"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them." Matthew 7:15-16 (NIV)
Near the end of the now famous sermon on the mount, Jesus warns the people to beware of false prophets who come as wolves in sheep's clothing.
Not all "leaders" or "friends" are really who they present themselves to be. They actually want to deceive, mislead, and take advantage of us. Check out their "fruit" and pray before getting involved with people. You can tell the type of tree by the fruit it bears.
Showing posts with label fruit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fruit. Show all posts
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Who Are You Connected To?
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples." John 15:1-8 (NIV)
Just before the passover feast, Jesus was with His disciples, telling them of things to come. After He had washed their feet, predicted His betrayal, and predicted Peter's denial, He sought to comfort them. He encouraged them to remain in Him, to be true to His word, and He would remain in them.
The analogy of a fruit bearing branch is so clear. If a branch is not connected to the main vine and its roots, it cannot receive the sustenance it needs to remain alive and bear fruit. Likewise, we can do nothing if we are not connected to Jesus. He is the source of our strength and our life. We cannot bear fruit or continue to exist without Him. If we are not connected to Jesus, then we are like dead branches, good for nothing but to be cast into the fire.
Just before the passover feast, Jesus was with His disciples, telling them of things to come. After He had washed their feet, predicted His betrayal, and predicted Peter's denial, He sought to comfort them. He encouraged them to remain in Him, to be true to His word, and He would remain in them.
The analogy of a fruit bearing branch is so clear. If a branch is not connected to the main vine and its roots, it cannot receive the sustenance it needs to remain alive and bear fruit. Likewise, we can do nothing if we are not connected to Jesus. He is the source of our strength and our life. We cannot bear fruit or continue to exist without Him. If we are not connected to Jesus, then we are like dead branches, good for nothing but to be cast into the fire.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
What Effect Did The Word Of God Have On You?
Jesus taught "... many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop--a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." Matthew 13:3-8 (NIV)
What did you do with The Word of God when you heard it? Some heard The Word and rejected it, some liked it but it did not change their life, and some let their friends and the world have more influence over them than The Word. What kind of "ground" are you? The best way to answer this question is to look at the "fruit" that it has produced in your life. When the seed, The Word, fell on good ground, it produced good fruit.
The fruit that we produce is the evidence of God in our lives. The fruit of The Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) We need to cultivate within our lives a greater receptivity to The Word of God in order for it to grow within us, to produce good fruit, and produce a changed life which will give God glory.
What did you do with The Word of God when you heard it? Some heard The Word and rejected it, some liked it but it did not change their life, and some let their friends and the world have more influence over them than The Word. What kind of "ground" are you? The best way to answer this question is to look at the "fruit" that it has produced in your life. When the seed, The Word, fell on good ground, it produced good fruit.
The fruit that we produce is the evidence of God in our lives. The fruit of The Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) We need to cultivate within our lives a greater receptivity to The Word of God in order for it to grow within us, to produce good fruit, and produce a changed life which will give God glory.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Beware Of False Prophets And False Friends
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit will you recognize them ..." Matthew 7:15-16
Don't follow everyone who wants to lead or direct you. Also, do not believe all that you hear. It is better to watch what a man does than it is to listen to what he says. A false prophet will soon show his wickedness.
People can impersonate friends and shepherds, pray for discernment and read The Bible to help you evaluate what you hear and whom you listen to. This applies to preachers, politicians, community leaders, and some times to friends and family.
Do not naively accept all that you hear. There is a difference between judging a person and discerning that which is true.
Don't follow everyone who wants to lead or direct you. Also, do not believe all that you hear. It is better to watch what a man does than it is to listen to what he says. A false prophet will soon show his wickedness.
People can impersonate friends and shepherds, pray for discernment and read The Bible to help you evaluate what you hear and whom you listen to. This applies to preachers, politicians, community leaders, and some times to friends and family.
Do not naively accept all that you hear. There is a difference between judging a person and discerning that which is true.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Where's The Fruit?
You joined the Church during childhood and you have been a Christian for years. Where is the fruit of your Christian walk? What are the results of all of your years of serving The Lord?
