"Fruitful Faith: Discernment, Character, and Action"

Matthew 7:15-20:

**Point 1: Beware of False Influences**

- Begin by warning them about false prophets and the importance of being cautious about who they trust for spiritual guidance.

1. **Televangelists**: Some televangelists have faced criticism and accusations of being false prophets, especially when they promote the prosperity gospel, which some Christian denominations view as a distortion of biblical teachings.

2. **New Age Gurus**: With the rise of the New Age movement, various spiritual teachers or self-proclaimed gurus have been labeled as false prophets, especially when they claim to have exclusive knowledge or make predictions that don't come true.

3. **Cult Leaders**: Cults, by nature, often revolve around a charismatic leader who might make prophetic claims. Leaders who manipulate or harm their followers are often labeled as false prophets.

4. **End-of-the-World Predictors**: Just like in past times, some individuals or groups claim to know the exact date of the end of the world. When these predictions fail, they are labeled as false prophets.

5. **Online Prophets**: In the age of the internet and social media, it's easier than ever for individuals to claim prophetic abilities and gather a following. Many of these online prophets, especially those who make specific predictions or request money, face skepticism and accusations of falsehood.

Especially in the digital age, to approach any prophetic claim with a critical mind, seeking evidence and comparing teachings with established doctrine or knowledge. It's also worth noting that just because someone is controversial or has detractors doesn't necessarily mean they're a false prophet; it's always crucial to do thorough research and come to informed conclusions.

- Share stories or examples of people who may seem good on the surface but have hidden intentions.

The False Spiritual Leader: Consider a charismatic spiritual leader who preaches messages of love, peace, and enlightenment. However, behind closed doors, they exploit their followers financially or emotionally, revealing their hidden intention of personal gain rather than genuine spiritual guidance.

The Online Scammer

**Point 2: Actions Speak Louder Than Words**

---Discuss how our actions reveal our true character, just like a good tree bears good fruit and a bad tree bears bad fruit.---

The teachings of Jesus Christ place significant emphasis on the importance of genuine character and righteous living. The metaphor of the tree bearing fruit, as mentioned in the Gospels, serves as a profound teaching tool about the manifestation of inner character.

**1. Manifestation of the Inner Self:**

In Matthew 7:17-20, Jesus said, "Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit." Here, Jesus teaches that our actions, much like the fruit of a tree, are a direct manifestation of what's within us. Our deeds are a reflection of our hearts, beliefs, and character.

**2. Authenticity in Faith:**

As followers of Jesus, we're reminded that true faith isn't just about professing beliefs but living them out. James 2:26 emphasizes that "faith without works is dead." If our heart is genuinely transformed by Christ, our actions will naturally reflect His teachings of love, mercy, and righteousness.

**3. Continuous Nurturing:**

Just as a tree requires continuous care – sunlight, water, and good soil – to bear good fruit, our spiritual life requires nurturing through prayer, reading the Word, and fellowship. When we remain connected to Jesus, the true vine, we are more likely to produce the fruits of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

**4. Accountability:**

Trees that consistently bear bad fruit are often pruned or cut down, as they don't fulfill their purpose. In the same way, Jesus cautions that not everyone who calls Him 'Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father (Matthew 7:21). This underscores the importance of genuine character and righteous action as indicators of true faith.

**5. Examination of Fruits:**

In daily life, it's essential to self-reflect and evaluate our "fruits" regularly. Are our actions, words, and choices reflective of Jesus' teachings? By constantly examining and aligning our actions with the Word, we not only grow spiritually but also ensure that our character remains rooted in Christ.

The metaphor of the tree and its fruit serves as a heartfelt reminder that our actions, more than our words, reveal the true condition of our hearts. By staying rooted in Christ and His teachings, we aim to consistently bear good fruit, reflective of a transformed and righteous character.

- Encourage them to pay attention to their own actions and those of people around them.

**Point 3: Nurture a Good Heart**

- Emphasize the significance of having a good heart, as it leads to producing good fruit in our lives.

Question : What would it look like having a good heart that leads to producing good fruit in our lives?

Having a good heart that leads to producing good fruit in our lives manifests in both internal transformations and outward actions. Here's a breakdown of what it might look like:

**Internal Manifestations**:

1. **Inner Peace**: Even amidst challenges and storms, there's a prevailing sense of peace because of an anchored faith and trust in God.

2. **Joy**: Not just fleeting happiness, but a deep-seated joy that comes from knowing one's worth in God's eyes and the assurance of His promises.

3. **Conviction**: When wrong is done, there's a genuine feeling of remorse and an urge to reconcile or make right.

4. **Desire for God**: A heart that yearns to spend time in prayer, worship, and reading God's Word.

5. **Compassion**: A genuine empathy and concern for the well-being of others, feeling their pain, and wanting to help.

**Outward Actions**:

1. **Loving Acts**: Consistently acting in love, even when it's challenging. This could be seen in acts of kindness, service, or sacrifice for the benefit of others.

2. **Integrity**: Being honest and transparent, staying true to one's principles even when no one is watching.

3. **Patience**: Bearing with others, even when they are difficult or frustrating, and showing restraint and understanding.

4. **Forgiveness**: Being quick to forgive and slow to hold grudges. This means actively seeking reconciliation and offering grace to those who have wronged you.

5. **Generosity**: Willingly giving of one's time, resources, and energy without expecting anything in return.

6. **Mentorship and Discipleship**: Taking time to guide, mentor, or disciple others in their faith journey, sharing experiences, and lessons learned.

7. **Uplifting Speech**: Speaking words that encourage, build up, and bring life to others rather than tearing them down.

**Relationships**:

1. **Healthy Boundaries**: Setting and respecting boundaries in relationships that ensure mutual respect and love.

2. **Active Listening**: Genuinely listening to others, making them feel heard and valued.

3. **Humility**: Recognizing that everyone has something to teach us, being teachable, and admitting when we're wrong.

**Community Engagement**:

1. **Service**: Volunteering time and resources for the betterment of the community, serving the needy, or supporting causes that uplift the marginalized.

2. **Evangelism**: Sharing the love and message of Christ with others, not necessarily through preaching, but through actions and personal testimonies.

3. **Collaboration**: Working with others in the community, church, or groups to achieve a common goal that benefits others.

- Explain how nurturing qualities like kindness, love, and compassion in their hearts can positively impact their actions.

**Point 4: Choose Your Friends Wisely**

- Teach them that the company they keep can influence their actions and character.

- Encourage them to surround themselves with friends and mentors who inspire them to bear good fruit in their lives.

**Point 5: Seek God's Guidance**

- Remind them of the importance of seeking God's guidance in making decisions and discerning the quality of fruit in their lives.

In every aspect of our lives, leaning on God for guidance is crucial. Whether it's discerning the quality of fruit we're bearing or making critical decisions, His wisdom is flawless. As Psalm 32:8 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." Let's continually seek His face, trusting in His unfailing guidance and love.

- Encourage regular self-reflection and prayer to align their actions with their faith.

All over the bible it talks about self relection, and how we need prayer to align our action with our faith

2 Corinthians 13:5 - "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?"

Psalm 139:23-24 - "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

James 1:22-25 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray without ceasing."means to pray continually or never stop praying.

**Closing Thoughts:**

- Reiterate the idea that faith is not just about beliefs but also about how we live our lives.

- Share a message of grace and growth, reassuring them that mistakes happen, but through God's guidance, they can continually bear better fruit.

Conclude the teaching with a prayer, asking for God's help in developing discernment, character, and actions that reflect a fruitful faith.