Got Fruit?

Got Fruit?
Matthew 7:15-20 Part of the Sermon on the mount

V15 A warning “beware”
The religious leaders of that day were teaching of a coming Messiah but they rejected that Jesus was Him. Because of that they were “False prophets or teachers”

“look like sheep but are wolves” They look good but they are not.

Wolves are skilled and know how to attack and when they attack they devour.

Matt 10:16-23 Jesus’ call to His followers. we should be sheep
“wise as snakes” Snakes were commonly know for being silent and contemplative of next move.

“Harmless as doves” we are not to cause trouble but be people that bring truth and peace to others
It is not easy to follow Jesus as a sheep in a world full of wolves.

V16 The litmus test “You will know them by their fruits” We all understand the concept of good piece of fruit
This will be our focus for tonight.

V17-18 Good comes from good bad comes from bad.

Two different fruits illustration

1. “Strangler Fig” Bad fruit

Bad Fruit The Strangler Fig
In Mexico and the tropical zones of South America a so-called "strangler" fig grows in abundance. The Spanish-speaking people refer to it as the "matapalo" which means "the tree killer." The fruit is not palatable except to cattle and the fowls of the air. After the birds eat it, they must clean their beaks of the sticky residue. They do this by rubbing them on nearby trees. The seeds of the small fig have a natural glue which makes them adhere to the branches. When the rainy season arrives, germination takes place. Soon tiny roots make their way down into the heart of the wood and begins to grow. Within a few years the once lovely palms have been entirely covered with the entangling vines of the parasitic growth. Unless the tree is set free through the removal of these "strangler" figs, it finally begins to wither, dropping one frond after another until it is completely lifeless. The only was to stop the killing process is for someone to take a sharp knife and cut away the invader.

Matthew 3:7-9 The religious leaders believed that because the came from Abraham they were going to be saved and they also taught that. Change your mind. = fruit is salvation

Romans 6:21-22 the fruit of sin deeds are worthless and bring forth death
When we follow people who are teaching the wrong things or we believe the error it is destructive. The fruit or outcome is bad.

2. ‘Taste Berry” Good fruit

Good Fruit "Taste Berry"
It is said that in Africa there is a fruit called the "taste berry," because it changes a person's tastes so that everything eaten tastes sweet and pleasant. Sour fruit, even if eaten several hours after the "taste berry," become sweet and delicious.
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What does the Bible tell us about pursuing a fruitful life?

1. Righteous people receive eternal life. How are we declared righteous? Trust in Christ. Proverbs 11:30 righteousness which we can only get through Christ is the “Tree of Life” Rev 22

2. Believers will have fruit. Proverbs 12:12 If you are declared righteous and you are living righteous there will be fruit from your life.
What are the fruits?
Ryrie “What are fruits which a Christian can bear? The N.T. gives several answers to the question. Developing Christian character is fruit. If the goal of the Christian life may be stated as Christlikeness, then surely every trait developed in us that reflects His character must be fruit that is very pleasing to Him.”

The more we emulate Christ the more fruit we display. What was Christ like?
Compassionate, loving, forgiving, selfless, resisted temptation, hated sin,

3. Learning about God and His Word Proverbs 8:19 The fruit of Godly wisdom is better then gold. Do I care about learning the things of God?

4. Obedience John 15:5 walk in obedience Psalm 1:3 if you are rooted in Christ you will be a person the bears fruit.v6 or there will be no reward. Do I care about putting what I have learned into practice? Obedience.

5. Plug into a church body to help you in your walk with the Lord. Col 1:9-10 Paul was praying for them to be fruitful and increase in knowledge.

God has planted a seed of salvation (Taste Berry) in us and with His help he wants us to bear good fruit. John 15:5 “without Him we can do nothing”
Bottom line is walk the walk, faith in action

If we are living out our faith we will bear the fruits that God desires of us. “Taste Berry” Life will be sweeter for us and those around us.
V19-20 The demise of a false prophet or teacher or unbeliever.
“Therefore” the conclusion of the matter is You can tell what someone believes by what is coming out of their life.

So where do we start “It starts with our attitude (in our minds)

Got Fruit? Challenge 08 Gal 5:22-23
Dr. Ryrie states “To show these character traits (fruits of the Spirit) is to bear fruit in one's life. right character will result in right conduct, and as we live a life of good works we produce fruit