What role does discernment play in recognizing "bad tree" influences around us? The Central Passage Matthew 7:17-20: “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. So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Why Discernment Matters • Discernment is the God-given ability to judge what is true, good, and healthy before embracing it. • 1 John 4:1: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” • Hebrews 5:14 reminds us that maturity comes when we “distinguish good from evil.” • Philippians 1:9-10 calls believers to “abound… in all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent.” • Without discernment, bad-tree influences slip in unnoticed, shaping belief and behavior while bearing poisonous fruit. Spotting Bad Tree Influences Look at the fruit, not just the appearance: • Doctrinal fruit – Denies or distorts Scripture (2 Peter 2:1). – Pulls attention away from Christ’s finished work (Galatians 1:6-8). • Moral fruit – Produces impurity, greed, or divisiveness (Ephesians 5:3-6). – Excuses sin instead of leading to repentance (Jude 4). • Relational fruit – Stirs strife, resentment, and faction (James 3:14-16). – Lacks the Spirit’s love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). • Long-term impact – Leaves hearts colder toward God and neighbor. – Reaps chaos instead of righteousness (James 3:18). Developing a Discernment Habit • Stay rooted in Scripture – Psalm 119:105: God’s Word lights the path before decisions are made. • Pray for wisdom – James 1:5: Ask, expecting God to supply. • Compare everything with Christ’s character – John 10:27: His sheep know His voice and flee from another. • Test before trusting – 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22: “Test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” • Watch real-life outcomes – Proverbs 14:15: The prudent “consider their steps.” Give time for fruit to show. Living It Out • Evaluate the influences that reach you—media, friendships, teachers, trends. • Feed on “good tree” input that consistently bears the fruit of the Spirit and aligns with Scripture. • When bad-tree fruit surfaces, distance yourself and replace it with truth that nourishes growth in Christlikeness. • Keep vigilant; discernment is not a one-time act but a lifestyle of watching, testing, and choosing what leads to life. |
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