? Beyond all doubt the regular study of the Word of God, with prayer for the teaching of the Holy Spirit. The Bible was given to be a lamp to our feet and a light for our path (Ps 119:105). The man who reads it aright will never be allowed greatly to err. It is neglect of the Bible which makes so many a prey to the first false teacher whom they hear. (J.C. Ryle, The Crossway Classic Commentaries: Matthew, 52)
It is possible for real Christians to be taken in by false prophets. When believers are careless about study of and obedience to the Word, lazy about prayer, and uncritical about the things of God, it is easy for them to be deceived by someone who pretends to be orthodox–especially if he is pleasant, positive, and permissive. (John MacArthur, The MacArthur NT Commentary: Matthew 1-7, 468)
I would like to suggest four doctrinal tests. First, the false prophet avoids preaching on such things as the holiness, righteousness, justice, and wrath of God.
…Second, he avoids preaching on the doctrine of the final judgment.
…Third, false prophets fail to emphasize the fallenness and depravity of mankind.
…Fourth, false prophets de-emphasize the substitutionary death and atonement of Christ. (R. Kent Hughes, The Sermon on the Mount, 250-1)
If you want to avoid terrible disillusionment at the day of judgment, face Scripture as it is. Do not argue with it, do not try to manipulate it, do not twist it; face it, receive it and submit to it whatever the cost. (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, 533)
So, "Beware!" Jesus warns. We must be on our guard, pray for discernment, use our critical faculties and never relax our vigilance. We must not be dazzled by a person's outward clothing–his charm, learning, doctorates and ecclesiastical honors. We must not be so naive as to suppose that because he is a PhD or a DD or a professor or a bishop he must be a true and orthodox ambassador of Christ. (John R.W. Stott, The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, 200)
The sixteenth-century reformers, who were accused by the Church of Rome of being innovators and false teachers, defended themselves by this doctrinal test. They appealed to Scripture and maintained that their teaching was not the introduction of something new but the recovery of something old, namely the original gospel of Christ and his apostles. It was rather the medieval Catholics who had departed from the faith into error. "Cling to the pure Word of God," cried Luther, for then you will be able to "recognize the judge" who is right. Calvin made the same emphasis: "All doctrines must be brought to the Word of God as the standard," for "in judging of false prophets the rule of faith (i.e. Scripture) holds the chief place." (John R.W. Stott, The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, 202)
To do its worst, evil needs to look its best. Evil has to spend a lot on makeup. Hypocrites have to spend time polishing their act and polishing their image. "Hypocrisy is an homage that vice pays to virtue." Vices have to masquerade as virtues–lust as love, thinly veiled sadism as military discipline, envy as righteous indignation, domestic tyranny as parental concern. And this is so whether the masquerade takes the form of putting on an act or making up a cover story. Either way, deceivers learn how to present something falsely, and they exert themselves to make the presentation credible. Even Satan, who looks heroic to rebels, must masquerade "as an angel of light" (2 Cor 11:14) in order to look merely plausible. This infernal embarrassment (Satan must appeal to our God-given appetite for goodness in order to win his way) suggests a significant feature of evil: to prevail, evil must leech not only power and intelligence from goodness but also its credibility. From counterfeit money to phony airliner parts to the trustworthy look on the face of a con artist, evil appears in disguise. Hence its treacherousness. Hence the need for the Holy Spirit's gift of discernment. Hence the sheer difficulty, at times, of distinguishing what is good from what is evil. (Cornelius Plantinga, Jr., Not the Way It's Supposed to Be, 98)
God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
How does God produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives? By putting us in the exact opposite circumstances so we have a choice to make! God teaches us how to really love by putting us around unlovable people. (It doesn't require any character to love people who have it all together.) He teaches us joy in times of sorrow. (Joy is internal. Happiness depends on what's happening, but joy is independent of circumstances.) He develops peace within us by placing us in the midst of chaos so we can learn to trust him. (It doesn't require character to be at peace when everything is going your way.) (Rick Warren; The Purpose Driven Church, 361)
(Kathleen Norris, The Cloister Walk) "A prophet's task is to reveal the fault lines, hidden beneath the comfortable surface of the worlds we invest for ourselves, the national myths as well as the little lies and delusions of control and security that get us through the day." False prophets assure of peace when there is no peace. True prophets have the annoying habit of insisting that there is no peace just when we've convinced ourselves that everything is running smoothly." (Mars Hill Audio Journal, Vol 103; disk #2 trak #2)
Applying logic to an incomplete set of propositions about God has often yielded the bitter fruit of false doctrine. We must constantly check our logical conclusions against the more sure word of Scripture. (John MacArthur, Jr.; The Love of God, 102)
The false prophet very rarely tells you anything about the holiness, the righteousness, the justice, and the wrath of God. He always preaches about the love of God, but those other things he does not mention. (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, 502)
According to the Bible, only God can create life and raise the dead (Gn 1:21; Dt 32:39). Pharaoh's magicians, who had imitated the first two plagues, couldn't imitate the third, which created life (in the form of lice). These magicians acknowledged that the third plague was the "finger of God" (Ex 8:19).
Satan can perform tricks better than the best magicians–and there are many examples of these in the Bible–but those tricks fail to meet the characteristics of a true miracle. As we have seen, true miracles cause one to think more highly of God, tell the truth, and promote moral behavior. Counterfeit signs from Satan do not do this. They tend to glorify the person ostensibly performing the sign, and they are often associated with error and immoral behavior. They also may not be immediate, instantaneous, or permanent. (Norman L. Geisler & Frank Turek, I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, 213)
Seek Jesus to be born again of the Spirit so you can see clearly and honestly the status of your own heart and make proper judgment of others. (Jn 3:1-21; 1 Cor 1:18-2:16; 11:28; 2 Cor 13:5)
The fruit of the Spirit simply is the inner character of Jesus himself that is brought about in us through the process of Christian spiritual formation. It is the outcome of spiritual formation. It is "Christ formed in us." It is called "fruit" because, like the fruit of trees or vines, it is an outgrowth of what we have become, not the result of a special effort to bear fruit. And we have become "fruitful" in this way because we have received the presence of Christ's Spirit through the process of spiritual formation, and now that Spirit, interacting with us, fills us with love, joy, peace… (Dallas Willard; The Great Omission, 115)
The principle is this: true repentance is a change of mind, of heart, of disposition: it is the making of a new heart and of a right spirit. It originates in regeneration; in our being born again; in our obtaining a new nature and becoming new creatures in Christ by the Spirit. And it flows forth, in unmistakable manifestations, in a new course of conduct; in a reformed life; a life aiming at new ends, conducted under a new rule, and aspiring to attain to a new standard. Repentance, sprung from a true fear of God and a true sight of sin, manifests itself in a dutiful obedience to God's law and a jealous abstinence from sin. True and saving repentance is not a mere shaking off the evil fruit from the tree, and trying on fruit of a better appearance. It is the changing of the tree's very nature; and good fruit is then naturally brought forth, and not artificially appended. The penitent exclaims, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Thus much for the healing of the tree. He obeys the command, "Cease to do evil, learn to do well." Thus much for the new, good fruit. "Make the tree good, and the fruit good" (Matt. xii.33)" (Hugh Martin; Jonah, 271-2)
If doctrine becomes our emphasis, we are being led astray. We are not changed by doctrine; we are changed by seeing Jesus (2 Cor 3:18). Anointed teachings are essential for the nourishment of the Christ that is being formed within us, but whenever a truth becomes our focus, it will distract us. For this reason Satan often comes as an angel of light, or "messenger of truth." Truth can deceive us. Only in the Truth, Jesus, is there life. He did not come just to teach us truth; He came to be Truth. (Rick Joyner, There Were Two Trees in the Garden, 81)
Many make false professions of faith and deceive themselves into thinking that they belong to Jesus, but they have never repented, never put their trust in Christ, and never embraced Him with their hearts. Only those whose hearts have been changed by God the Holy Spirit can say, "Lord, Lord," and mean it. (RC Sproul, St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary: Matthew, 211)
Is it possible for a person to do that and yet be outside the kingdom? Yes, for the NT clearly says Judas had such power (Lk 10:17). Our Lord may allow power to course through a man though the man himself is lost. (R. Kent Hughes, The Sermon on the Mount, 256)
The Lord does not deny any of their claims, and neither should we. We may therefore expect that even in our own day there are many (7:22) people who use the right language and who have performed spiritual wonders in Jesus' name, but who are not genuine disciples. One of the most tragic ingredients to this scenario is the way these people take themselves to be genuine believers. They clearly expect admission to the consummated kingdom. (D. A. Carson, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, 138)
Of all forms of deception self-deception is the most deadly, and of all deceived persons the self-deceived are the least likely to discover the fraud.
The reason for this is simple. When a man is deceived by another he is deceived against his will. He is contending against an adversary and is temporarily the victim of the other's guile. Since he expects his foe to take advantage of him he is watchful and quick to suspect trickery. Under such circumstances it is possible to be deceived sometimes and for a short while, but because the victim is resisting he may break out of the trap and escape before too long.
With the self-deceived it is quite different. He is his own enemy and is working a fraud upon himself. He wants to believe the lie and is psychologically conditioned to do so. He does not resist the deceit but collaborates with it against himself. There is no struggle, because the victim surrenders before the fight begins. He enjoys being deceived. (A.W. Tozer, Man: The Dwelling Place of God, 88)
Another form of self-delusion, however, is evident in Mt 7:21-23. It is not so much that the false claimant lulls himself into spiritual apathy, as that he mistakes loud profession and supernatural, almost magical formulations and experiences, for true spirituality and genuine godliness. Obedience is neglected. (D. A. Carson, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, 139)
Because he seems to be getting results, immediate results, spectacular results, he feels he is close to the center of true religion. His success indices are soaring: God must be blessing him. Surely God will understand and sympathize if there is not always enough time for prayer, self-examination, or conscious repentance. The results are the important thing. If the truth gets a trifle bent, it's only because the supporters need to hear certain things. . . . Just as Nixon's closest aides could talk themselves into believing that their cause was more important than their ethics, so these religious extroverts convince themselves that their success-oriented spectacular victories are more important than the nitty-gritty of consistent discipleship. (D. A. Carson, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, 139)
As with everything that is godly and righteous, true fruit-bearing begins on the inside, in the heart. Paul speaks of our "having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ" (Phil 1:11) and informs us that "the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal 5:22-23). (John MacArthur, The MacArthur NT Commentary: Matthew 1-7, 469)
Worship Point: Worship Jesus Who so clearly demonstrated His own pure heart. Not only by His teaching but by His life and sacrifice of love. (Ps 15)
Gospel Application: Know that the dividing line between life and destruction is the line between God's way & work and man's way & work. Jesus is the only way because He is truth and His work alone is acceptable before a holy, righteous, and pure God.
Jesus' followers would be able to discern false teachers because in their teaching they minimize Christ and glorify themselves. Their fruit would be bad, revealing a bad character. False prophets would not speak the truth; God's true prophets would not speak falsely. (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Matthew, 139)
A man's methods sometimes deny the message that he is preaching. A man who preaches judgment and salvation and yet laughs and jokes is denying his own doctrine. Self-confidence, self-assertion, reliance upon human ability and "personality," proclaim that the man has a nature within him which is far removed from that of the Son of God who was "meek and lowly in heart." Such a man is unlike the apostle Paul, who when he was preaching in Corinth did not come to them with self-confidence and self-assertion, but "in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling." How we give ourselves away, how we proclaim by our unguarded actions what we really are! (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, 514-5)
Salvation and obedience to the will of God are inseparable, as the writer of Hebrews makes clear: "He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation" (5:9; cf. Rom 1:5; 6:16; 156:18; 16:19, 26; 1 Pt 1:2, 22). (John MacArthur, The MacArthur NT Commentary: Matthew 1-7, 478)
Spiritual Challenge: Know God. Know Jesus. Know the Word. Be alert and discerning of the counterfeit "gospels" that permeate our world. (Gal 1:6-12)
"To know" was a Hebrew idiom that represented intimate relations. It was frequently used of marital intimacy (see Gn 4:1, 17; etc. where "had relations" is literally "knew," as in the KJV). It was also used of God's special intimacy with His chosen people Israel and with all of those who trust in Him. In a unique and beautiful way the Lord "knows those who take refuge in Him" (Nah 1:7). The Good Shepherd knows His sheep intimately (Jn 10:1-14). (John MacArthur, The MacArthur NT Commentary: Matthew 1-7, 479)
Truth matters. For it is God's truth and it builds up God's church, whereas error is devilish and destructive. If we care for God's truth and for God's church, we must take Christ's warning seriously. He and his apostles place the responsibility for the church's doctrinal purity partly upon the shoulders of Christian leaders (whether bishops or other chief pastors), but also and especially upon each congregation. The local church has more power than it often realizes or uses in deciding which teachers it will listen to. Jesus Christ's "Beware of false prophets" is addressed to us all. If the church had heeded his warning and applied his tests, it would not be in the parlous state of theological and moral confusion in which it finds itself today. (John R.W. Stott, The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, 203)
"By their fruit you will recognize them"
— Jesus (Matthew 7:16a)
Christ:
the True
"Heeding Emmanuel" – Matthew 7:24-29


