-June 10, 2020-
Good morning, happy Wednesday,
-Good And Bad Trees, Good And Bad Fruit-
“You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.”
(Matthew 7:16-18).
How can one tell who is saved and who is not? Jesus gave the answer in Matthew 7:16, “You will know them by their fruits.” Fruit bearing is an excellent analogy of the change that takes place when a person gets saved. The Holy Spirit brings forth the results and bearing good fruit is the result in one’s life over time.
Jesus tells us that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. In the NT, there is two types of fruit bearing: the souls that we win to the Lord and the character and conduct of our lives. It is the latter that Jesus is talking about here.
When a person gets saved, their life is changed once and for all. As that person grows in his or her faith, their words, attitudes, motives, desires, and actions change by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is so exciting! A derelict, drug addict, alcoholic, mean-spirited, angry, selfish, or proud person becomes a new creation in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ; he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” When a life is changed, it is clear to all. You will know them by their fruits. If you pick up a good fruit, the fragrance will be noticeable the look beautiful, and the taste sweet. On the other hand bad fruit is clearly evident as well. Thorn bushes and thistles are not good fruit.
The Apostle John mentions several proofs or evidences of true salvation in a person’s life:
1. Keeps His commandments (1 John 2:3-6).
2. Walks in the light and loves his brother (1 John 2:9-11).
3. Practices righteousness (1 John 2:29).
4. Loves God and others (1 John 4:20-21).
5. Overcomes the world by his faith (1 John 5:4-5).
While we shouldn’t go around judging others to see if they measure up, we do have clear indications from the Scriptures if there is any doubt. You will know them by their fruit. if we think a person may not be saved, we should pray for them and if God gives the opportunity to share the gospel, we should take it. There are those who who think they are saved but aren’t.
May the Lord help us to be fruitful Christians, producing abundant fruit for the kingdom and glory of God. When we bear fruit it shows to all those around us. The fruitful life is the abundant life and the life of Christ shining forth in us and through us. Jesus said in John 15:4-5, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
Have a blessed and fruitful day. Stay safe and healthy.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 