Two Kinds of Fruit: Can You Identify?

In Matt. 7:15-20 Jesus is speaking of how we need to watch out for and be able to identify false prophets, those who claim to speak God’s truth but really hold to falsehood; and actually want to harm God’s people rather than help them. After giving the invite to enter by the narrow gate, to come to God by the only way He has provided, Jesus now says that just because someone may claim to belong to God and speak for Him doesn’t mean they really do.

We will look at the assumptions Jesus was working off of, the warnings and tests He gives as well as some lessons for us today.

Assumptions. There are two things Jesus believed that in this context are very significant:

1st, There is an objective standard of truth that exists.
2nd, False teachers that deviate from objective truth exist.

There is knowable, objective, real truth about God that we need to know vs. what is untrue and false about God. Much in the Bible is simple enough for a child to understand; much is far more complex and deserves diligent study and examination. 2 Tim. 2:15 says “study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth”. It is hard work to dig deep and understand difficult concepts. Expose yourself to God’s Word, be immersed in it; let your heart and mind and soul be saturated with Scripture and God will give you understanding. But truth seems to be up for grabs in our culture. In World magazine's year-in-review issue, the top 3 religion news items of 2009 were 3 formerly Biblically faithful protestant groups that caved this year, going the way of other apostate groups who have given up on the fundamental beliefs of the faith in favor of the low road of moral compromise all wrapped up in intellectual jargon and appeals to be "open-minded". Truth took a back seat to falsehood.

Warnings. What should we watch out for? Matt. 7:15 begins "Beware", which always warns of danger. We need to watch out for deceptive and destructive influences. A wolf in sheep’s clothing is someone who looks like a Christian; someone who tries to fake discipleship by outward deeds. But inwardly they are ravenous wolves. They are out to destroy. Jesus had a name for them. "Blind guides of the blind". Those who lead people down the road that leads to destruction are destructive. Jesus said before the end of time 2 things would happen: the worldwide spread of the gospel and the rise of false teachers who would lead many astray (Matt. 24:11-14). 1 John 4:1 says "test the spirits, see whether they are from God…many false prophets have gone out into the world". It’s hard to tell the true from the false because the false dress up like the true. How can we know which is which?

Tests (how we can identify the false). In Matt. 7:16-20 Jesus said we will recognize them by their fruits. There is encouragement in the Jesus’ explanation; comfort knowing He’s in control, that we don’t have to be left at the mercy of false teachers. They will be found out, exposed. We will know exactly what they are by the the outcome of their life and teaching, their character and conduct. We first see the conduct which reveals the character. They profess to know God but by their deeds they deny Him. You will know them by what they do.

It is helpful to ask "what is the Fruit of the good tree? (so we know what we are aiming for). It is all the good things God produces in the lives of true believers. Specifically, there is obedience, wanting to please God. There is the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23); love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, (active) goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control which marks the true. Also, submission to leadership; being under the authority of another. There are to be no unilateral leaders, no unaccountable teachers. Also, interdependence is necessary (not going independent, mutual submission our of reverence for Christ).

What lessons are in here for us today? What really matters?

1st, Truth (& our response to it) matters. (John 17:17; 2 Tim. 3:16-17) It is refreshing to see people who are genuinely 'under' the Word of God. In an atmosphere of mistrust they believe. They have received the gift of faith and they exercise it as God gives them strength. They grab hold of truth and don’t let go because they know it is their lifeline. Our response to God’s infallible, inerrant Word is significant: We need the Holy Spirit. Unaided human reason cannot “get” God’s Word; at the same time, thinking and deciding are essential to grasp God’s truth. Jesus said, My sheep hear My voice. We recognize what we are accustomed to. We do not recognize what is foreign to us. God’s Word must be so familiar to you that you recognize falsehood and twisted interpretations of Scripture when they arise, even in the Church. Are you reading and studying it consistently, alone, with your spouse, household, and others? Your life will be either changed by the Word of God, or conformed to the world. Choose to find daily spiritual nourishment in God’s Word. Once a week won’t cut it.

2nd, Leadership matters. There are 3 primary leadership roles that are often eliminated, forgotten or ignored by Christ’s followers. Christ has appointed Pastors and Teachers (Eph. 4:11-14). Equip believers to serve God. The Holy Spirit raises up Elders (Titus 1:5, 9-11; 1 Peter 5:1-4). Shepherd, feed, protect, guide. Our elders at Grace are committed to shepherding the flock, willing to spend and be spent for the sake of your souls. That is their calling and they take it seriously. God also has designed it for Christian parents (Eph. 6:1-4) to be the primary teachers and disciplers of their children. It is the way God meant for the faith to be passed on and nurtured. We have circumvented that process with our institutionalization and segregation of church life; but Biblically speaking Christian nurture is meant to be so much more organic and integrated. (see Ps. 78:1-8; 2 Tim. 3:13-17, 1:5; Deut. 6:6-9)

3rd, Identity matters. Who are you and who are you following? Are they a true believer? Are you? We are known by what we do and what we say. Sometimes, our good intentions collide with our unwise choices. Sometimes we build ourselves a bad reputation, or the good Name of Jesus is spoken against due to our sin. Your greatest fear should be of not being faithful in time of trial or misrepresenting Christ. Most important, is not what you are known for, but who you know; not your reputation, but whether you have come to know, worship and follow the One who has the Name above all names. Do you know Jesus? Are you one of His chosen ones, one of His called out ones, one who has been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ? Jesus says you will know the false (& true) by their fruits.

May God will it & work it that we live to the praise of His glorious grace; that we would be identified as His followers & be able to identify those who would do harm to Christ’s church.