Before you begin to disect the following scripture I encourage you to keep a log in a notebook. Include the scripture, questions, and your answers. Also, don't forget to pray for God's guidance before you study and let His will direct your path.
Matthew 7: 18 - 20
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.
1.) How does the symbolism of a tree bearing fruit relate to Christian living in 2011?
2.) Give examples of both good and bad fruit as it relates to your personal life.
3.) Open your Bible to the above passage. In verse 20, who is "their" refering to?
You'll have to back up and read from verse 15 to find your answer.
4.) Finally, write a personal reflection on the impression that God has laid on heart as you have studied Matthew 7: 15 - 20.
5.) This is optional, but I do encourage you to post your responses to the questions by adding comments below and feel free to include any prayer requests or whatever is on your mind. Thanks for visiting and may God bless you today!
1.) There's a lot more oppurtunities to produce spoiled fruit these days. Better yet, there's so many distractions that it's far easier to actually produce no fruit at all.
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3.) False Prophets. By their fruits they are known. Contorting scripture to "fit" what we/they want it to or "read" how we/they want it to. Especially in this new age movement that doesn't teach salvation or grace, but a Christ consciencness. It refers to those who twist Christ message.
4.) We should take these verses seriously. By our fruits we are known. I personally want to be known by Christ and if I'm tree producing fruit that is of God then that's sure to happen. Never the less, we must make sure we doing things that are building God's kingdom. Selfish endevours and not producing fruit at all is not how Jesus wants us to live.