Discernment and Fruitfulness: Navigating Spiritual Truths

Summary

In today's exploration of Matthew 7:15-20, we delve into the dichotomies presented by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the imagery of wolves in sheep's clothing and the distinction between good and bad trees by their fruits. Jesus warns us to be vigilant against false prophets who appear harmless but are inwardly dangerous. This calls for discernment, a spiritual skill that allows us to distinguish between truth and deception. Discernment is not innate but cultivated through spiritual maturity and a deep understanding of God's Word.

The metaphor of trees and their fruits serves as a powerful reminder that our actions and words reveal our true nature. Good trees bear good fruit, reflecting the Spirit of God through love, joy, peace, and other virtues, while bad trees produce fruit that leads to destruction, such as deceit and hypocrisy. This passage challenges us to inspect the fruits of those around us and ourselves, ensuring that we are rooted in Christ and His teachings.

To bear good fruit, we must abide in Christ, as described in John 15. Abiding involves a deep, ongoing relationship with Jesus, allowing His Word to nourish and mature us. This relationship is essential for spiritual growth and the ability to discern truth from falsehood. In a world filled with voices claiming to speak for God, we must remain vigilant, grounded in Scripture, and committed to growing in our faith.

Key Takeaways:

1. Discernment is Essential: Jesus warns us to be on guard against false prophets who disguise themselves as sheep. Discernment, the ability to distinguish truth from deception, is crucial in identifying these wolves. It requires spiritual maturity and a deep understanding of God's Word, which is cultivated through consistent study and application. [14:56]

2. Fruit Reveals True Nature: The metaphor of trees and their fruits illustrates that our actions and words reflect our true spiritual condition. Good fruit, such as love and peace, indicates a life rooted in Christ, while bad fruit, like deceit and hypocrisy, reveals a corrupt foundation. We must be vigilant in inspecting the fruits of those around us and ourselves. [36:07]

3. Abiding in Christ is Key: To bear good fruit, we must abide in Christ, maintaining a deep, ongoing relationship with Him. This involves allowing His Word to nourish and mature us, enabling us to grow spiritually and discern truth from falsehood. Abiding in Christ is essential for spiritual growth and fruitfulness. [47:43]

4. Beware of Deceptive Voices: In today's world, many voices claim to speak for God, but not all are truthful. We must be cautious and discerning, comparing every teaching and message with Scripture to ensure it aligns with God's truth. This vigilance protects us from being led astray by false teachings. [18:25]

5. Spiritual Maturity Requires Effort: Spiritual growth and maturity do not happen automatically or with time alone. They require intentional effort, including studying God's Word, engaging in community with other believers, and applying biblical truths to our lives. Only through maturity can we effectively discern and bear good fruit. [27:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [08:27] - Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
- [10:28] - Wolves in Sheep's Clothing
- [11:59] - Trees and Fruits
- [14:56] - The Importance of Discernment
- [16:26] - The Danger of False Prophets
- [18:25] - Deceptive Voices in Today's World
- [22:39] - The Duality of Wolves and Sheep
- [24:10] - Paul's Warning to the Church
- [26:09] - Disguised Deceitful Workers
- [27:12] - Spiritual Maturity and Discernment
- [33:15] - The Necessity of Knowing God's Word
- [34:43] - Identifying True Sheep
- [36:07] - The Manchineel Tree Analogy
- [41:29] - Good Fruit vs. Bad Fruit
- [45:04] - Bearing Fruit Through Abiding
- [47:43] - Abiding in Christ for Fruitfulness
- [49:26] - The Role of Abiding in Spiritual Growth
- [50:59] - Self-Reflection on Bearing Fruit
- [51:46] - Closing Challenge and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 7:15-20
- John 15:1-8
- Galatians 5:22-23

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Jesus mean when He warns about "wolves in sheep's clothing" in Matthew 7:15? How does this imagery help us understand the nature of false prophets? [10:28]

2. According to the sermon, what are the characteristics of a "good tree" and a "bad tree"? How are these characteristics reflected in the fruits they bear? [11:59]

3. How does the sermon describe the process of discernment? What role does spiritual maturity play in developing discernment? [27:12]

4. What is the significance of abiding in Christ as mentioned in John 15, and how does it relate to bearing good fruit? [47:43]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How can believers practically apply the concept of being vigilant against false prophets in their daily lives? What are some modern examples of "wolves in sheep's clothing"? [18:25]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that spiritual maturity is necessary for discernment? How can one measure their spiritual maturity? [27:12]

