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Be filled with the knowledge of God, living a life that proves you belong to Him.
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*Proof of Your Righteousness “Beware 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.” ~Matthew 7:15-20
HeartLand Summary A tree's fruit is evidence and proof its type. If apples are produced- it must be an apple tree. If oranges are produced- it must be an orange tree. If rotten apples- then it must be an unhealthy apple tree. Jesus warned us to be cautious when it comes to false prophets– religious speakers and foretellers who are deceitful, wicked, false and liars. He told us how we are able to recognize them– by their fruit [what they produce in their lives]. These lying religious speakers will come to us in sheep’s clothing– appearing innocent- but they are really violent wolves. For example– can you get something good out of something bad? Can you get grapes from a thorn bush? In this same way– every good tree [person] will produce honorable and worthy deeds and lives. But corrupt and bad trees [people] will produce hurtful, bad, vicious, harmful deeds and lives. It is not possible for a good tree [person] to produce hurtful, bad, vicious harmful deeds. Neither is it possible for a hurtful, evil, bad and malicious tree [person] to produce valuable, honorable and worthy deeds. Every tree [person] that never produces valuable, honorable and worthy deeds and lives will be cut down and thrown into a fiery hell.
HeartCry Prayer Father God, change my life and transform me into a worthy person. I want to produce good deeds and live an honorable life. I do not want to be a part of the malicious and evil ones. May I live a blameless life– so that I will see Your face on the last day.
“For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;” ~Ephesians 5:9
HeartLand Summary One of the many ways that prove if someone has the Holy Spirit inside of them is based on how Christian virtue and goodness has changed their heart and life. If a person walks in the Spirit and not in the flesh– living a life of dependence and holiness [by the grace of God]– they have the Holy Spirit living inside of them.
HeartCry Prayer Father God in heaven, fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Transform my life and give me the mind of Jesus Christ. Lead me and guide me every day. Show me the way to holiness.
"And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." ~James 3:18
HeartLand Summary One of the many ways that prove a person’s holiness is by the seeds of peace they have planted throughout their lives. They have an abundance of peace surrounding them because they are known as peace makers.
HeartCry Prayer Jesus– You are the Prince of Peace. Touch my heart and make me a peace maker. May I be known as one who seeks peace at all times and not one who causes trouble. As I plant seeds of peace in the lives of others, may there be an abundance of peace in my personal life.
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. ~Hebrews 12:11
Heartland Summary There is no discipline or correction that comes off as a cheerful event. When it is being given, it is received as a sad and heavy thing. Once the discipline and correction is given and the person receives it– it restores them. It produces innocence and holiness- if they put it into action in their lives. You will produce much fruit in the things of God if you accept God's discipline and practice living a life of holiness. This can be achieved through the power given to us by God's grace through the Holy Spirit.
HeartCry Prayer Lord, I do not like to be corrected or disciplined, but I know that it is needed in order to produce a godly life. Teach me Your ways so that I will know You and will follow You. Help me to obey Your Word and to receive Your correction when You give it. May I be sensitive to Your Holy Spirit when it tries to lead me down paths of holiness.
HeartEncounter Questions What type of fruit are you producing? What type of tree does that make you? Do you show evidence of a life led by the Holy Spirit, or of a life led by your fleshly desires? Do you plant seeds of peace or seeds of discord and chaos? Do you receive God's chastisement, discipline and correction- or do you resist it? Are you WILLING to allow God to transform your life?
*NOTE: Only God can judge your heart. This study is not to confuse some into thinking they do not have the Holy Spirit because they are not perfect. This study simply means that if you have the Holy Spirit there should be some type of heart and life change. Only God knows if the outward proof is really coming from the heart or not. We all- as human beings- sin. Born again Christians still sin- but not as a practice or a way of life. Some believers live lifestyles as sinners, and others hate the sin that they battle against everyday. Strive to please God in all you do- which is to believe in Him, rely on Him, and know that there is nothing in heaven, earth, or hell that can separate you from the love of God!
Copyright © 2008 by L. M. Browder. All rights reserved.
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