"Ye shall know them by their fruit ... good tree bringeth forth good fruit ... By their fruits shall ye know them ..." Matthew 7:16-20
What have you done for The Lord? Have you led some lost soul to Christ? How many suffering saints have you helped? What have you done to give God glory?
These are questions that every Christian should ask themselves every day? We are not supposed to rest on our laurels because of what we did yesterday, last week, last month, last year, or whenever it was in the past. This a daily battle that we are engaged in and we need to be about The Lord's work on a daily basis.
So what have you done for Him lately? Where's the fruit of your Christian walk?
"Ye shall know them by their fruit ... good tree bringeth forth good fruit ... By their fruits shall ye know them ..." Matthew 7:16-20
What have you done for The Lord? Have you led some lost soul to Christ? How many suffering saints have you helped? What have you done to give God glory?
These are questions that every Christian should ask themselves every day? We are not supposed to rest on our laurels because of what we did yesterday, last week, last month, last year, or whenever it was in the past. This a daily battle that we are engaged in and we need to be about The Lord's work on a daily basis.
So what have you done for Him lately? Where's the fruit of your Christian walk?
Friday, February 18, 2011
You Shall Know Them By Their Fruits
"Ye shall know them by their fruits ... every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." Matthew 7:16-18
The "fruit" that we produce depends upon our nature. We will be judged by our actions and the results which we produce. The results of our actions, the fruits of our efforts, should benefit others.
Our fruit should give God glory and cause others to see Christ in us.
The "fruit" that we produce depends upon our nature. We will be judged by our actions and the results which we produce. The results of our actions, the fruits of our efforts, should benefit others.
Our fruit should give God glory and cause others to see Christ in us.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Productive and Prosperous
"And he shall ... bringeth forth his fruit in his season ... and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalms 1:3
Prosperity is a good thing, but it does not come to those who sit around and wish, and wait for it.
To be fruitful one must do something, produce something. There is no fruit without work. To be prosperous one must also "... doeth ..." something.
To be productive and prosperous, we must do God's will. We will be blessed with a productive, fruitful and prosperous life by reading, studying, living, and sharing the word of God.
Every good and perfect gift comes from God, James 1:17, and it is He that causes us to prosper. Our success and material prosperity is for the benefit of others, as is the fruit that we produce.
Prosperity is a good thing, but it does not come to those who sit around and wish, and wait for it.
To be fruitful one must do something, produce something. There is no fruit without work. To be prosperous one must also "... doeth ..." something.
To be productive and prosperous, we must do God's will. We will be blessed with a productive, fruitful and prosperous life by reading, studying, living, and sharing the word of God.
Every good and perfect gift comes from God, James 1:17, and it is He that causes us to prosper. Our success and material prosperity is for the benefit of others, as is the fruit that we produce.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Temperance
"But the fruit of The Spirit is ... temperance ..." Galatians 5:22-23
Temperance is self-control. It is the discipline given by The Holy Spirit that allows Christians to resist the power of the flesh. It is the ability to harness and control one's passions and lusts.
Generally, it can mean the restraining of all of one's appetites, including for food, drink, and other enjoyments in life, so as not to be excessive in their consumption.
Over indulgence in anything shows a lack of self-control. Too much of anything can be bad for us. Exercising moderation in our consumption, and not being given to excess in our appetites and passions, is much better for us.
Just because a little of something is good for us, does not mean that a lot more of it is even better. It is possible to have too much of a good thing, especially if we obsess to the point of omitting and excluding other things that we need.
We often do not do a very good job of placing limits upon ourselves, or adhering to the limits that we set for ourselves. We need the help of The Holy Spirit to exercise self-control in all areas of our lives.
We need to pray that the fruit of The Spirit will manifest itself and grow within us so that we can display "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance" and thereby be more Christ-like.
Temperance is self-control. It is the discipline given by The Holy Spirit that allows Christians to resist the power of the flesh. It is the ability to harness and control one's passions and lusts.
Generally, it can mean the restraining of all of one's appetites, including for food, drink, and other enjoyments in life, so as not to be excessive in their consumption.
Over indulgence in anything shows a lack of self-control. Too much of anything can be bad for us. Exercising moderation in our consumption, and not being given to excess in our appetites and passions, is much better for us.
