Teachings that Bear Good Fruit

Dear Christians, beware of false philosophies that seek to undermine our faith. 

One that has increasing appeal is this one: If a biblical teaching is good, it will make people feel good about themselves. It won’t make anyone feel ashamed. 

Those who promote this false belief twist the meaning of Matthew 7:15-18: 

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, 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.”  

False teachers often appear outwardly gentle and loving (wearing “sheep’s clothing”), but they mislead people (like “ferocious wolves”). Their lives and their teachings bear bad fruit because they encourage people to remain in their sins.

Biblical teachings bear good fruit, sharing God's Word accurately, convicting people of their sins, and leading them to repentance and forgiveness.

God's commands aren't meant to make us comfortable. They're meant to protect our souls and make us holy because “without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

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One example of a teaching that bears bad fruit: Teaching people that God approves of LBGTQ behavior. 

The “sheep's clothing” is the claim that it's loving to affirm LBGTQ persons and make them feel comfortable in their lifestyles. But these teachers, like “ferocious wolves,” are actually encouraging people to damage their souls. See Biblical Teaching on Homosexuality and A Letter from a Reader about transgenderism.

All of God’s commands are loving, designed for our good:

“This is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:3 

Correction, rebuke, conviction, and repentance are good fruits:

Jesus says, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent” (Revelation 3:19).

Christians are called to “preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2).

The Word of God is designed “for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

James 4:8-10 tells us that we should feel terrible about our sins: “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

Bible Love Notes