Boundaries for a Good Tree

Matthew 12:33–37 NIV84

33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

1. You have the power to make good or bad trees

A. Set boundaries for righteous living

Galatians 5:13 “13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”

B. Boundaries are set for our good

Acts 17:26–27 “26 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27 God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”

C. Practice wisdom to discern and set boundaries for righteous living

Proverbs 2:11 “11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”

2. Your speech reveals your heart

A. The power of choice against sin

Galatians 5:22–23 “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

B. Bad fruit from a damaged heart

3 John 2 “2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”

C. Be careful what you allow in your heart

Proverbs 4:23 “23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

3. Your heart is the root of your tree

A. Get planted in the place that waters you

Psalm 1:1–3“1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”

B. You are expected to bear good fruit

Matthew 3:10 “10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

C. The Word of God will transform you into a good tree

Ephesians 5:26 “26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,”

There are things that will be cleansed—things in our minds, things that deal with conduct, things that have to do with character and attitude—that are cleansed by water.

Water your tree

Prune your tree

Fertilize your tree

Prevent Pests and Diseases

Protect the Roots and trunks of your tree

4. Your speech and actions are your fruit

A. Boundaries for spiritual cultivation

Bible study, prayer, and fellowship

B. Boundaries for productive interactions

Forgiveness, love, grace, respect

C. Boundaries for self-care

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 “19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”