text:
CxO Channels
Auxiliary navigation
DATAx
HR & Workforce
As the Economy Sinks, Data Breaches Rise
Many companies still fail to address rudimentary security issues. Despite budget pressures, they can't afford to ignore them much longer.
CFO MagazineIT ValueTechnology
Bob Violino
On January 20, as President Barack Obama was being sworn into office in Washington, D.C., a little-known company called Heartland Payment Systems put out a press release announcing that it had discovered a serious data breach. So serious, in fact, that while the full extent of the damage is not yet known, some experts suggested it may prove to be the largest in U.S. history. Within a week, lawsuits were being filed against the company.
That was just the latest reminder that despite advances in technology and a bevy of new regulations intended to force companies to safeguard consumer data, data thieves are as clever — and busy — as ever. While information-technology budgets are under extreme pressure these days, information security may be one area that should escape the ax.
Security attacks are not lessening with the economic downturn; in fact, research shows just the opposite. The number of data breaches at businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions in the United States jumped by nearly 50 percent in 2008 compared with 2007, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), a nonprofit organization that supports victims of identity theft and broadens public awareness of the problem.
The ITRC says there were 656 breaches reported in 2008 — up 47 percent from the year before — exposing more than 35 million electronic records. (This data doesn't reflect the Heartland incident, which took place in 2008 but was announced this year and had yet to be adequately assessed as of press time.) The breaches took many forms and were perpetrated by both outsiders and insiders, but many shared a common trait: they were easy to pull off. A mere 2.4 percent of all breaches required the perpetrators to foil encryption or other strong protection methods; password protection was in place in fewer than 10 percent of the cases.
That suggests that many companies can significantly boost security and reduce their exposure by following basic and inexpensive measures. But even if your company has encryption in place (as Heartland did), don't rest too easy. "The sophistication and automation of financially motivated cybercrime is very steep today when compared with counter-efforts," says Ken Dunham, director of global response at iSight Partners, a provider of threat intelligence services. "Criminals are agile and able to outpace the rate of adoption of counter-technologies in the marketplace."
The motivation for cybercrime is even higher during economic hard times. A January report by iSight says that the economic decline in the United States and around the world will significantly increase the risk organizations face from employees who are laid off, fear being laid off, or face some form of personal financial trouble that may lead some to consider insider crime.
"We've always faced information security threats. The difference is in the desperation that individuals are facing," says Tony Hildesheim, vice president of IT for Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU). "This adds a component of internal risk that may be underestimated."
Despite a reduction in its overall security budget, WSECU will continue to pursue a "defense in depth" strategy that provides a level of data and systems protection appropriate for each particular IT asset. The credit union is specifically looking at its E-mail management strategy in trying to bolster security and stem E-mail-based data leakage; networks, portable storage devices, and cell phones are also of particular concern.
But Hildesheim says the most significant improvement in security has been the institutionalization of an enterprise risk management committee composed of leadership from every line of business. "This is not a significant cost, except in time," he says, "yet it goes further in providing increased security awareness, and therefore improved security overall, than any tool we have implemented."
TouchTunes Music Corp., an interactive entertainment network that serves more than 30,000 restaurants, retailers, and other businesses in North America, is concerned about its ability to provide robust security in the current economic climate. "Securing all IT assets across the enterprise is a daunting task — too big, given the constrained budgets in this bad economy," says former CFO Philip Livingston (he left the company in January). The company has cut spending across all functions, including IT security. "The economy is bad, and we all have to share the burden," Livingston says.
Nevertheless, the company is deploying security tools that monitor systems and application usage and data access on a continuing basis, and provide detailed reports showing who accesses what information and what they do with it. "Further automation around systems that tighten loss control and improve systems efficiency is a priority," he says.
Despite the tighter budgets, data privacy and protection will be a major priority for TouchTunes in 2009. "No organization wants to be in the headlines for [a] data breach; it's a company's worst nightmare," Livingston says. "Data breaches continue to be a major concern in 2009, especially with the push toward virtualization and our networks being exposed to a wider variety of malware and hacking mechanisms than ever before."
A Role for GRC?
Although the arsenal of IT-security products is vast, some firms are finding value in tapping a category of software not usually associated with protecting data. Governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) software was first developed to help organizations track a host of regulatory requirements, such as the internal-controls provisions mandated by Sarbanes-Oxley. It has since expanded to many other areas (see "A Defining Moment," January), and now some firms see a role for it in IT.
GRC packages "seem to represent a natural progression for security professionals in order to benefit from a more integrated approach to risk management and compliance, versus a piecemeal approach that many have been taking until recently," says Livingston, who used GRC software at previous companies. "IT GRC technologies [offer] a unified platform to automate user access, process-level, and general computing controls."
Ken Schultz, CFO at CashNet-USA, a provider of online financial services, says that because his company offers financial services over the Internet, IT security "remains at the forefront of our thought process, so we can proactively protect our platform and customers." He declined to provide specifics about how CashNetUSA is securing its information assets, but says that "fortunately, our business continues to grow despite the current economic conditions, and as such our security budget has again increased in 2009."
That doesn't mean the company isn't looking for more-economical ways to provide security. One area of interest is open-source software, a category that few might associate with security but which is in fact providing a fertile ground for new products. For example, CashNetUSA recently deployed open-source Web-application firewalls and network-vulnerability scanners.
"We find that by staying in touch with the buzz and awareness in the open-source community, we don't have to be beholden to a certain vendor to acquire and implement the technology needed to be on the cutting edge of data security," Schultz says.
Bob Violino is a freelance writer based in Massapequa Park, New York.
Download your free copy of DATAx Guide to Gaming Analytics
Read about the latest technological developments and data trends transforming the world of gaming analytics in this exclusive ebook from the DATAx team.
9 Ways E-commerce Stores Can Significantly Reduce C...
How Idea Management Drives Tangible Employee Engage...
How to Be a Courageous Leader in the Post-Pandemic Era
Take Customer Care to the Next Level with New Ways ...
Why This Is the Perfect Time to Launch a Tech Startup
Sign up for This Week In Innovation to stay up to date with all the news, features, interviews and more from the world's most innovative companies
Popular, recent and top authors
Bridging the divide between IR and PR
Apple's stock falls with new Trump tariff looming
Microsoft's market value briefly surpasses Apple
Energy companies lose combined value of $1 trillion in 40 days
Apple lose $40bn as "peak iPhone" fear infects investors
Why cybersecurity is the new priority for CFOs
Apple's value dips below $1 trillion mark despite high revenues
Facebook saturated in developed countries claims Zuckerberg
Amazon loses $250bn one month after becoming a $1 trillion company
Samsung warns of weaker earnings despite record growth
Spotify's stock hits new low
Qualcomm demands $7bn from Apple as legal battle escalates
IBM to acquire Red Hat for record-breaking $34bn
Amazon shares plummet as Microsoft overtakes it as the second largest company
Apple Watch driving huge growth in wearable heart monitoring devices
Finance At BeyondCore
Become a site contributor
Copyright © 2020 The Innovation Enterprise Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Innovation Enterprise Ltd is a division of Argyle Executive Forum. Registered in England and Wales, Company Registered Number 6982151, 57-61 Charterhouse St, London EC1M 6HA

