How can we discern "them by their fruit" in today's society? Grounded in Jesus’ Words “By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” (Matthew 7:16) What Scripture Means by “Fruit” Fruit is the visible, tangible evidence of an inward reality. Scripture points to several dimensions: • Personal character (Galatians 5:22–23) • True doctrine (2 John 1:9) • Influence on others (Matthew 5:16) • Long-term outcomes (Psalm 1:3) Core Marks of Good Fruit • Christ-centered confession: “Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” (1 John 4:2) • Obedient life: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15) • Spirit-produced character: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22–23) • Edifying speech: “The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart” (Luke 6:45) • Persevering faithfulness: “He who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13) Warning Signs of Bad Fruit • Habitual sin excused or celebrated (1 John 3:9–10) • Doctrine that departs from apostolic teaching (Galatians 1:8) • Self-exalting ambition instead of servant-hearted love (3 John 9) • Division and envy rather than peace (James 3:14–16) • Short-lived or harmful results—even if the start looked impressive (Proverbs 14:12) Practical Discernment in Today’s Society 1. Leaders and Teachers ‑ Compare every message to the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 17:11). ‑ Watch lifestyle and relationships, not just public words (1 Timothy 4:16). 2. Media Voices ‑ Measure values promoted in songs, shows, and posts by Philippians 4:8 standards. ‑ Notice whether they stir holiness or inflame fleshly desires. 3. Organizations and Movements ‑ Trace the fruit over time: are lives genuinely transformed toward Christlikeness? ‑ Look at financial and moral integrity (2 Corinthians 8:21). 4. Personal Relationships ‑ Choose close companions whose conduct strengthens your walk (Proverbs 13:20). ‑ Encourage one another toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). 5. Your Own Life ‑ Regularly examine motives and actions in light of Galatians 5:22–23. ‑ Invite trustworthy believers to speak truth when they see unhealthy patterns (Proverbs 27:6). Guardrails for Gracious Discernment • Use Scripture as the standard, not personal preference. • Distinguish occasional failure from persistent pattern; we all stumble (James 3:2). • Apply the same measuring rod to yourself that you use for others (Matthew 7:1–5). • Balance truth with mercy, aiming for restoration when confronting error (Galatians 6:1). Living Out the Call Discerning by fruit frees you from surface impressions and anchors your judgments in God’s revealed truth. Stay rooted in the Word, keep in step with the Spirit, and the healthy fruit of a transformed life will stand out unmistakably in any age. |
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