Inspecting the Fruit
READ: Matthew 7:15-23
Do you know how many people the Holy Spirit has worked through to bring you to faith? You may think it was only your parents, but they also were brought to faith. In fact, it took many people; parents, grandparents, pastors and friends, with the help of the Holy Spirit, for you to have the faith-life you have now. The people who have shared their faith with you have first of all shared God’s Word. However, they have also let their faith be shown through their good fruits. They have put their faith into action as the Lord wants.
However, there are people out there who wish to hinder Christians and their faith. For instance, in the past, some TV evangelists have been exposed for not practicing what they preached. As Matthew 7:15 says, “They come in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are like ferocious wolves.” We should be careful to not be misguided by those who do not accurately preach the true Word of God. Like bad trees, they will be cast into the fire, and we would not want to be cast there with them.
Jesus tells us to watch and pray. God will give us strength and guidance through his word to protect us from the evils of the world. Just as he saw to if to bring you to faith, he will also guard and protect that faith until we're safely with him in heaven.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Who can you tell about Jesus? How can you watch out for evil? How can you help others when their faith is questioned?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Pray that God protects you from the evils of the world. Pray that you might have courage to tell others about Jesus.