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Who is striking in February 2023? Full list of industrial action taking place - including RMT and NHS workers
Japanese Knotweed: Man successfully sues previous homeowner for £200,000 after finding plant in garden
Elon Musk's first week at Twitter: Mass firings, a blue tick subscription drama and bringing back banned users
It's been an eventful seven days for Elon Musk as he took charge of social media platform - here are all the happenings to have hit the headlines this week.
By Benjamin Jackson
6th Nov 2022, 9:17am
It feels like it could be a week to forget for Elon Musk since his acquisition of Twitter for a reported Acquisition_of_Twitter_by_Elon_Musk">£38.1 billion. The entrepreneur, known for his success with SpaceX and Tesla and for creating PayPal, vowed to unlock the untapped potential the micro-blogging platform had before his initial move to buy the company.
Even the negotiations regarding his deal to buy Twitter was marred with controversy and uncertainty. Originally, Musk wanted to back out of the deal unless Twitter demonstrated their audience analytics and proved that the majority of their user base were not bots. His rallying cries about freedom of speech on the platform also felt like a case of dog whistling for many.
Nonetheless, Musk's acquisition of Twitter went ahead, with the now infamous video circulating of the billionaire businessman walking into Twitter's offices with a kitchen sink, informing followers to "let that sink in."
But it's hardly been the smooth sailing Musk has expected; a raft of faux pas, cost cutting measures and murmurs of a subscription based "verification" process have been among the many public facing issues that the new owner had faced in the space of one week.
Musk has not shied away from the criticisms either; characteristically taken to the platform to bemoan the barbs he has faced throughout this short tenure as Twitter's owner, Musk recently changed his Twitter bio to "Twitter Complaint Hotline Manager" and his most recent tweet telling critics "trash me all day, but it'll cost $8."
What are the trials and tribulations Elon Musk has faced after seven days in charge of the polarising social media platform?
Mass layoffs by email
We start with the most recent controversy that took place on November 4 at around the 9am mark US time, or for Twitter employees in the UK a not so great way to end the week at 4pm. Twitter announced that due to cost cutting measures they would be letting go of 3,700 staff from their offices around the world. By email. Shortly before the working day.
Even before the fateful emails were mass sent to employees, a number ironically took to the platform they would soon be made redundant from to give their experiences during Twitter' Black Friday. From the experiences shared online, many revealed that despite not receiving information about their job they were locked out of Slack, Gmail and other workplace tools, giving the impression that no email would be required.
Elon Musk changed his Twitter bio amidst a hail of criticisms this week - seven days since taking over Twitter
The backlash Musk faced upon the news of the mass layoffs, let alone the nature they were being conducted, led to him tweeting that "Regarding Twitter's reduction in force, unfortunately there is no choice when the company is losing over $4M/day. Everyone exited was offered 3 months of severance, which is 50% more than legally required."
Some employees are now looking at civil action against Musk, citing that a lack of notice regarding their redundancy has had a detrimental effect on both their careers and personal lives.
The "blue tick" subscription drama
Twitter has reportedly been looking at a subscription model for the service in which verified users, those with the blue tick next to their name, could be available for the monthly fee of $8. This news immediately led to many accusing Musk of partiality, especially when it came to the integrity of sources in the face of misleading, or outright fake news.
Musk's retort to the criticism saw him, once again, take to his Twitter account to explain the reasoning behind the subscription idea. "Twitter's current lords & peasants system for who has or doesn't have a blue checkmark is bull****. Power to the people! Blue for $8/month."
"This will also give Twitter a revenue stream to reward content creators. There will be a secondary tag below the name for someone who is a public figure, which is already the case for politicians. Priority in replies, mentions & search, which is essential to defeat spam/scam, the ability to post long video & audio [and] half as many ads" he continued in his thread.
One of the most immediate and well liked responses in the thread saw one user tell Musk "if anyone can buy a checkmark then the checkmark becomes useless. Create a problem and give a solution, nobody thinks the current way of getting verified sucks more than having to pay for it."
A regular responder to Elon Musk's Tweets, simply called Greg, wrote "Will you accept dogecoin for this?" One of the many highlights the Twitter user has had since Musk's takeover.
Reintroducing banned users to Twitter
Perhaps one of the more polarising moments in Musk's reign as the owner of Twitter comes from the news that those who were banned from the platform will now be welcomed back, leading to many social activists decrying such an act will once again radicalise users and create echo chambers - like those that led to the Capitol Hill riots and the rise of QAnon conspiracies.
There has been no figure so highly divisive on the platform than former President of the United States Donald Trump, who was famously permabanned (permanently ejected from the platform) from Twitter after continuously breaking guidelines regarding fake news after losing the US elections.
That led to Trump creating his own version of Twitter as a response to what he felt was his free speech being censored. This despite the widespread confirmation, including from some Trump staffers themselves, that the last US election was one of the safest to have taken place.
Trump has yet to decide if he will return to Twitter, but upon the news that Musk had taken control of the platform, the former POTUS was happy to see him in charge. However, Musk confirmed that no account will be reinstated until after the US midterm elections to avoid political interference.
Social activism driving advertisers from Twitter
In the furore that permabanned members, including Donald Trump, would be allowed to rejoin Twitter, a number of celebrities and advertisers have decided to leave the platform in protest. That has led to a significant drop in advertising revenue, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Though figures for the platform had already started to stagnate before Musk's acquisition of the company, the increased scrutiny some brands have found themselves under from users has led to more advertisers and marketing companies leaving.
On the same day Musk revealed the reasons he had to make layoffs to cut corners, he took aim at social activism on the platform as a cause for lost revenue. "Twitter has had a massive drop in revenue, due to activist groups pressuring advertisers, even though nothing has changed with content moderation and we did everything we could to appease the activists" he tweeted.
"Extremely messed up! They're trying to destroy free speech in America."
Twitter's new content moderation plan
It was the firing of Twitter policy chief Vijaya Gadde that raised red flags regarding how content would be moderated on the platform - one of the biggest issues Twitter had faced since the rampant influx of fake news and news considered "fake news."
Musk has made it clear that he didn't agree with how the existing moderation systems operate; upon his ownership of the company, Gadde was one of a number of executives in charge of content moderation who was fired immediately. That came as little surprise for those who followed Musk's path to buying the company as he publicly criticised Gedde in the run up.
That led to concerns about how content would be moderated on the platform, if at all; "Twitter will be forming a content moderation council with widely diverse viewpoints" Musk tweeted on October 28. "No major content decisions or account reinstatements will happen before that council convenes."
He retweeted the same threat a day later, coupled with the comment "To be super clear, we have not yet made any changes to Twitter's content moderation policies"
Admission at business event the day of his mass layoffs
The very day Twitter employees were to be informed if they still had a job or not, leading to some even standing outside the San Francisco offices not knowing if they are trespassing on property or not, Musk gave a talk to a group of business investors at a gathering in a Manhattan hotel.
Lauren Hirsch, a business reporter for the New York Times' DealBook business section, tweeting that during an interview at the Baron Investment Conference on Friday, Musk admitted that "I tried to get out of the deal! Given how the market has evolved this year, the price is on the high side."
This lends credence to the rumours that Twitter's board of shareholders were prepared to take legal action against Musk if the sale did not take place, citing market manipulation due to Twitter stock dropping in price during the will he, won't he acquisition of the company.
Elon MuskTwitterTeslaPresident


