PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 7:15-20
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Watch out for false prophets… by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15-16)
There are many, many ‘teachers’ that claim to speak for Jesus.
How are we supposed to know which ones to listen to, and which ones to avoid?
Jesus gives us a helpful test: look at the fruit or result of their lives and teaching.
Are they loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, self-controlled?
These are the evidences that the Spirit of Jesus is at work in them (Galatians 5:22-23)
Don’t let bible knowledge, or amazing feats or successes, or huge followings fool you.
I know of a big name ‘teacher’ who prides himself in being ‘faithful to be bible.’
But what stands out to me more is how ungracious, unkind and hurtful his words are.
He has a lot of followers, but that does not make him a Christ-like leader.
But it is easier for me to see it in others, what about in me?
Do I treat others as fellow image-bearers in need of grace and mercy, like me?
I may console myself to say I am not as bad as this other big name ‘teacher’.
But I am not called to compare myself to him; how do I compare to Jesus?
This is the fruit He is working to produce in me, the fruit I want to see in my life!
PRAYER
Lord, if I think of recent conversations, I see how I have not spoken full of grace; it was more full of opinion and criticism. Release me from this negative spirit, and shape me with Your graceful Spirit.
Keep thinking of charades, hypocrisy, and shallowness and acting and a lot of ‘puff and hot air!’ The cover is thin – the true inside comes out in the actions – the words – the ‘fruit’. I remember as a child choosing between a fancy but cheap factory made watch and a genuine Swiss 17 jewel watch. The glitz won me over but it did not last! A bit of rain, a bit of snow, a failing wristband – and the watch was soon useless. And so it is with fruit that is nothing but a veneer covering hollowness inside. I too must strive to seek out what is truth – what is durable – what is for eternity!
Good fruit.
I need to dress myself each day anew wit the armour of God so that I may be able to produce good fruit. Others need to see Christ Jesus living in me and that becomes a possibility when as a Jesus follower I am guided by His Spirit in my living for Jesus.
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy pow’rful hand.
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.
“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
I do not want to be cut down Lord. Help me o Holy Spirit to bear your fruit particularly the fruit of PATIENCE and SELF-CONTROL.