Fruit Inspections

For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luk 6:43-45Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Mat 7:15-20Have heard a great deal of what seems to be mixing up of intent and motivations in this manner in times past. Whole sermons (not here) on being 'fruit inspectors' and that being applied quite liberally. Rather than starting off with too much opinion on the matter, a question or two.Should we be of a particular motivation to be applying this beyond the intents in Matthew?Secondly, am also reminded that just prior to Luk 6:43 is verse 41 and 42;And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye. Luk 6:41,42Verse 43 starts off with the all important word;For ...Would expect this to lead directly into the whole area of judgment and right judgment as it is such. Maybe it's the 'inspector' part that is causing another reflection.

Topic of utmost importance...These days we seem to have a theology for everything but character. I’m not saying this as one who knows much about it. I’m just another sad Christian waking up to the realization that most of my energies have been misdirected and wasted on the vain spiritual ambitions endorsed in our churches.The gifts of the spirit and the Fruit of the Spirit are not the same. They are a dichotomy. The gifts are plural. The Fruit is singular…the Character of Christ in us. The gifts are various spiritual resources given by the Spirit. Managers of bad character waste good resources. (On this I am an expert…)I knew a prophet once who could tell me secret things about myself. I listened to him for years before I realized he never showed me things about Christ. He did indeed seem to have some kind of uncanny gift of prophecy…but in the end he became known as an adulterer and a thief. In the end his fruit became manifest. When fruit comes in season we don’t have to guess which kind of tree we are looking at…likewise we shouldn’t judge people. In due season fruit becomes the manifest verdict on a persons life. In my opinion, even the thief on the cross…whose Christian lifespan was perhaps less then an hour displayed more fruit then many powerful prophets and wise teachers in the church today. (Go figure...)It is a mystery to me that the gifts of the Spirit can manifest among the most immature Christians. A person can have supernatural power and evangelistic persuasion in an immature or even carnal state. I admit my little brain cannot understand why God has seen fit to build his church this way! We might think that because a person can fill the altars, or heal the sick that they are Godly. This is perplexingly just not so brethren. Yet because gifts are perceived as a sign of maturity in themselves (They are not) all kinds of heretical excesses are abundant in today’s congregations. We have prophets wounding people, healers disillusioning people, pastors fleecing people, mercy givers excusing sin …all as examples to the flock and the world.I do not see our paramount fascination with gifts and power in the fabric of Paul’s writings. Yes, they are present, but never paramount. Instead the fabric of his speech reads like."...be conformed to the image of his son…All of us… being transformed into the same image, Train yourself in godliness,”. Even our Lord Jesus, for all his clear supernatural authority majored on his character over his authority. The Sermon on the Mount is the truest sign that surely this man was indeed the Son of God…not his miracles. No mind could have conceived such a divine and absolute standard of goodness other then the Godhead. If all Jesus had done was to perform the signs and wonders our churches run after he would have been forgotten. But he said this “If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” This was his ministry to men…not supernatural gifts, but his character revealed God! This is why I think it can’t be reviewed enough…without the character of Christ in us the prophetic is distorting, healing is superficial, and mercy is mere humanism. Yet, if indeed we are in the end times…it won’t be spiritual gifts and abilities that shelter us. It will be the Fruit of God’s Spirit enabling us to endure all things. How will prophecy build fortitude, humility, and patience? It cannot…only by the abiding in Christ himself can we have these attributes. How can the gift of mercy, which has natural compassion on the oppressed, also show love for the oppressor without the character of Christ? It cannot! Yet how can we flourish under persecution without such divine mercy?So, as we head toward darker days it won’t be supernatural power or gifts that protects the church. It will be spiritual power, or authenticity, which is entirely different. Witches and wolves can manifest supernatural power. Only Christ’s character alone can’t be counterfeited.“ …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… Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.””BlessingsMC

