Going For Gold – Part 1: The Tree and It’s Fruit
Matthew 7:15-20
Series Memory Verse: “Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.” 1 Timothy 4:7 (p.911)
- My Life Will Reflect Godly Values.
“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.” Matthew 7:15 (p.738)
False Prophets are motivated by:
- Materialism
- Self-promotion
- Power
Followers of Jesus are motivated by:
- Contentment
- Servanthood
- Character
- Reflect on the growth of my character and conduct.
“You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” Matthew 7:16 (p.738)
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” Matthew 7:21 (p.738)
- Maximize Jesus and minimize myself.
“A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit.” Matthew 7:17-18 (p.738)
(John the Baptist) “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30 (p.811)
My Next Step This Week: _____ I commit to investing in the lives of those who do not know Jesus and invite them to experience the transformative power of following Jesus.
“So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” Matthew 7:19-20 (p.738)
“Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!” John 17:24 (p.825)