How do you test an RV converter? We are installing a satellite dome system on our motorhome and we are getting "dirty power" which keeps blowing out some of the sensitive electronic components.
(1) Verify the proper incoming AC voltage. Be sure the incoming voltage falls between 103 volts AC and 130 volts AC. High and low voltage can have a damaging effect, not only on the converter, but other AC components as well.
(2) Verify the correct polarity. Reversed polarity or an open hot or neutral wire somewhere in the 120-volt supply system can indeed be harmful to the converter. Always check the polarity and test the GFCI each time you enter a new campground. If it is not correct, move to a new site or simply do not plug in the shoreline. Likewise, check the polarity of the DC conductors from the battery. Some components may be damaged if the battery is miswired.
(3) Eliminate the battery as the culprit. Because of their close association, many times the converter is blamed for battery or other DC system-caused problems.
(4) Make sure all electrical connections are clean, dry and tight. Many electrical problems are traced to loose wires and connections. It is a common occurrence because of the jostling most motorhomes endure during their lifetimes.
Should you need to call a service facility or seek advice, having the above voltage information handy will provide a starting point to begin troubleshooting. Due to the level of sophistication in today's power converters, if a problem proves to be interior to the converter, it is recommended that the converter be shipped off for repair. Some well-trained RV service facilities may offer internal converter repairs as a service, but most are probably not fully equipped to handle all possible scenarios. Many components are not field repairable, yet they can be repaired or replaced relatively inexpensively. Some do have module boards that are easily replaced if necessary, albeit, not inexpensively in most cases. All converter manufacturers have a service and repair facility in-house or one that they can recommend to perform internal converter repairs. Contact your converter manufacturer for the details of their service policy. If your converter has out-lived its manufacturer (it does happen), contact Master Tech at 800-848-0558.


