Fruit

Who are you following?

Matthew 7:15–20 ESV

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

We are the sheep - follow each other around

Lots of inconstant people who like a ball in an arcade pinball machine

innocent sheep

Mesmerising Mass Sheep Herding - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDQw21ntR64

Matthew 7:15–20 (ESV)

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Who are false prophets?

2005 Sheep suicide

A town in Turkey had a sheep heard that was made up of 26 families working collectively, when one morning the shepherds watched a lone sheep jump of a nearby cliff and fall to its death. They were stunned when 1.500 sheep followed each leaping off the same cliff.

Luckily only 450 died, as many other sheep were spared by the billowy white pile.

The estimated loss was over $100,000 which is extremely significant when the average person earns about 3k a year.

Driving

Podcasts

News paper columnist

TV shows

False Prophets are people who want to take advantage of others and mislead people.

Ties back to narrow hard steep climb vs wide open road

How do you detect the mask?

16 You will recognize them by their fruits.

Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.

18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.

How do we judge them?

Tomato plates

Ezekiel 13:1–3

1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel, who are prophesying, and say to those who prophesy from their own hearts: ‘Hear the word of the Lord!’ 3 Thus says the Lord God, Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

John 15:5–8

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

1 John 4:1–4

1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

In the Church & on the TV/Phone

Tricky in a digital era, but even more essential

Do they live like its about money and fame or that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh?

Family?

spouse, kids, grand kids, great grand kids

Friends?

relationship not for outcomes?

Co-workers/Employees?

are people afraid of them?

are they explosive?

Characteristics of God?

19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

We are judged by our actions.

Whoever you follow is a “Child of God” and always excepted and loved by him

But their actions will be judged.

Travis hit Renee’s hand

20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

If you follow people who take the easy way, and influence you to take the easy way you become a diseased tree and bear bad fruit

Realize you are a sheep and watch and judge the people you listen to, including me and this sermon