There are two basic kinds of fruit: BAD: The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.. GOOD:But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Gal 5:19-22When I was young we learned how to inspect fruit and vegetables in the agricultural fairs. We practiced judging. It was not something that came naturally. We had to be taught, and we had to practice. We had to spend time looking at a lot of produce, very carefully, turning it over, feeling it, examining how it is displayed, etc. We had to learn to DISCERN between good and not-so-good qualities, and what aspects were more serious considerations and what we could ignore. Now compare that to being inspectors of the fruit spoken about in the Bible. As Compton said, we must be able to inspect CHARACTER. That is more important than inspecting gifts, talents, status, education, seniority – all those things that our world values. These days we seem to have a theology for everything but character.Character affects society more profoundly than any other human aspect. Think of organizations and relationships that get shipwrecked mostly because of character flaws. “acts of the sinful nature are obvious” (or should be). They spill all over. They play havoc with relationships. Rotten fruit stinks and collects flies. You can't miss it if you're looking. The fruit of the Spirit is an inner quality of the heart. It spills out too but in ways that might not be noticed or valued. No one gives you a raise for having joy and peace in your heart, or contributing to a harmonious marriage, or being gentle with your children.Many inspect fruit with rose-colored glasses on. They judge based on superficial appearances and behaviors – for example, how someone makes them feel, how well he serves their wishes, etc. Our favorite "fruit" is “nice”. But we are fooled – because humans are masters at presenting an outward impression that is not consistent with the inner lives. We must take off the glasses and look at the fruit. Another consideration: In our ever broadening cultural circles we don’t get to know people very well. For example, our TV preachers, or other upfront leaders. They are impressive, but we don’t even know how they treat their wives, how they handle insults, how they spend their money. Do we care? Shouldn't that be important? AFter all, they have tremendous influence. Diane

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:20 It isn't by our inspection that we shall know them. It is by their fruit that we shall "know" them. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26

How will prophecy build fortitude, humility, and patience? It cannot…only by the abiding in Christ himself can we have these attributes. How can the gift of mercy, which has natural compassion on the oppressed, also show love for the oppressor without the character of Christ? It cannot! Yet how can we flourish under persecution without such divine mercy?Well said Mike. And character is perhaps the greatest underlying part of where I thought this needed to be looked at again.It isn't by our inspection that we shall know them. It is by their fruit that we shall "know" them. Much closer ...Just trying to get underneath all this. Here is a couple more.Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. Joh 8:15,16I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. Joh 12:46-48Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits.Who? And how does this apply to the same usage towards those who are not them? More so in light of how the Lord went about doing and speaking as referenced above.I am leading a bit, but not without truly questioning this, should we be doing 'inspections' in this manner, beyond the false prophets?

Great posts everyone...Who? And how does this apply to the same usage towards those who are not them? ...should we be doing 'inspections' in this manner, beyond the false prophets? I'm not sure I understand all the facets of your question, yet something comes to mind by what you said. Where does this authority begin?Knowing the deceitfulness of my own heart I am hesitant to assume authority over "them" as such. Like Dianne said, we are learning how to judge fruit. It is part of the renewal of our minds. Poor or immature character cannot judge good character! Yet this is the rub! How do we move forward with integrity with others, if we cannot reliably judge ourselves? How do we know right from wrong in all the subtle situations we find ourselves in? What good are sincere motives, if our inside is rotten to begin with? Can we justify ourselves based on what we see within? I do not think so…for poor character has poor eyesight as well. Who can trust their own eyes!? ”I judge not mine own self. ”Jesus asked Peter a third time, the same question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, but in the end Peter gave a submissive answer.” Lord, you know all things; …you know that I love you."“Lord you know” is the response that separates “we” from “them”. A wolf or a superficial follower is not interested in hearing the Lord’s verdict on their character…The verdict of man's judgement is enough. And so, the Lord must continually ask us…he does so through his Word but I also believe he has other means of pressing the question. He certainly did with Peter…he promised him that God would allow other men to have control over Peter's life! Here is that hard word from the Lord regarding his authority to judge in Matthew 7.. "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." I used to wonder if the bad tree that was cut down and burned was really a metaphor for a fake Christian on his way to hell. That was how I saw "them." But now I have another idea what this scripture means…it is the Lord’s deliverance at work in my own decietful heart.To illustrate the point here is an analogy:I was born an apple tree standing in an orchard. The problem is that the owner of the orchard I was standing in wanted orange trees instead. When I heard about the masters desire for oranges I became anxious to please him but how can an apple tree grow oranges? I can spray-paint my fruit to look orange but when the insides are tasted the truth comes out. And merely wanting to be an orange tree does not change the fact that I am still an apple tree! What does a sincere apple tree do? To make matters worse, the world market adores my red delicous apples. Indeed, because of my wonderful red apples, many buyers and sellers are visiting the master’s orchard. Isn’t this a good reason for the master to consider growing apples as well as oranges? Yet, the master will not relent…he insists on having only orange trees in his fields.And so, I say goodbye to the buyers and sellers, and watch as the owner of the orchard takes his axe to my roots. This Apple Tree must be cut down and burned and in my place an Orange Tree must be planted. I could not produce oranges…Only a real orange tree can do that, and only the the master can plant his seeds. Now an orange tree stands where an apple tree once was rooted. This is the difference between the false and the real. ”I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. ” This is not merely a reformation positional creed, but a daily working out in our character. Zeal, passion, intellect, persuasiveness, even some moral conduct…all these prized qualities can be faked or perhaps fueled by the hope of worldly rewards. They can be spray-painted on! But Jesus said to Peter When thou were younger, thou didst clothe thyself and didst walk where thou wouldst.(the apple tree...) But when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee and lead thee whither thou wouldst not.(The orange tree..)And this he said, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had said this, he saith to him: Follow me.”Any thoughts?MC

It isn't by our inspection that we shall know them. It is by their fruit that we shall "know" them. Of course we must inspect., or else how will we know them? If we don’t inspect fruit, we will fail to notice that some good-looking fruit is rotten. I fear that the word “judge” has fallen into ill repute. It’s become something evil. It’s not! Judging is our responsibility. However, as Compton pointed out, a lot of people have very bad eye-sight, and so are bad judges. These people have to go to the “eye doctor”. "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."I used to wonder if the bad tree that was cut down and burned was really a metaphor for a fake Christian on his way to hell.That was how I saw "them." But now I have another idea what this scripture means…it is the Lord’s deliverance at work in my own decietful heart. Great fruit tree analogy, Compton. Add to that the fact that God's pruning work in our hearts also heals our eyesight. When someone says, “I don’t want to judge,” are they saying, ‘I don’t want to condemn,” or “I don’t want to discern (inspect)”? I fear that in order to avoid condemning, many do not bother to discern. No wonder we put bad fruit in the “pulpits” of our minds, and follow them like sheep.There is another very monstrous problem that results from our failure to be good fruit inspectors: We give countless people a free eternal assurance policy. We assume that they are saved and they are not. Of course, we can’t always tell. But if all you see is bad fruit, and you still assume they are in the kingdom… well…. you certainly won’t be burdened for their souls, will you. God calls us to judge (inspect/discern), but never to condemn. May God raise up a host of good judges (fruit inspectors) for the sake of his Church. Diane

How does one determine or discern who is a dog or swine and what do we do with dogs and swine, besides "throw them out".Annie, I have sometimes cast my pearls before swine and then discovered them trample all over me. For example I have shared the vulnerable aspects of my spiritual journey, only to have the "swine" accuse me of something that is not true - and then gossip it all around. We have to learn whom we can trust with the pearls of our heart - with the treasures of Christ. We have to learn when to "shake off the dust". This is another reason to learn how to inspect fruit in conjunction with the promptings of the Spirit.9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work,growing in the knowledge of God, Diane

roadsign wrote:Of course we must inspect., or else how will we know them? DianeUm, Maybe by their fruits, I think were we are looking at this wrong, there are different levels of "inspect" I personally don't have to look at a woman or man very long to know which is which "well maybe today you have to look a tad harder :-P " I don't have to inspect in other words I can just look, same with by their fruits I can just look at the way they live their lives, I don't need to put them on an operating table and disect them to inspect them to check their fruits. :-?

Even though I did not have enough time to go through all of the threads on this, all I can say(and I am sure it is mirrored by others as well)is thank the Lord for the discernnment of His Holy Spirit. This is what really allows us to recognize fruit in one another. :-D

I couldnt agree more, roadsign! In this society, we praise and put the charasmatic on a stool. The one thing that the enemy cannot immitate is the Fruit of the (Holy) Spirit. :-)

In this society, we praise and put the charasmatic on a stool. The one thing that the enemy cannot immitate is the Fruit of the (Holy) Spirit. When I read this I thought of Ravenhill who said "the devil cant fake a holy life" he can fake everything else. rev eric...great statement!

MeAgain, you have lots of good points. There is one I would like to challenge: The pigs and dogs has Nothing to do with sharing our heart and then being backstabbed or "gossiped" about. That is Not what that verse is talking about.Christ said that whatever others do to us, they do to him. We ARE Christ's living letters. We are not separate from his truth. When we share from our heart, we are sharing from a part of us that Christ is united with. We carry his truth as part of us. We identify with him, in suffering and rejection when the swine trample on us - or rather, our words. Now, I admit, some people get trampled on because they are just being obnoxious, overzealous, "evangelists" trying to push God on everybody. (another topic)Here again, is a need for fruit inspection. Not all who are zealous for God are fruit-bearers. Diane