text:
Posillipo Tours & Tickets
Mt. Terminio (Monte Terminio) Tours & Tickets
Galleria Umberto I Tours & Tickets
Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale) Tours
Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale) Tours and Tickets
Naples' Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale di Napoli) is a stellar reminder of this city's royal history. Construction began in the 1600s when Spain's Viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro ruled Naples, and the site was designed by Renaissance architect Domenico Fontana. Today, visitors can enter to take the soaring double staircase up to the royal apartments decorated by architect Gaetano Genovese.
Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale)
9am - 8pm, closed Wednesdays
Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples, 80132
Tours and Tickets to Experience Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale)
Skip the Line: Royal Palace of Naples Entrance Ticket
Home to the Neapolitan monarchy for more than three centuries, and an architectural marvel in its own right, the Royal Palace of Naples is a highlight stop for visitors to the southern Italian city. With an advance ticket in hand, you won't just have guaranteed admission to the palace—you'll also beat the crowds with special, skip-the-line access. Your ticket additionally grants you admission to the venue's temporary exhibitions.
Naples Walking Tour with Underground Ruins
Discover Naples during a half-day guided walking tour through the historic city center. Your informative guide shares highlights such as the San Carlo Theater, Plebiscito Square, Castel Nuovo, Royal Palace, and ancient underground ruins, along with artisan shops, cafes, and churches. The tour includes one hour of free time to shop and purchase lunch.
Naples City Walking Tour (In compliance with the anti-covid rules )
Stroll past Naples' top attractions on this walking tour. Led by a local guide, see the bustling Spaccanapoli promenade, the Royal Palace and Teatro di San Carlo, the oldest opera house in Europe. As you walk through the city center, learn the history behind the palaces, churches and monuments from your guide. Top off your tour with a piece of Italian cake at a local cafe in Piazza San Gaetano.
Small Group Naples City Sightseeing Tour
Discover the beauty, history, sights and culture of Naples on this small group minibus tour. Follow your professional guide through Southern Italy's exhuberant capital city and make stops at Cathedral and Treasure Chapel, the Royal Palace and Church of St Francesco di Paula, and take in panoramic views from atop the Posillipo terrace during this morning tour. Space is limited to ensure you receive a personalized travel experience. Hotel pick-up is included.
Central Naples Bike Tour
Explore Naples' historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on a 3-hour bike tour. Following a guide, cycle past landmarks like Castel dell'Ovo, the Church of Gesu' Nuovo and Piazza del Plebiscito. On a bike, you can cover more ground than you would on a walking tour but still enjoy being outside so you don't miss any views.
Semi-Private Day Trip to Pompeii and Naples from Rome
Check off three of Italy's UNESCO-listed gems on a full-day adventure from Rome. Soak up the scenery with a drive along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, then journey back in time as you explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii. Follow your guide around the sprawling ruins, learn about Roman life as you stroll around the Forum and stand in awe before the world's oldest surviving Roman amphitheater. After lunch (included), continue to historic Naples, where you can visit the Royal Palace, San Carlo Opera house and lively Piazza del Plebiscito.
Private Naples Walking Tour with Tourist Guide
Capital of a kingdom in different historical periods, Naples is today the third metropolis of Italy and the first in the South by extension. With our private tour we will explore the center, retracing history through its symbolic places: the Castel Nuovo, the San Carlo Theater, the Umberto I Gallery, the Royal Palace, the Piazza del Plebiscito and the famous Caffé Gambrinus. From the squares we will move to the waterfront to experience Naples in all its aspects, even the most unusual corners. Only in this way will you take home your unique and personal postcard.
2 hours&nbsp30 minutes to 3 hours
CSTRents - Naples Segway PT Authorized Tour
Enhance your sightseeing experience of Naples, southern Italy's largest city, on aaples Segway tour. With a professional guide, cruise the vibrant streets on a smooth and self-balancing Segway and receive a fascinating introduction to Naples' rich history. Admire popular landmarks like Castel dell'Olvo and the Church of San Francesco di Paolo. Absorb the lively atmosphere surrounding monuments like Piazza Plebiscito and the Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale). Receive personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to only eight people.
Tour of the Monumental Naples with an art expert
The tour starts in front of the historical Cafè Gambrinus in Piazza Plebiscito, the ancient "Largo di Palazzo" seat of the royal court and theatre of many popular festivals. The tour includes the visit to the Royal Palace and to the Court Theatre. Then you'll see the elegant façade of the San Carlo Theatre, the Galleria Umberto I and the New Castle from outside; from here we'll reach the Spanish Quarters, to admire oustanding murals work of international street artists. A guided tour for kids and adults!
Scooter Tour In Naples
Departure from NapoliRENT Piazza del Gesu ', I continue pedestrian zone entrance Church of Santa Chiara, Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, entrance Cristo veato, return Piazza del Gesu' with typical Neapolitan pizza with more drink portfolio, I continue for La Certosa Di San Martino 120 euros a passenger 50% discount
Private Tour of Naples from Sorrento
Discover the highlights of Naples, all in one day—and beat the crowds—on this private tour from Sorrento. Set off in the morning from your accommodation; you can choose to explore the city independently or travel in the company of a guide. Upon arrival, stroll along the bustling Via Duomo, discover the Piazza del Gesù, and summit Posillipo Hill to take in panoramic city views. After a break for lunch (own expense) you'll also discover the Palazzo Reale, the Galleria Umberto I, the Teatro di San Carlo, and more.
Naples Shopping & Pizza Private Escort Tour
Naples can be difficult for getting around, as travelers must navigate traffic, winding backstreets, and unreliable public transportation. With this experience, hire a private driver who knows the city like the back of their hand, and takes you to some of the best areas for shopping and sightseeing. The best part? Your driver won't stop until you've had some of the best pizza in town.
Naples tour
With the Naples tour we have the opportunity to spend 6 hours and start seeing the Cathedral of San Gennaro passing through the city center and visiting San Gregorio Armeno with Underground Naples and / or Cristo Velato, stop off at Piazza del Plebiscito visiting Via Roma , Palazzo Reale or in the immediate vicinity Galleria Umberto or Maschio Angioino. Finally we can visit the seafront with Castel dell'ovo and Posillipo district to enjoy a fantastic breathtaking view
Naples Shore Excursion: City Segway Tour
See the historic city of Naples on a Segway tour while in port in southern Italy. Led by an expert guide, glide past the Church of San Francesco di Paola, the Royal Palace and Teatro San Carlo, Europe's oldest working theater. As you coast through the streets, learn the history behind each architectural gem from your guide. Group size is limited to eight people to keep the experience as intimate as possible.
Private 4-Hour City Tour of Naples with Hotel or Cruise Port pick-up
The vibrant city of Naples is one of Italy's most captivating destinations, but its relentless pace and wealth of sights can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor. Get your bearings and take in the top attractions in just hours with this guided tour. Visit highlights like Castel dell'Ovo, cathedral, Veiled Christ, and Royal Palace without getting footsore by getting around the city via air-conditioned sedan or minivan.
