Title: By Their Fruits
Bible Reading: Matthew 7:16-23 (Kjv)
Memorize: Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Matthew 7:16 (Kjv)
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Message:
(2 Corinthians 5:17) says that when a person receives Christ, all things become new. The change begins from the inside of that fellow and then manifests in every aspect of his or her life. For instance, when you see a Chinese man and a Yoruba man, you can clearly differentiate them by how they look, their language, and the food they eat. Based on their physical outlook, you can easily tell their cultural identity.
Likewise, when people see a fellow that is dressed like a harlot or hooligan, they can immediately tell what or who they represent.
Sadly, many people parade themselves as children of God but dress and talk tike the people of the world. Anyone who calls himself or herself light but is looking and sounding like a child of darkness is not who or what he or she claims to be (2 Corinthians 6:14).
My dear child, when people see you, can they tell the difference between you and an unbeliever? If they have to ask whether you are a child of God or not, then you need to check yourself.
Reflection:
Can people tell if you are born again or not?
Hymn 9 – What a friend we have in Jesus
1 What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!
2 Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
3 Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge–
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.
Bible In One Year: Numbers 2:1-3:51, Mark 11:27-12:17