Known By Our Fruits
Text: Lk. 6:43-49
Introduction
In our
text, Jesus is in the first part of His ministry. Just before this, He has
given His famous "Sermon on the Mount." By the time of our text, he
begins to relate to them something which all in that day would be infinitely
familiar with – trees yielding fruit. Many people look at themselves as
being good and moral people. Most would claim to love God. However, according
to v. 45 – those things are declared by our conduct and actions. What is
in your heart is revealed in your actions. How are you keeping your heart?
I. How Some in the NT Kept
Their Hearts.
A.
Timothy – Phil. 2:19-23
1. V. 20 – interested in
spreading the gospel & keeping brethren in truth.
2. 1 Thess. 3:2; 2:19-20 –
commended again by Paul. Where was his heart?
B. Epaphroditus – Phil. 2:25-30
1. Sent by Philippians to bring aid
to Paul. Paul thought highly of him.
2. Notice v. 29-30
C. Stephen – Acts 6:3, 8; 7:51-60
1. Full of faith, power, etc. Had a
wonderful effect on the people.
2. Stood up & pointed out the
clear error of the council & Jews.
II. How Can We Keep Our
Hearts?
A.
Some are full of selfishness
1. One example found in religious
world.
2. Jhn. 17:17; 1 Cor. 11:1; 5:16; 2
Tim. 3:15-17 – Must go by Scriptures!
3. Boils down to pure selfishness on
why the religious world is the way it is!
a. Paul
warned of selfish attitudes perverting religion – 2 Tim. 4:3-4
b. Some
selfish in the things of the world – 1 Jhn. 2:15-17
B. Some full of envy, strife, and lack of love.
1. Mt. 7:12; Phil. 2:3-4; Gen. 4:9
2. Murmuring/complaining goes on in
many congregations! Phil. 2:14
3. Must demonstrate love toward
brethren – Lk. 6:45; Js. 2:14-16
C. Some full of a lack of concern.
1. Can’t be a part time
Christian and be pleasing to God!
2. Must be concerned about example;
the lost; brethren!
3. Lk. 6:43-45 – Christians
who aren’t working are USELESS to Christ!
III. We are encouraged to keep
our hearts pure!
A.
Rom. 8:5-8; Rom. 12:1-2; Col. 3:1-6
1. How can we keep our heart pure? 1
Cor. 11:1 – imitating Christ!
B. Must keep our heart pure through diligent Bible study –
Rom. 12:11; Ax 17:11
IV. Are you keeping your heart
pure?
A.
Text in v. 46-49. Don’t fool yourself! Can’t fool Jesus!
B. Build upon the rock – Jesus Christ!