Filo Rosso thematic walk
It is a walk through the most representative images of Naples. Living the contradictions and opposites of Naples; The shining view, the dark alley, the harmonic, the disharmonious, the ancient, the modern ... It is a passage in the different layers of the city: from below to above and from above to below. It is a modern story through time. It is a discovery of artistic and urban interventions in the city of Naples. Attractions: Spaccanapoli, Panoramic View, Market, Spanish Quarters, Metro of art, Royal City.
Amazing Naples Private Guided Tour
Naples is one of Italy's most sprawling, history-packed cities, but knowing which sights to cover takes insider knowledge. Enrich your visit on this in-depth private walking tour, which hits all the highlights, from centuries-old churches and castles to bustling public squares. Skip the hassles of navigating the chaotic city on your own and settle back for a scenic journey around one of Italy's best-kept secrets.
Naples Treasure Hunt for Groups of Friends, Team Building & Company Incentives
Touring a 600-year-old building can be boring for children but this family-friendly tour of Milan's Duomo is sure to keep the kids on their feet. Enjoy priority admission to the impressive Gothic cathedral and embark on a treasure hunt to learn about the history of this grand building. Your tour also includes access to the rooftop terrace where you can enjoy panoramic views of Milan's skyline.
Naples - 4 hours Private Tour
heirs of one of the most prestigious and efficient families in the national territory, Autoservizi Borrelli has a staff with professionalism, flexibility and availability. Together with an adequate fleet of cars, vans and minibuses.
Naples, Pompeii and Amalfi coast: 2 days tour
Are you spending your holiday in Rome, but you really desire to visit Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi coast? This is the perfect tour to make that wish come true! Departing from Rome, our driver will accompany you to the hotel we have booked for you. Once in Naples you will have free time to do the check in the hotel, to have lunch and to take some picture. In the afternoon of the first day you will meet the guide who will accompany you in the real heart of Naples, full of the artistic influences left by the different domination suffered by the city after the Greek and Roman ages. You will have also the chance to taste different typical dishes. In the second day of your tour, you will depart from Naples to reach the Pompeii Archaeological Park where you will meet an official local guide who will accompany you during the visit inside the Pompeii ruins. At the end of your tour you will spend a couple of hour in the Amalfi coast before returning to Rome.
Shore Excursion from Naples Port to the Best Museums with Skip-the-Line Access
Start your amazing tour of the main historical museums and monuments of Naples , meeting your english speaking guide at the exit of your cruise ship in Naples . The first stop is the Royal Palace of Naples, builts for will of the royals in the seventeenth century ,it holds the collection of paintings commissioned by the sovereigns over the course of time. Second stop is the National Archaeological Museum. A private car will pick you up in Piazza Plebiscito to driver you to the Museum. Here , with your guide,you will admire the rich collection of marbles, the Egyptian collection and treasures looted from Pompeii and Herculaneum. After a break of an hour and a half, your driver will take you to the Capodimonte Museum where you will immerse yourself in the beauty of the paintings by Tiziano, Caravaggio, El Greco and many other famous artists. At the end of the visit the driver will drop you off at the port.
Private Walking Royal Tour of Naples: Castles and Kings
Our meeting point will be the Gran Caffè Gambrinus, one of the oldest and most famous cafés in Naples. From there we will continue on Piazza del Plebiscito, where we will find access to the Royal Palace of Naples. The path to the royal apartments begins with the great monumental staircase:the succession of the rooms will take you on an exciting journey through the history of the city! Our second stop will be the majestic Umberto I Gallery: the large dome lets the sun's rays filter on the entire building and its elaborate floor. Next, the Real Theatre San Carlo: one of the oldest and most prestigious theatres in Europe, and still retains its original and regal beauty. The last stop of our journey will be the Castel Nuovo, best known as Maschio Angioino, symbol of Naples. Today it houses the civic museum, and some rooms are still used by the city council, as it used to be done in the past. Its proximity to the sea, finally, offers truly breathtaking views!
Naples, panoramic city tour and SPA thermal baths.
Naples is one of the largest and most enchanting cities of art in the Mediterranean. Capital of the Campania region is, by size, the third Italian municipality after Rome and Milan. The city dominates the homonymous gulf, which extends from the Sorrento peninsula to the volcanic area of the Campi Flegrei and offers a very suggestive view, with the imposing Vesuvius volcano and, in the distance, three magnificent islands - Capri, Ischia and Procida - which they look like little jewels born from the sea. Panoramic city tour, Piazza del Plebiscito with the Royal Palace, Galleria Umberto I, San Carlo theater, Castel Sant'elmo, Posillipo and the seafront of Via Partenope. With expert people who will be very eloquent in showing you the monuments of the city. To finish 3/4 hours at the Terme di Baia, this spa complex offers us various wellness options, a thermal bath in the outdoor pool with hot water, saunas, massages, mud and whirlpools, all natural from the adjacent volcanoes.
Explore Naples sights private city tour
Naples is made of unique stories. Our local guide will tell them to you and show you the city with its secrets, stories, legends, and myths. You will experience the colors, the sounds, the flavors of Naples, find out a lot of facts about this wonderful city andy ou won't regret it. And don't miss a chance to try the best pizza you could ever have! Our guide and driver will pick you up on your cruise ship or hotel and take you to the historical city center of Naples. During a walking tour, you will explore the main sights of the city. Your guide will show you the best restaurant where you will be able to have lunch after the tour. You can be picked up right after the tour ends or after the lunch – what you will prefer.
What's the best way to experience Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale)?
The best ways to experience Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale) are:
What are Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale) hours of operation?
Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale) hours of operation: 9am - 8pm, closed Wednesdays. Buy tickets in advance on Viator. If you book with Viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
Should I book Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale) tickets in advance?
We recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot since Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale) can get crowded. If you book with Viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
How much does it cost to visit Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale) 2023?
Currently, an entrance ticket to Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale) costs USD 16.01. Guided Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale) tours start around USD 16.01 per person.
More attractions near Naples
Piazza del Plebiscito
Piazza Trieste e Trento
Basilica of San Francesco di Paola (Basilica di San Francesco di Paola)
San Carlo Opera House (Teatro di San Carlo)
Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)
Bourbon Tunnel (Galleria Borbonica)
Saint Lucia Neighborhood (Quartiere Santa Lucia)
Naples Cruise Port (Terminal Crociere di Napoli)
Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli)
Mergellina
Church of Sant'Anna dei Lombardi (Chiesa di Sant'Anna dei Lombardi)
Via Toledo
Charterhouse and Museum of San Martino (Certosa e Museo di San Martino)
Saint Elmo's Castle (Castel Sant'Elmo)


