Parables of Christ - Part 1

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The House of Bread · Voice Note For 20241002 - The Fruit Of Man - Parables Of Christ - Part 1

The Fruit of Man (Man is a Tree)

Luke 6:43-45 KJV

[43] For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [44] For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. [45] A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.6.43-45.KJV

Matthew 7:15-20 KJV

[15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? [17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.7.15-20.KJV

Matthew 12:33-37 KJV

[33] Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. [34] O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. [35] A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. [36] But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [37] For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.12.33-37.KJV

Note for 20241002

The Fruit of Man.

You know, sometimes in an attempt to explain something, one thing is covered correctly while it might confuse other parts of scripture. The author of this morning's devotional explains how it is the result of our intentions that are measured, the words and actions, being the fruit of the tree. Now, that indeed does show the fruit of the tree as it is covered by the quoted scriptures. However, the fruit does come from the intention of the heart, or shall I say, the nature of the heart; which is known by GOD.

From the onset, it might not seem like it is a big deal, but it is, according to the sermon on the mount we just completed. As people, all we have to witness in sight and hearing is that which manifests before us. That result is what we see and hear. In Ephesians 6, Paul writes that our struggle is not against the flesh, but the unseen forces that are hidden in darkness. In other words, that which cannot be seen and heard. This is where he writes on the whole armor of GOD. (I will add the scripture on the blog at houseofbread4u.blogspot.com)

Do you remember how we read that the same judgment that we judge with we will be judged with? You see the complication is that the true judgment of a man comes from that which we cannot know for certain, not without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. So, yes; by our fruit shall we be known and GOD will know the truth in a matter. This does cover the topic of hypocrisy too. For the sake of simplicity, let's call it "living with a mask."

Some people will show one side of themselves at work for instance, but at home they are a different person altogether. When they are out for a night on the town with friends, yet another personality comes out, often with a higher risk-taking factor. Then, on Sunday at church, they put quite a different person forward. That is why I call it living with a mask, but the Word of GOD simply calls it hypocrisy. This, the very thing that Christ spoke against the Pharisees and the Scribes, as is seen in the scripture in Matthew 12 today.

Now, for our understanding it is quite complex. You see, we should not live hypocritical lives, but live in truth. The same matter is highlighted in the book of Revelation, to be either hot or cold, for if we have become lukewarm we will be spat out. So too, in the concept that we cannot serve two masters; Christ says that we would hate one and love the other. Now where does that leave us between good and evil? And of course, the answer is that it leaves us in lukewarm territory.

There is so much more here, because as we can see from the words of Christ in the scripture, a tree can not produce a foreign fruit. You get grapes from the grape vine, and thorns from thistles. And while someone might appear to be friendly and helpful, by deceit, who knows what they are thinking in their heads? Christ brings this in full view in the sermon on the mount when He speaks on adultery. For in the eye we are tempted after the lust in the heart. The masks man lives with, hides the true intent of the heart and when the occasion arises, will man resist the devil in him? It is here where the Word of GOD is like a hedge of protection, for by the word of GOD we are taught right and wrong, good and evil.

The fruit of the tree is thus either truth of deception. Living with a mask is a form of deception. The Word says that we will know them by their fruit, so will we be known by our fruit. Our words and deeds. Can you now see why James wrote that faith without works is dead? Do you live a worldly life 6 days of the week, and a “godly” life on Sunday? That is living with a mask too. Or, do you take Christ with you in all your moments, does the Word of GOD direct you in all things? The question that we should ask of ourselves is this: if we wear a mask, what is the mask, good or evil? And what is that mask covering, good or evil?

Man may see the mask only, but God sees the truth of us. The process of sanctification is where the mask is removed (even bit by bit, layer by layer) and the inner man is brought to righteousness in Christ. Then, we can start living a holy life, where no mask remains. Then we produce fruit that is good. For the sake of comparison, that is birthing the new man in Christ, by the Word of GOD.

What does it help, for example, if a man tries to live a peaceful life, but inwardly he is still filled with rage? It doesn't! Because in the stress test, that rage will come out. No! The rage itself needs to be dealt with. Now can the rage be tackled if the rage is denied? And now we find the process of the admission of guilt before Christ. Once we see ourselves in truth, we can admit that we are sinners and then repent. And with repentance comes forgiveness of sin, for Christ died for the sin of mankind. An acceptance of that forgiveness, and also forgiving those that transgressed against us handles that rage in the heart.

Now, in conclusion for today; what do you expect from someone that does not profess Christ? How are you then surprised when you get bit by serpents in this world? Without Christ man's nature is inherently evil, you are relatively safe, as long as you do not disturb the viper's nest. When you rattle their cage, they will hiss and snap at you; and when they can reach you, they will most assuredly bite you. Don't attempt to climb a thorn tree expecting not to be scratched by its thorns.

By their fruit you will know them. Remove thus first the thorns. For an introduction to Christ will change both the tree and the fruits of it. Love or hate, which tree are you dealing with? And you, in response, do you show love or hate? You will be known by your fruit too, what then is the fruit of the Spirit?

Shalom

Ephesians 6:10-17 KJV

[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [15] and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

https://bible.com/bible/1/eph.6.10-17.KJV

Verse of The Day

(YouVersion - Extended from verse 23)

Proverbs 4:20-27 KJV

[20] My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings. [21] Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart. [22] For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh. [23] Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life. [24] Put away from thee a froward mouth, And perverse lips put far from thee. [25] Let thine eyes look right on, And let thine eyelids look straight before thee. [26] Ponder the path of thy feet, And let all thy ways be established. [27] Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: Remove thy foot from evil.

https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.4.20-27.KJV