What the Bible says about Knowing them by their Fruits
(From Forerunner Commentary)

Matthew 7:15 We cannot tell from the outside. We have to get inside and examine the teaching. John W. Ritenbaugh The Right Use of Power Related Topics: Fruits, Appraisal of | Fruits, Judging by | Fruits, Knowing by | Knowing them by their Fruits | Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus does not spell out what "fruits" to look for, although in the Olivet Prophecy, He does link the deceptions of false prophets with the lawlessness and lack of love that abounds at the end time (Matthew 24:11-13). However, the rest of the Bible elucidates God's character and nature, so we already have the tools to evaluate whether a message allegedly coming from God fits with what His Word reveals about Him. God is not double-minded; He will not contradict Himself. David C. Grabbe What Is a False Prophet? Related Topics: Character, God's | Deception | Double Mindedness | False Ministers/Prophets | False Prophet | False Teachers | Fruits, Appraisal of | Fruits, Judging by | Fruits, Knowing by | God's Character | God's Nature | Knowing them by their Fruits | Lawlessness | Olivet Prophecy | Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

Matthew 12:33-37 We can determine which side somebody is on by the fruits of his life. If a person is on Christ's side, then he will produce Christ-like fruit. But if he is on Satan's side, he will produce Satan's fruit. It is fairly easy to tell. The Pharisees hear all this—and they ask for a sign. Jesus must have wanted to throw up His hands and go home! He has just told them, "Judge by fruits, not by a sign." What is a sign going to prove? He responds, "You've totally missed My point! You have ignored the example of My life and the truth of My words. Look at My fruits. Since you didn't see them, it shows Me that you've chosen the wrong side." Richard T. Ritenbaugh Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 2): Leaven Related Topics: Bearing Fruit | Being on Christ's Side | Being on God's Side | Fruit, Bearing | Fruits, Appraisal of | Knowing them by their Fruits

Jude 1:1 Jude's entire book is based on Matthew 7:15-20, where Jesus tells us, "Beware of false prophets," and "by their fruits you will know them." We should keep this thought in the back of our minds as we study Jude because most of the book describes these false teachers and their false teachings. Jude is giving this warning so that we will be able to spot them when they come out, when they begin to show their fruit. In this way, Jude and II Peter are both witnesses to the certainty of false teachers, giving us instruction on identifying them and their effects. That said, however, the two epistles are only similar on the surface. They bring out different nuances of these false teachers. It is good to read them together, but it is also good to study them separately, because they are not necessarily saying the exact same things. They agree, but they give us different details, different information, so we can know more fully how to spot these false teachers. Richard T. Ritenbaugh Jude Related Topics: Beware of False Prophets | False Ministers/Prophets | False Teachers | False Teachers, Characteristics of | False Teaching | Identifying False Prophets | Jude | Knowing them by their Fruits

 

		The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. See what over 155,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. Email Address:     A Faithful VersionKing James VersionNew International VersionNew King James Version Leave this field empty
We respect your privacy. Your email address will not be sold, distributed, rented, or in any way given out to a third party. We have nothing to sell. You may easily unsubscribe at any time.