GETTING READY FOR THE WEEK
SUNDAY, MARCH 30
READING: MATTHEW 7:15-20
GOOD VS. BAD FRUIT
In this week’s verses on the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches his disciples that they must be wisely discerning when professed prophets come into their midst. These professing prophets were ravenous wolves disguised as sheep. The life of the prophet and the results of his influence on others are the fruits that indicate whether or not his message is consistent with the kingdom life of righteousness. Jesus made it very clear that the only thing trees that bear bad fruit are good for is firewood. This reference to fire is the same striking metaphor of the future judgement for false prophets that John The Baptist used in Matthew 3:10. In like fashion as Jesus, John The Baptist stated: “Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
At first glance, these passages of scripture are causing us to only look at the actions of others. A deeper look at these passages will help us look inwardly at our own hearts to determine the fruit within our lives. There are two important questions to consider: What type of fruit am I producing in my life? What is the posture of my heart? In order to answer these questions, let’s look at the word used in this passage to describe the heart of an individual with bad fruit that is translated as “ravenous” (in Greek: ἅρπαγες pronounced harpages). The terminology used today is “a robber or an extortioner”.
A special note for this week:
Tomorrow we’ll spend some time orienting ourselves around Good Fruit which is the Fruit of the Spirit. For the remainder of the week we will inspect our hearts for the fruit of the Spirit, suggesting a time of prayer to start the day to set the tone for each moment after, and then make space in the evening for reading and reflection. If this rhythm does not work for you, then make an adjustment as needed to meet your needs.
At first glance, these passages of scripture are causing us to only look at the actions of others. A deeper look at these passages will help us look inwardly at our own hearts to determine the fruit within our lives. There are two important questions to consider: What type of fruit am I producing in my life? What is the posture of my heart? In order to answer these questions, let’s look at the word used in this passage to describe the heart of an individual with bad fruit that is translated as “ravenous” (in Greek: ἅρπαγες pronounced harpages). The terminology used today is “a robber or an extortioner”.
A special note for this week:
Tomorrow we’ll spend some time orienting ourselves around Good Fruit which is the Fruit of the Spirit. For the remainder of the week we will inspect our hearts for the fruit of the Spirit, suggesting a time of prayer to start the day to set the tone for each moment after, and then make space in the evening for reading and reflection. If this rhythm does not work for you, then make an adjustment as needed to meet your needs.
RESOURCES
Practicing the Way – John Mark Comer – Book
Rule of Life: How to Abide – John Mark Comer - Video
Galatians 5:22-26 Lectio Divina:
Finding The Fruit of the Spirit Five Day Devotional – Videos:
Rule of Life: How to Abide – John Mark Comer - Video
Galatians 5:22-26 Lectio Divina:
Finding The Fruit of the Spirit Five Day Devotional – Videos:
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