text:
import toml
from collections import Counter, defaultdict

def pairwise(iterable):
    "s -> (s0,s1), (s2,s3), (s4, s5), ..."
    a = iter(iterable)
    return zip(a, a)

def tournament_factory(configFile, userData, enterResults):
    with open(configFile) as f:
        config = toml.loads(f.read())
    if config['type'] == 'uefa-euro':
        tr = EuroTournament(userData, enterResults)
    else:
        tr = Tournament(userData, enterResults)
    tr.set_config(config)
    return tr

class Tournament(object):

    def __init__(self, results=None, isResults=False):
        self.groupStage = []
        self.results = results
        self.stageResults = []
        self.stage_two_names = {8: 'round-of-16',
                                4: 'quarter-final', 2: 'semi-final'}
        self.isResults = isResults
        self.thirds = []

    def load(self, toml_config):
        self.config = toml.loads(toml_config)

    def save_results(self):
        return toml.dumps(self.results)

    def get_config(self):
        return self.config

    def set_config(self, config):
        self.config = config

    def get_name(self):
        return self.config['name']

    def get_number_of_groups(self):
        return len(self.config['groups'])

    def get_info(self):
        lines = []
        lines.append('Tournament: {}'.format(self.get_name()))
        lines.append('Number of groups: {}'.format(
            self.get_number_of_groups()))
        return '\n'.join(lines)

    def get_groups_as_text(self):
        lines = []
        groupNum = ord('A')
        for group in self.config['groups']:
            lines.append('Group {}'.format(chr(groupNum)))
            groupNum += 1
            for team in group:
                lines.append('  {}'.format(team))
        return '\n'.join(lines)

    def setup_group_stage(self):
        groupNum = ord('A')
        for group in self.config['groups']:
            matches = []
            matches.append([group[0], group[1]])
            matches.append([group[2], group[3]])
            matches.append([group[0], group[2]])
            matches.append([group[3], group[1]])
            matches.append([group[3], group[0]])
            matches.append([group[1], group[2]])
            groupId = chr(groupNum)
            groupNum += 1
            self.groupStage.append((groupId, matches))

    def get_group_stage(self):
        lines = []
        self.setup_group_stage()
        gn = 0
        for id, matches in self.groupStage:
            lines.append('\nGroup {} stage one matches'.format(id))
            mn = 0
            for match in matches:
                if self.results.loaded:
                    result = self.results.get_stage_results(gn, mn)
                else:
                    result = ''
                lines.append('  {0} vs {1} . Selected {2}'.format(
                    match[0], match[1], result))
                mn += 1
            gn += 1
        return '\n'.join(lines)

    def user_group_stage_one_eval(self):
        self.setup_group_stage()
        gn = 0
        for id, matches in self.groupStage:
            print('\nGroup {} matches. Enter H, U or B'.format(id))
            points = []
            results = []
            mn = 0
            complete = True
            for match in matches:
                if self.results.loaded:
                    default = self.results.get_stage_results(gn, mn)
                else:
                    default = ''
                result = self.get_user_input(self.format_match_text(
                    match[0], match[1], default), default)
                if result == '-':
                    complete = False
                results.append(result)
                points.extend(self.match_score(match, result))
                mn += 1
            winner, runnerUp = self.tally_group_results(points)
            if complete:
                realWinner = self.resolve_winner(winner)
            else:
                realWinner = '-'
            print('Group winner: {}'.format(realWinner))
            if complete:
                realRunnerUp = self.resolve_runner_up(realWinner, runnerUp)
            else:
                realRunnerUp = '-'
            print('Runner-up: {}'.format(realRunnerUp))
            if complete:
                self.thirds.extend(self.get_non_qualifiers(points, realWinner, realRunnerUp))
            else:
                self.thirds.extend(['-','-'])
            self.results.append_results(results)
            self.results.append_winners([realWinner, realRunnerUp])
            self.results.save()
            gn += 1

    def get_user_input(self, prompt, default):
        while True:
            result = input(prompt)
            if (not result and not default) or (result.lower() not in 'hub-'):
                print('Please enter one of H U B')
            else:
                break
        return result if result else default

    def match_score(self, match, result):
        win = []
        if result.lower() == 'h':
            for i in range(0, 3):
                win.append(match[0])
        elif result.lower() == 'b':
            for i in range(0, 3):
                win.append(match[1])
        else:
            win.append(match[0])
            win.append(match[1])
        return win

    def tally_group_results(self, score):
        top = Counter(score).most_common(3)
        self.stageResults.append(top)

        # Winner
        if top[0][1] > top[1][1]:
            winner = top[0][0]
        else:
            winner = (top[0][0], top[1][0])

