By their fruit
Jesus said,
"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. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:15-20.
I think this portion of scripture is overlooked by many Christians. Many Christians believe almost anyone who says they are Christian without questioning what the person does. Largely I think because they know Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
And quite often Matthew 7:1,2 are used to stop those who would disagree with someone who is teaching wrong doctrine.
However the apostle Paul wrote,
"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 7:15,16a.
As believers in Christ Jesus we need to examine particularly pastors, evangelist and other Christian teachers. We need to look at what they are preaching and the fruits of their life.
The apostle Paul tells us what the true fruit of a believer is when he wrote,
The apostle Paul writes,
Are these the fruits exhibited in your life?
Please think about it.
Jesus said,
"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. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:15-20.
I think this portion of scripture is overlooked by many Christians. Many Christians believe almost anyone who says they are Christian without questioning what the person does. Largely I think because they know Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
And quite often Matthew 7:1,2 are used to stop those who would disagree with someone who is teaching wrong doctrine.
However the apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?
Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside.
“Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Which harkens back to what Jesus said,"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 7:15,16a.
As believers in Christ Jesus we need to examine particularly pastors, evangelist and other Christian teachers. We need to look at what they are preaching and the fruits of their life.
The apostle Paul tells us what the true fruit of a believer is when he wrote,
The apostle Paul writes,
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law."
Galatians 5:22,23.
Are these the fruits exhibited in the lives of the Pastors, Evangelist and other Christian teachers you follow?Are these the fruits exhibited in your life?
Please think about it.
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