Just because a little of something is good for us, does not mean that a lot more of it is even better. It is possible to have too much of a good thing, especially if we obsess to the point of omitting and excluding other things that we need.
We often do not do a very good job of placing limits upon ourselves, or adhering to the limits that we set for ourselves. We need the help of The Holy Spirit to exercise self-control in all areas of our lives.
We need to pray that the fruit of The Spirit will manifest itself and grow within us so that we can display "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance" and thereby be more Christ-like.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Meekness
"But the fruit of The Spirit is ...Meekness ..." Galatians 5:22-23
Meekness if often mistaken for weakness. Meekness is having the power and choosing not to use it. Just because you can, does not mean that you should.
"Meekness is a humble and gentle attitude that is patiently submissive in every offence, while having no desire for revenge or retribution." (MacArthur)
It is gentleness. "It is having the ability to govern our passions and resentments, so as not to be easily provoked." (Nelson)
Meekness is "the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent, even balanced in tempers and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge." (Dake)
It is hard to be meek when our natural inclination is to get even or to pay someone back for the wrong done to us. Meekness requires much prayer on our part.
Meekness if often mistaken for weakness. Meekness is having the power and choosing not to use it. Just because you can, does not mean that you should.
"Meekness is a humble and gentle attitude that is patiently submissive in every offence, while having no desire for revenge or retribution." (MacArthur)
It is gentleness. "It is having the ability to govern our passions and resentments, so as not to be easily provoked." (Nelson)
Meekness is "the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent, even balanced in tempers and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge." (Dake)
It is hard to be meek when our natural inclination is to get even or to pay someone back for the wrong done to us. Meekness requires much prayer on our part.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Faith
"But the fruit of The Spirit is ... faith ..." Galatians 5:22-23
The word "faith" means "... wholehearted confidence, assurance, trust, and reliance in God and all that He says." (Dake)
Faith is belief in, and trust in, and loyalty to God. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
We know that "... without faith is is impossible to please Him ..." Hebrews 11:6
We cannot have faith in God without the indwelling of The Holy Spirit. We cannot live and walk in a Christ-like manner without faith in God.
The word "faith" means "... wholehearted confidence, assurance, trust, and reliance in God and all that He says." (Dake)
Faith is belief in, and trust in, and loyalty to God. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
We know that "... without faith is is impossible to please Him ..." Hebrews 11:6
We cannot have faith in God without the indwelling of The Holy Spirit. We cannot live and walk in a Christ-like manner without faith in God.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Goodness
"But the fruit of The Spirit is ... goodness ..." Galatians 5:22-23
Goodness is basically kindness shown to others. It is the moral and spiritual excellence manifested in active kindness. It is also generosity. Our 'goodness' shows in our readiness to do good to all as we have an opportunity to do so.
Goodness is not something that we do for the benefit of self, but for the benefit of others. It is a state of being good, kind, virtuous, benevolent, generous, and Christ-like in our life and conduct.
Even at our best we really are not that good, especially when compared to the goodness of Christ. However, 'goodness' is a goal that every Christian should strive for. Being good in more that just not being bad and doing nothing, it is an active effort to be Christ-like in what we say and do to help someone else.
Goodness is basically kindness shown to others. It is the moral and spiritual excellence manifested in active kindness. It is also generosity. Our 'goodness' shows in our readiness to do good to all as we have an opportunity to do so.
Goodness is not something that we do for the benefit of self, but for the benefit of others. It is a state of being good, kind, virtuous, benevolent, generous, and Christ-like in our life and conduct.
Even at our best we really are not that good, especially when compared to the goodness of Christ. However, 'goodness' is a goal that every Christian should strive for. Being good in more that just not being bad and doing nothing, it is an active effort to be Christ-like in what we say and do to help someone else.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Gentleness
"But the fruit of The Spirit is ... gentleness ..." Galatians 5:22-23
Gentleness is kindness, a tender concern for others. It is showing a disposition to be gentle, soft-spoken, kind, even-tempered, cultured and refined in character and conduct.
It is being affable and courteous, especially towards our inferiors and those who have wronged us.