        # Runner-up
        if isinstance(winner, tuple):
            runnerUp = winner
        elif top[1][1] > top[2][1]:
            runnerUp = top[1][0]
        else:
            runnerUp = (top[1][0], top[2][0])

        return winner, runnerUp

    def get_non_qualifiers(self, points, winner, runnerUp):
        rem = [t for t in points if t != winner]
        rem = [t for t in rem if t != runnerUp]
        return rem

    def select_team(self, teams):
        cnt = 1
        for team in teams:
            print('  {0}. {1}'.format(cnt, team))
            cnt += 1
        while True:
            try:
                ch = int(input('Select a number: '))
                if ch in [1, 2]:
                    break
            except ValueError:
                # not an integer
                if self.isResults:
                    ch = 0
                    break
                else:
                    continue

        if ch in [1, 2]:
            return teams[ch - 1]
        else:
            return '-'

    def resolve_winner(self, winner):
        res = ''
        if isinstance(winner, tuple):
            print('There is a draw. Please select the winner')
            res = self.select_team(winner)
        else:
            res = winner
        return res

    def resolve_runner_up(self, winner, runnerUp):
        res = ''
        if isinstance(runnerUp, tuple):
            if winner in runnerUp:
                r = list(runnerUp)
                r.remove(winner)
                res = r[0]
            else:
                print('There is a draw. Please select the runner-up')
                res = self.select_team(runnerUp)
        else:
            res = runnerUp
        return res

    def format_match_text(self, match1, match2, default):
        mt = '  {0} vs {1} '.format(match1, match2)
        l = len(mt)
        while l < 32:
            mt += '\t'
            l += 8
        mt += '[{}] '.format(default)
        return mt

    def user_stage_two_eval(self):
        qualifiers = self.results.get_winners()
        qualifiers = self.evalute_matches(
            qualifiers, len(qualifiers), self.get_stage_two_matches)
        while int(len(qualifiers) / 2) > 1:
            qualifiers = self.evalute_matches(qualifiers, int(
                len(qualifiers) / 2), self.get_final_matches)

    def evalute_matches(self, qualifiers, num, generate_matches_func):
        roundName = self.stage_two_names[num]
        print('\nSelect winners of', roundName)
        matches = generate_matches_func(qualifiers)
        qualifiers = []
        for match in matches:
            qualifiers.append(self.select_team(match))
        self.results.append_stage_two_winners(roundName, qualifiers)
        self.results.save()
        return qualifiers

    def get_stage_two_matches(self, qualifiers):
        matches = []
        for pair1, pair2 in pairwise(qualifiers):
            matches.append([pair1[0], pair2[1]])
            matches.append([pair2[0], pair1[1]])
        return matches

    def get_final_matches(self, qualifiers):
        matches = []
        for i in range(0, int(len(qualifiers)), 4):
            matches.append([qualifiers[i], qualifiers[i + 2]])
            matches.append([qualifiers[i + 1], qualifiers[i + 3]])
        return matches

    def user_final_eval(self):
        print('\nSelect winner of bronse final')
        bfinal = self.results.get_bronse_finalists()
        self.results.set_bronse_final_winner(self.select_team(bfinal))

        print('\nSelect winner of final')
        final = self.results.get_finalists()
        self.results.set_final_winner(self.select_team(final))
        self.results.save()

class EuroTournament(Tournament):
    """Specialization for UEFA Euro cup.
        Match setup from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2016#Knockout_phase"""

    def __init__(self, results=None, isResults=False):
        super().__init__(results, isResults)
        self.stage_two_names = {6: 'round-of-16',
                                4: 'quarter-final', 2: 'semi-final'}

    def get_top_four(self, points):
        top = Counter(points).most_common(5)
        res = []
        groupList = []
        for team in top:
            group = self.find_group(team[0])
            if group not in groupList:
                res.append(team[0])
                groupList.append(group)
        return res[:4]  # return first four items

    def user_group_stage_one_eval(self):
        super().user_group_stage_one_eval()
        top4 = self.get_top_four(self.thirds)
        self.results.add_third_places(top4)
        self.results.save()
        print('\nThird places: {}'.format(top4))

    def get_stage_two_matches(self, qualifiers):
        thirds = self.results.get_third_places()
        groups = []
        lookup = {}
        for team in thirds:
            group = self.find_group(team)
            groups.append(group)
            lookup[group] = team
        matchUp = self.get_match_ups(groups)

        matches = []
        # Match 1: Runner-up Group A v Runner-up Group C
        matches.append([qualifiers[0][1], qualifiers[2][1]])
        # Match 2: Winner Group D v 3rd Place Group B/E/F
        matches.append([qualifiers[3][0], lookup[matchUp[3]]])
        # Match 3: Winner Group B v 3rd Place Group A/C/D
        matches.append([qualifiers[1][0], lookup[matchUp[1]]])
        # Match 4: Winner Group F v Runner-up Group E
        matches.append([qualifiers[5][0], qualifiers[4][1]])
        # Match 5: Winner Group C v 3rd Place Group A/B/F
        matches.append([qualifiers[2][0], lookup[matchUp[2]]])
        # Match 6: Winner Group E v Runner-up Group D
        matches.append([qualifiers[4][0], qualifiers[3][1]])
        # Match 7: Winner Group A v 3rd Place Group C/D/E
        matches.append([qualifiers[0][0], lookup[matchUp[0]]])
        # Match 8: Runner-up Group B v Runner-up Group F
        matches.append([qualifiers[1][1], qualifiers[5][1]])

        return matches

    def find_group(self, team):
        gid = next((i for i, group in enumerate(self.config['groups']) if team in group), None)
        gid = chr(ord('A') + gid) if gid is not None else None
        return gid

    def get_match_ups(self, groups):
        combinations = defaultdict(list)
        combinations['ABCD'] = ['C', 'D', 'A', 'B']
        combinations['ABCE'] = ['C', 'A', 'B', 'E']
        combinations['ABCF'] = ['C', 'A', 'B', 'F']
        combinations['ABDE'] = ['D', 'A', 'B', 'E']
        combinations['ABDF'] = ['D', 'A', 'B', 'F']
        combinations['ABEF'] = ['E', 'A', 'B', 'F']
        combinations['ACDE'] = ['C', 'D', 'A', 'E']
        combinations['ACDF'] = ['C', 'D', 'A', 'F']
        combinations['ACEF'] = ['C', 'A', 'F', 'E']
        combinations['ADEF'] = ['D', 'A', 'F', 'E']
        combinations['BCDE'] = ['C', 'D', 'B', 'E']
        combinations['BCDF'] = ['C', 'D', 'B', 'F']
        combinations['BCEF'] = ['E', 'C', 'B', 'F']
        combinations['BDEF'] = ['E', 'D', 'B', 'F']
        combinations['CDEF'] = ['C', 'D', 'F', 'E']

        if groups[0] != None:
            return combinations[''.join(sorted(groups))]
        else:
            return [None, None, None, None]

    def get_final_matches(self, qualifiers):
        matches = []
        for i in range(0, int(len(qualifiers)), 4):
            matches.append([qualifiers[i], qualifiers[i + 1]])
            matches.append([qualifiers[i + 2], qualifiers[i + 3]])
        return matches

    def user_final_eval(self):
        print('\nSelect winner of final')
        final = self.results.get_finalists()
        self.results.set_final_winner(self.select_team(final))
        self.results.save()

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub