How can we identify "them by their fruits" in our daily lives? The Heart of the Passage “So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:20) Jesus speaks immediately after warning of “false prophets” (v. 15). The “them” includes anyone who claims spiritual authority or influence. Fruit means visible evidence of an inner reality. What Counts as Fruit? • Words that align with Scripture (Matthew 12:34) • Actions that conform to God’s commands (1 John 2:3-6) • Attitudes shaped by the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) • Enduring impact on others—edification, unity, holiness (Ephesians 4:11-16) Scriptural Checklist for Good Fruit • Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control • James 3:17-18: “wisdom from above” is pure, peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits • 1 John 3:10: righteous conduct and brotherly love mark God’s children • John 15:5-8: abiding in Christ produces much fruit—prayer-saturated obedience that glorifies the Father Daily Ways to Recognize Fruit • Listen for Scriptural fidelity. Does teaching mirror the whole counsel of God, or does it twist passages? (Acts 17:11) • Watch lifestyle consistency. Is there harmony between public message and private choices? (1 Timothy 4:12) • Observe relational tone. Do they display humility, gentleness, and servant-heartedness? (Philippians 2:3-4) • Check for repentance when sin is exposed. Genuine believers confess and turn, not excuse and persist. (1 John 1:9) • Look at long-term influence. Are people drawn closer to Christ and His church, or toward division and self-promotion? (Romans 14:19) • Evaluate stewardship of power and resources. Is there generosity and accountability rather than exploitation? (2 Corinthians 8:20-21) Practical Steps for Everyday Discernment 1. Stay in the Word daily; familiarity with truth sharpens detection of error. 2. Test teachings against Scripture immediately (1 Thessalonians 5:21). 3. Keep a humble posture—fruit inspection never excuses judgmentalism (Matthew 7:1-5). 4. Invite mature believers to confirm observations; the body protects itself through shared discernment. 5. Pray for those showing bad fruit, seeking their restoration (Galatians 6:1). Checking Our Own Basket “Each tree is known by its own fruit.” (Luke 6:44) • Regular self-examination guards against hypocrisy (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Pursue abiding fellowship with Christ; good fruit is impossible apart from Him (John 15:4). • Welcome pruning—discipline that increases future fruitfulness (Hebrews 12:11). The Outcome Recognizing people “by their fruits” is not optional; it protects the church and keeps our witness pure. When Scripture saturates our minds and the Spirit leads our hearts, discernment grows natural, gracious, and effective—shining light on true disciples and exposing counterfeit claims, all for the glory of God. |
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