TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Matthew 7:17-18
Read: Matthew 7:15-23
Listen: Matthew 7
TODAY’S MESSAGE
We have spent a lot of time this year studying Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus speaks about several important topics. As he reaches the end of this teaching, he focuses on his hearers doing what he says. It’s kind of like he is asking, “Now that you know these things, what are you going to do with them?” Jesus wants his listeners to become followers, take the narrow road of humility, sacrifice and love—and be people marked by these character qualities.
This week, we look at the closing portion of his sermon. Jesus warns his hearers to watch out for false prophets who may appear to be “sheep” on the outside but are inwardly ferocious “wolves.” He talks about two trees and the fruit that they produce. Jesus warns those who may be surprised to find out they don’t have a relationship with Jesus after all. As we listen to the words of Jesus, we will think deeply about those who claim to follow Jesus, the kind of fruit we produce and the character qualities he requires.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Spend a few more minutes with God in prayer. Ask God to help you open your ears and heart to hear what he has to say this week. Pray that God would show you where you may not reflect the heart of Jesus and to help you be more like Jesus this week.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is 2 Corinthians 7.