Gentleness is amiable, docile, soothing, and free from harshness, sternness, or violence. It is having the attitude that Christ displayed towards little children. This is truly having Christ-like behavior.
Gentleness is kindness, a tender concern for others. It is showing a disposition to be gentle, soft-spoken, kind, even-tempered, cultured and refined in character and conduct.
It is being affable and courteous, especially towards our inferiors and those who have wronged us.
Gentleness is amiable, docile, soothing, and free from harshness, sternness, or violence. It is having the attitude that Christ displayed towards little children. This is truly having Christ-like behavior.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Patience
"But the fruit of The Spirit is ... long-suffering ..." Galatians 5:22-23
The fourth 'fruit' of The Spirit is "long-suffering" or patience. When God is within us we recognize that things don't happen we want them to, but according to His plan and timetable.
"Long-suffering" is also patience with others, the opposite of having a short temper. It is a disposition that quietly bears injury or wrong done to them. It is the ability to tolerate irritating and painful situations.
Patience also implies the God given ability to defer anger and the desire for retribution against those who cause us annoyances, afflictions, and persecution.
If The Spirit of God is within us, we will display more of the attributes and characteristics of Jesus, The Christ. These are the things that we have to pray for God's help in developing and maturing.
The fourth 'fruit' of The Spirit is "long-suffering" or patience. When God is within us we recognize that things don't happen we want them to, but according to His plan and timetable.
"Long-suffering" is also patience with others, the opposite of having a short temper. It is a disposition that quietly bears injury or wrong done to them. It is the ability to tolerate irritating and painful situations.
Patience also implies the God given ability to defer anger and the desire for retribution against those who cause us annoyances, afflictions, and persecution.
If The Spirit of God is within us, we will display more of the attributes and characteristics of Jesus, The Christ. These are the things that we have to pray for God's help in developing and maturing.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Peace
"But the fruit of The Spirit is ... peace ..." Galatians 5:22-23
The Spirit produces in Christians the positive attributes of Godly character which are evident in Jesus, as recorded in the gospels.
The third attribute, 'peace', is the tranquility of mind, freedom from worry and fear. It is that inner calm that results from confidence in one's saving relationship with Christ.
Peace refers to our relationship with self, with God, and with others and manifests itself in our thoughts and conscience, our temperament, and our behavior.
We can only truly have peace in our lives if we have Christ in our life. Only He can grant us a share of His perfect peace.
The Spirit produces in Christians the positive attributes of Godly character which are evident in Jesus, as recorded in the gospels.
The third attribute, 'peace', is the tranquility of mind, freedom from worry and fear. It is that inner calm that results from confidence in one's saving relationship with Christ.
Peace refers to our relationship with self, with God, and with others and manifests itself in our thoughts and conscience, our temperament, and our behavior.
We can only truly have peace in our lives if we have Christ in our life. Only He can grant us a share of His perfect peace.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Joy
"But the fruit of The Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance ..." Galatians 5:22-23
The second attribute of the fruit of The Spirit is 'joy'. This is different from happiness. Joy is a gladness of the heart. It is more of a cheerfulness, a constant delight in The Lord. It is a good feeling based upon unchanging divine promise. It is a sense of well-being experienced by one who knows that all is well between himself and The Lord.
Joy is something that the world can't give you, and the world can't take it away from you. It is of God and it is from God. It is not the result of favorable circumstances. In fact, it is possible to have joy in the mist of difficult or negative circumstances.
Joy is a gift from God that causes one to delight in the blessings which they have already received. That is why we can sing, "Joy to the world, The Lord is come ..."
One of the radio stations in Los Angeles used to say that their call letters, KJLH, stood for the Kindness, Joy, Love, & Happiness, which they exuded. We should all be so blessed as to do the same.
The second attribute of the fruit of The Spirit is 'joy'. This is different from happiness. Joy is a gladness of the heart. It is more of a cheerfulness, a constant delight in The Lord. It is a good feeling based upon unchanging divine promise. It is a sense of well-being experienced by one who knows that all is well between himself and The Lord.
Joy is something that the world can't give you, and the world can't take it away from you. It is of God and it is from God. It is not the result of favorable circumstances. In fact, it is possible to have joy in the mist of difficult or negative circumstances.
