Today’s Devotion
Topic: By Their Fruits! (Self Assessment 56)
Background: The grace of God Almighty abounds for His church these last days. Every corner and street is blessed with at least a church or two. Christian events/ miracles are advertised on the airwaves in a much more competitive manner than consumer goods. There are more Men and Women of God in our days than ever recodered in history. How can we tell the one from the other, the true and the false? Who is chosen and who is not? Kindly read the passage below and share the revelations the Holy Spirit gives you with us.
Text: Matthew 7: 15-23
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Amen
Question:
i. What does it mean to have someone who is inwardly a “ferocious wolf” come to you in “sheep’s clothing”? (vrs 15)
ii. Vrs 16- 20 mentions FRUITS as the main indicator in determining who a true Man of God is, and who is not. What are these fruits and what practical ways are they useful in differentiating one from the other? Gal 5: 19- 23)
iii. Jesus says not everyone who says to Him “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. Who is it that can then? (vrs 21)
iv. How is it possible that anyone could claim to work miracles in the name of the Lord and not be known by Him? What will be the fate of such people? (vrs 22 & 23).
v. What have you learnt from today’s discussion?
Kindly reply through this same social media platform (Facebook/ whatsapp). We learn a great deal from you.
NB: 22 Days to 4Jband’s Christmas Concert and Album launch. 3pm.
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