3. How does the metaphor of trees and fruits challenge believers to self-reflect on their own spiritual condition? What are some indicators of good or bad fruit in one's life? [41:29]

4. What does it mean to abide in Christ, and how does this abiding influence a believer's ability to discern truth from falsehood? [49:26]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any "fruits" that you are currently bearing that might indicate areas needing spiritual growth? How can you address these areas? [50:59]

2. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ to ensure you are abiding in Him? What specific steps can you take this week to strengthen this relationship? [47:43]

3. Identify a voice or influence in your life that you need to evaluate more critically. How can you use Scripture to discern whether this influence aligns with God's truth? [18:25]

4. Think of a time when you might have been deceived by something that sounded spiritual but was not biblically sound. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it help you in the future? [22:39]

5. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it as part of your interactions with your family or community? [37:32]

6. How can you engage with your church community to grow in spiritual maturity and discernment? Are there specific groups or studies you can join to help in this journey? [33:15]

7. Reflect on the sermon’s challenge to be vigilant and not let your guard down. What practical steps can you take to ensure you remain alert and discerning in your spiritual walk? [51:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Cultivating Discernment Through Spiritual Maturity
Discernment is a vital spiritual skill that enables believers to distinguish between truth and deception. Jesus warns of false prophets who appear harmless but are inwardly dangerous, likening them to wolves in sheep's clothing. This discernment is not an innate ability but is cultivated through spiritual maturity and a deep understanding of God's Word. By consistently studying and applying Scripture, believers can develop the discernment needed to identify these wolves and protect themselves from deception. [14:56]

Hebrews 5:14 (ESV): "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to practice discernment more intentionally? How can you incorporate regular study of God's Word to enhance your ability to discern truth from deception?

Day 2: Actions Reveal Spiritual Condition
The metaphor of trees and their fruits illustrates that our actions and words reflect our true spiritual condition. Just as good trees bear good fruit, a life rooted in Christ will produce virtues such as love, joy, and peace. Conversely, bad trees produce fruit that leads to destruction, such as deceit and hypocrisy. This passage challenges believers to inspect the fruits of those around them and themselves, ensuring that they are rooted in Christ and His teachings. [36:07]

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Reflection: Reflect on the fruits you are currently bearing in your life. Are there areas where you need to align more closely with the virtues of the Spirit?

Day 3: Abiding in Christ for Spiritual Growth
To bear good fruit, believers must abide in Christ, maintaining a deep, ongoing relationship with Him. Abiding involves allowing His Word to nourish and mature them, enabling spiritual growth and the ability to discern truth from falsehood. This relationship is essential for spiritual growth and fruitfulness, as it provides the foundation for a life that reflects the Spirit of God. [47:43]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 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."

Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Christ today? How can you ensure that His Word is nourishing and maturing you?

Day 4: Vigilance Against Deceptive Voices
In a world filled with voices claiming to speak for God, believers must remain vigilant and discerning. Not all voices are truthful, and it is crucial to compare every teaching and message with Scripture to ensure it aligns with God's truth. This vigilance protects believers from being led astray by false teachings and helps them remain grounded in their faith. [18:25]

1 John 4:1 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Are there teachings or messages you have encountered recently that you need to test against Scripture? How can you develop a habit of comparing teachings with God's Word?

Day 5: Intentional Effort for Spiritual Maturity
Spiritual growth and maturity do not happen automatically or with time alone. They require intentional effort, including studying God's Word, engaging in community with other believers, and applying biblical truths to one's life. Only through maturity can believers effectively discern and bear good fruit, reflecting the Spirit of God in their actions and words. [27:12]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to intentionally grow in spiritual maturity? How can you engage with your community to support this growth?

