How can we identify "bad fruit" within our church community? Key Passage: Matthew 7:15–20 “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 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.” The Principle – Fruit Reveals the Tree - Jesus’ words are straightforward and literal: outer fruit exposes inner reality. - Good and bad fruit cannot intermingle; one inevitably displaces the other (vv. 17-18). - Judgment is certain for persistent bad fruit (v. 19). Characteristics of Bad Fruit - Teaching that departs from written Scripture (Galatians 1:8-9; 2 Timothy 4:3). - Ongoing, unrepentant immorality (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). - Divisiveness, envy, or selfish ambition (Romans 16:17-18; James 3:14-16). - Greed or exploitation of believers (2 Peter 2:1-3). - Hypocrisy—public piety masking private sin (Titus 1:15-16; Matthew 23:27-28). Practical Steps to Discern Fruit - Compare every message and practice with Scripture, the final authority (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). - Observe consistent lifestyle patterns over time (1 Timothy 5:24-25). - Evaluate outcomes: does the ministry foster holiness, love, and obedience? (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15). - Seek confirmation from mature, godly believers (Proverbs 11:14). - Pray earnestly for clear wisdom and discernment (James 1:5). Guarding Our Own Hearts While Evaluating - Stay humble; anyone can stumble (1 Corinthians 10:12). - Avoid gossip; speak truth in love and season speech with grace (Ephesians 4:15, 29). - Follow Christ’s pattern for confronting sin (Matthew 18:15-17). - Let recognized leaders handle public correction when required (1 Timothy 5:19-20). Encouraging Good Fruit in the Body - Teach sound doctrine without compromise (Titus 2:1). - Model the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). - Cultivate accountable relationships that provoke love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). - Highlight testimonies of faithfulness to inspire imitation (Philippians 4:8-9). Remaining anchored to the plain sense of Scripture keeps the church alert, healthy, and fruitful. |
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