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INTRO
Not judging, yet we are to call fruit what it is.
We know from Matthew 7:15-20 that Jesus was addressing false prophets. Here it is not mentioned, but it still holds true.
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
A false prophet is not who they say they are…. THEY HAVE BAD FRUIT.
Judging is based on our heart being critical and bitter… not seeking the best for others.
HERE… Jesus says we WILL BE KNOWN BY OUR FRUIT.
Our fruit is our character.
Our heart indicates the fruit.
Our hear indicates our character/who we really are
Character is our CONDUCT and CONVERSATION
Matthew 3:4-7 – John the Baptist
The seriousness of the situation
No good bears bad. Nor bad bears good
A born-again person has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
IF… THEN
IT is not just believing that there is a Jesus… It is someone that has entered into a personal relationship with Jesus (THIS WHY IT IS CALLED THE GOOD NEWS)
The need for evaluation
Our self and those we have concern for.
Does no fruit mean no Spirit? Remember, we are not judging… we are just showing discernment (This is evangelism and discipleship).
A Spirit filled believer has:
Repented of Sin
Daily taking up the cross…Following after Christ (Love Him, Listen to Him, Live for Him)
Living a holy life. Life of bearing fruit.
The impact of a changed heart
When our heart gets right, then our life will be right.
We cannot FIX the circumstances of our life.
We may be able to address the bad habits of our life.
We can never produce God honoring fruit until our heart is changed.
ONLY JESUS CAN CHANGE THE HEART.