What Kind Of Fruit Do We Bear?

Matthew 7:17-20
[17] Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Earlier this month while discussing the qualifications of elders, it was mentioned that all Christians should possess those same characteristics as found in 1 Tim. 3:1-13 and Tit. 1:5-9.

Granted, not all Christians will bear the characteristic of being the, "husband of one wife." For example: I know many women who are faithful Christians, and contrary to what President Obama and countless others say, women cannot marry women and be pleasing to God. Also, not all Christians decide to get married, does that make that person less of a Christian? Certainly not, Paul told those in Corinth that it is good to remain single (cf. 1 Cor. 7:8). Neither will all Christians bear the characteristic of having faithful children.

However, as Christians we should strive to be blameless. This does not mean that we will never do anything wrong. Paul told the Romans that all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God (cf. Rom. 3:23). However, luckily we can confess our sins and walk in the light and God who is faithful and just will forgive us (cf. 1 Jn. 1:7-9). Then, though our sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (cf. Isa. 1:18).

As Christians, we should also strive to be vigilant. Why? Because "our adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." That's right, Satan does not care for us! He merely wants to devour us! Therefore we ought have the desire to serve the Lord who loves us (cf. Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8).

We could go on through the remaining qualifications of elders and consider how each applies to the Christian life, but rather lets just ask the question, "What kind of fruit do we bear?"

Matthew 5:14-16
[14] You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Scriptures taken from the New King James Version

Am I Your Enemy?

In the letters that Paul wrote to New Testament Christians, he aimed to correct various false teachings that many Christians were holding on to.

In his first letter to the church in Corinth, he corrected the false concept of divisions in the church. Paul identified the issue that there had been contentions in Chloes household. Some would say that they were of Paul, some of Apollos, and so on. However, in 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul wrote, "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

In his letter to the church in Galatia, he told the Christians there who were holding onto their Jewish heritage, that by trying to be justified according to the law, that they had fallen from grace! (cf. Gal. 5:4)

Many things that Paul shared with the church in the first century were hard to receive. He spoke boldly too. For example, how would someone in the world today respond if someone were to say, 'if anyone preaches another gospel to you, he is to be accursed!'? Paul said that very thing in Galatians 1:8, "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed."

Paul spoke with boldness, but he spoke with love. Just as the title of this blog asks a question, Paul asked a question in Galatians 4:16, "Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?"

Certainly Paul was not an enemy of the first century church. Rather he wanted to help them to see the things in their lives that needed to change. Paul had direct inspiration from the Holy Spirit in order to do this too! Today, we have the full and complete revelation of God through His word, the Bible, to know what we ought to do, and what we ought not do. The Psalmist in Psalm 119:160 said, "the entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever."

Sometimes, the message of truth is not easy to receive, but it is the only thing that will set us free. Jesus said in John 8:31b-32, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Do you want to be free? Follow the one who is not your enemy.