Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 7:15-20

Matthew 7:15-20, John 15:1-12, Galatians 5:16-25

Jesus, Paul, and the other Apostles often warn about false prophets. Those who come in the name of Jesus but who do not bear fruit that shows abiding in Christ. Jesus tells us that we can see a false prophet from a true by the fruit they bear. 

In recent months something I have been thinking about is how throughout history we’ve allowed corruption because something good is coming. Or we have something to gain from it. Specifically, in the Church today we have forgone character for great competency. They can draw a crowd, they are amazing teachers, they have seen this many converts. But never does the bible call that fruit. The fruit is described in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Fruit of the Spirit can only come from abiding. When we abide the Spirit brings about fruit. 

False prophets produce fruit of the flesh. They bring in a dead harvest. Their character is lacking and doesn’t point to a transformed heart by the Spirit within them. American culture tells us character doesn’t mean that much as long as the agenda gets accomplished. They measure their own greatness, their boast not of the things of Christ but their own fallible strength. We see this often in churches, celebrity Christians/pastors, and glorified leaders in our churches. Look at this fruit, but under the microscope, it’s nothing the bible actually calls fruits. It’s converting that were never disciplined and stopped believing. It’s toxic work-based communities. It’s the acceptance of worldly character with evangelistic competencies. All things that can gather moths and dust. 

Jesus is calling us to the true prophets who boast in nothing but Christ. Those who point to God - his word, the reflection of his character in his people, his powerful Spirit, and his disciples made. 

Church, what does our fruit look like? Is it love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Are we making converts or disciples? Are we measuring the things of God or ourselves?