
I recently did a study of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). We all know various bits of it, but when you study it in depth and at one time, it becomes clear that it is radical, world-changing teaching.
This verse is part of the closing climax:
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit, you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes 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. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"
(Matthew 7:15-23}
It is not an isolated teaching by Jesus. John 15:1-11 talks about the vine and the requirement for believers to be in an active close relationship with Jesus - and ultimately producing fruit (or else be pruned off the vine). What are the fruit of the spirit? Jesus identifies numerous such things in his teachings: Humility, peacemaking, love your enemies, generous care for others, forgiveness, peacemaking. Galatians 5 identifies others: love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
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