THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT - Matthew 7:15-23

In his book "Against The Night" Chuck Colson warns of a cheap replica of true Christianity:
"much of the church is caught up on the success mania of American society. Often more concerned with budgets and building programs than with the Body of Christ. The Church places more emphasis on growth than on repentance. Repentance is a rare message in today's Church because it requires confrontation with an uncomfortable subject--sin. And sin does not sell well in our feel-good culture. When sin gets personal, people get skittish. Only the conviction of personal sin, however, brings us to Christ."

Jesus warns against those who profess a faith but do not possess true faith. They can talk it but don't live it. They may call Him "Lord, Lord," claim to prophesy, cast out demons and even perform miracle (v.22) but the proof of authentic Christianity is "fruit." Twice Jesus states, "by their fruit you will recognize them" (vs.16,20). Paul describes the kind of fruit Jesus was talking about in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." If the "fruit" is not evident they are termed false prophets "that come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves" (v.15). That is what the Pharisees were doing in that day. Their "fruit" was hard, plastic, legalistic and superficial! We are often warned in the New Testament of false Christ's (Matt.24:24); false witnesses (Matthew 26:60); false apostles (2 Cor.11:13); false brothers (2 Cor. 11:36); and false teachers (2 Pet. 2:1) .

When we truly produce "the fruit of the Spirit," we are assured of doing " the will of my father" (v.21). Genuine faith is active and productive. It is real, genuine and authentic! It affects our character and our conduct. Growing in faith takes time and discipline. It refuses to "walk in the counsel of the wicked; stand in the way of sinners; or sit in the seat of mockers, but delights in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night" (Ps.1:1-2). That kind of discipline results in "fruit." "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season" (Ps.1:3) That's the kind of "fruit" authentic Christianity produces. It comes through reading His Word and prayer, through Bible study, denying self, and daily surrendering to His will. But the results are worth it in the light of eternity!