Known by Their Fruits / David Jeremiah

 

Known by Their Fruits But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23    The Bible has contributed more expressions, idioms, and metaphors to world literature than any other source. One of the most well-known is the phrase “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Wrongly attributed to Aesop, the ancient Greek collector of stories and fables, “wolf in sheep’s clothing” comes from the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).

Recommended Reading: Matthew 7: 15 – 20

How does one distinguish wolves from sheep? Jesus’ answer: “Therefore by their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20). The true nature of people will ultimately reveal itself by their words and deeds. Paul said as much when comparing those who live by the Spirit of God and those who live according to their carnal nature. The outward manifestation of both separates the two. Specifically, those who live by the Spirit reveal the life of Christ—what Paul calls “the fruit of the Spirit.” The fruit of the Spirit doesn’t mean perfection. But over time, Christ in us should be evident to others. A machine can do work; only life can bear fruit. Andrew Murray