Quotes

1. "This morning, we're going to be tackling the two animals, sheep and wolves, and the two trees and two kinds of fruit. So we're going to get a couple of those in there. Then we're going to talk about two kinds of disciples. We're going to talk about two kinds of disciples after State of Sunday, and then the final week, we'll be talking about two builders, two buildings, and two foundations." [00:10:06] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "There's an underlying implication to this passage of Scripture that implies a level of fruitfulness. And so we're going to get into that as well this morning. Let us begin the dichotomy of wolves and sheep. See, Matthew chapter 7, verse 15, Jesus warns, Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Now there's a number of different ways that this first aspect, this idea, can be unpacked. Because the Bible talks about prophecy and prophets, especially in the New Testament, in different ways or manners. So I want us to kind of see that as an understanding that there is a level of those who proclaim and those who are prophetic." [00:13:31] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And actually, when we get into the next passage of Scripture, you're going to see the picture of the false believer. Two different sets of believers in our next sermon on this particular topic. But you see passages. You see passages that say things like false teacher, false apostle, false prophets, those who proclaim, and there is also a false believer, and there is a picture of, especially with the context of sheep being described here, that these would be ones that would come into your midst and proclaim something other than the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus. Jesus. And begins with this very first word, beware, beware in the Greek, prosikos." [00:14:03] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "There are different ways that words are used in different imperatives we call tenses and different voicings that mean different things when words are used or when they're proclaimed or when they're written. This passage is written, this word is in the present tense. In other words, he's saying this is not something that is something that is from the past or something that is forward looking. It's actually in the moment in this right now and it's in the act of voicing, which means that it's a current action that has no foreseeable end. Jesus says, beware." [00:15:15] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We're through the spheres and the realm of. Social media and Internet presence and YouTube and all of these different things that there are so many voices that claim to be Christian. There are so many voices that come into your device, come into your home through the television, come into your world through email and through social context. And we've just. gotten to where oh well they pastor a church so they're okay oh well they go to such and such a church so they're okay oh they're this beware" [00:17:32] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Second Timothy chapter 4 verses 3 and 4 says, For there will come a time when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itchy ears, will heap up for themselves teachers and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside. The famous my friends, the voices of those who are deceptive." [00:21:02] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "are going to sound spiritual and godly but yet they will be false and they will not be following the truth and so jesus has given the warning right out of the gate be on guard don't let your guard down pay attention know what's going on because many are going to be deceived by ones whose voices sound spiritual and sound godly and there are many voices today that sound spiritual and sound godly that couldn't be farther from the truth i watch social media regularly not because i want to engage with it but because i need to so that i can pastor a congregation and i see the means i call it mean theology where things sound spiritual things sound right but they have no foundation in the word of god most often they are contrary to the word of god but they sound good you And it definitely connects with our inner emotion of wanting things to be a particular way. Why?" [00:21:47] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "discernment what is discernment discernment is the sound judgment which makes possible the distinguishing of good from evil and the recognition of god's right way for his people it is necessary for the understanding of spiritual realities we must have discernment" [00:27:11] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "discernment discernment according to scripture only comes through spiritual maturity let me say that again discernment is only acquired through spiritual growth and maturity Hebrews chapter 5 verses 12 through 14 says for though by this time you ought to be teachers you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of god and you have come to need milk and not solid food by the way in first Corinthians chapter 3 that's one of the ways that Paul describes the carnal versus the mature believer ones who are able to consume the meat of the word of god and understand it and rightly divide it and those who cannot can I tell you for just a moment that spiritual growth and maturity does not equate to age and length of time that you have sat in the pews of a right teaching bible teaching church you could have sat in the pews for 40 years and still not being mature and still being a babe let me finish that passage for everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness for he is a babe but solid food belongs to those who are full age not years but maturity that they have grown in christ they have grown in their knowledge of the word of god you could say it in verse 13 instead of being unskilled in the word of righteousness they are skilled in the word of righteousness they are skilled in the word of righteousness they are skilled in the word of righteousness receiving solid food that is those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil can I tell you this morning maturity only comes through the word of god maturity only comes through the word of god maturity only comes through the word of god matthew 7 john stock famously has said this he said christians i will give you the word of god" [00:27:37] (150 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "who neglect the bible simply cannot mature because you cannot have one without the other second timothy chapter 3 verses 16 and 17 my kids are learning this verse at home to understand the significance of it all scripture is given by inspiration of god that phrase inspiration of god is a greek term theonustos it literally means god breathed god breathed out the scriptures for a purpose it goes on to say it is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction and righteousness that the man of god may be complete thoroughly equipped for every good work you cannot exercise discernment if you do not know the word you cannot exercise discernment if you do not know the word God I think in terms of when you go all the way back to Genesis and in Genesis chapter 3 when the serpent deceived Eda the Eve in the garden has God really said that you will surely die it kind of kind of twisted on what God's Word has said to deceive her when Satan came to tempt Jesus in his temptations after Jesus has spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting and praying Satan used the Word of God twisted to try to get Jesus to succumb to him if you don't know the Word of God you cannot discern this is why there's so much proliferation of false teaching that sounds godly and sounds spiritual but yet is deviated from the Word of God and even contrary to the Word of God and Christians are sitting in pews or watching their devices that are eating that up because" [00:32:13] (131 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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