Joy is a gift from God that causes one to delight in the blessings which they have already received. That is why we can sing, "Joy to the world, The Lord is come ..."
One of the radio stations in Los Angeles used to say that their call letters, KJLH, stood for the Kindness, Joy, Love, & Happiness, which they exuded. We should all be so blessed as to do the same.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Love
"But the fruit of The Spirit is love ..." Galatians 5:22-23
The 'fruit' is the result, product, or outcome of the indwelling of The Holy Spirit in a believer's life. Unlike "the gifts of The Spirit" (plural) where only some of which are given to a Christian,
each believer is to have all nine attributes of "the fruit if The Spirit" (singular) and these grow and mature with time.
This 'love' is the "agape" kind of love. It is the love of choice, respect, devotion, and affection that leads to willing self-sacrificial service. This is not referring to an emotional affection, physical attraction, or a familial bond.
This 'love' is the giving of one's self for the benefit of another without the thought of getting something in return.
This is the love that Christ demonstrated for us and that we are to show towards our fellow man.
The 'fruit' is the result, product, or outcome of the indwelling of The Holy Spirit in a believer's life. Unlike "the gifts of The Spirit" (plural) where only some of which are given to a Christian,
each believer is to have all nine attributes of "the fruit if The Spirit" (singular) and these grow and mature with time.
This 'love' is the "agape" kind of love. It is the love of choice, respect, devotion, and affection that leads to willing self-sacrificial service. This is not referring to an emotional affection, physical attraction, or a familial bond.
This 'love' is the giving of one's self for the benefit of another without the thought of getting something in return.
This is the love that Christ demonstrated for us and that we are to show towards our fellow man.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Fruit Of The Holy Spirit # 2
"But the fruit of The Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance ..." Galatians 5:22-23
According to the Rev. Dr. John MacArthur, the phrase "... fruit of The Spirit ..." refers to the Godly attitudes that characterize the lives of only those who belong to God by faith in Christ and possess The Spirit of God.
All nine characteristics are linked together and present in true believers. The word 'fruit' as it is used in this verse is singular and not plural. One 'fruit' encompasses all nine characteristics. If The Holy Spirit is in you, then you have possess all nine of these characteristics.
According to the Rev. Dr. John MacArthur, the phrase "... fruit of The Spirit ..." refers to the Godly attitudes that characterize the lives of only those who belong to God by faith in Christ and possess The Spirit of God.
All nine characteristics are linked together and present in true believers. The word 'fruit' as it is used in this verse is singular and not plural. One 'fruit' encompasses all nine characteristics. If The Holy Spirit is in you, then you have possess all nine of these characteristics.
Our goal as Christians should be to live our lives in such a manner as to display these nine Godly attitude characteristics much more often and to display our sinful worldly nature much less frequently.
I first presented a blog on this topic on November 21, 2010, and addressed the subject of 'fruit' in general. This time, God willing, over the next several days I will address each of the nine characteristics individually. Not to separate them but to expound upon them without making one very long blog.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Fruit Of The Holy Spirit
"But the fruit of The Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance ... they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh ... If we live in The Spirit, let us also walk in The Spirit." Galatians 5:22-25
The English Standard version puts it this way, "... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ..."
Trees bear fruit based upon their nature. The fruit that we produce should be the same as the fruit of The Spirit, if The Spirit is within us. The previous verses, 19-21, list the things of the flesh that we should be dead to and no longer part of us.
If The Spirit of God is in us, then we should walk, talk, think, and behave in such a manner that the world can see the fruit of The Spirit in our lives. We should not have to tell people that we by are Christians, they should be able to detect that by observing us.
The English Standard version puts it this way, "... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ..."
Trees bear fruit based upon their nature. The fruit that we produce should be the same as the fruit of The Spirit, if The Spirit is within us. The previous verses, 19-21, list the things of the flesh that we should be dead to and no longer part of us.
If The Spirit of God is in us, then we should walk, talk, think, and behave in such a manner that the world can see the fruit of The Spirit in our lives. We should not have to tell people that we by are Christians, they should be able to detect that by observing us.
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