Member-only story

Ye Shall Know Them By Their Fruits

Eric Nelson

·18.1k Followers· Follow

Published in Ye Shall Know Them By Their Fruits : A Mixed Methods Study On Corruption Competitiveness And Christianity In Europe And The Americas (Contributions To Economics)

5 min read · 2 weeks before

629 View Claps

42 Respond

Save

Listen

“Ye Shall Know Them by Their Fruits”: A Mixed Methods Study on Corruption, Competitiveness, and Christianity in Europe and the Americas (Contributions to Economics)

by Jason García Portilla

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	44417 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	673 pages

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus famously said, "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:20). This statement has been interpreted in many ways, but its essential meaning is clear: the true nature of a person is revealed by their actions and behaviors.

This is a profound and important truth, with implications for our understanding of discipleship, Christian character, and the nature of true spirituality. In this article, we will explore the meaning of Jesus' words and examine how they can help us to discern between true and false disciples.

The Meaning of "Fruits"

The word "fruits" in this context refers to the outward manifestations of a person's inner character. It includes their actions, words, attitudes, and behaviors. The fruits of a person's life are the visible evidence of their spiritual condition.

Jesus identified two types of fruit: the fruit of the Spirit and the works of the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit is produced by the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, while the works of the flesh are produced by our own sinful nature.

The fruit of the Spirit is described in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

The works of the flesh are described in Galatians 5:19-21: "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these."

The contrast between the fruit of the Spirit and the works of the flesh is clear. The fruit of the Spirit is characterized by love, joy, peace, and other virtues, while the works of the flesh are characterized by sin and selfishness.

Discerning True and False Disciples

Jesus' words in Matthew 7:20 provide us with a way to discern between true and false disciples. True disciples are those who bear the fruit of the Spirit, while false disciples bear the works of the flesh.

It is important to note that we are all sinners and that we will all fall short of the glory of God at times. However, the true disciple is one who is characterized by a consistent pattern of growth in the fruit of the Spirit. They are not perfect, but they are striving to live in accordance with God's will.

On the other hand, the false disciple is one who is characterized by a consistent pattern of sin and disobedience. They may talk a good game, but their actions do not match their words.

It is important to be able to discern between true and false disciples because we are called to follow Christ and to make disciples of all nations. We need to be able to identify those who are truly following Christ so that we can learn from them and be encouraged by their example.

The phrase "Ye shall know them by their fruits" is a reminder that the true nature of a person is revealed by their actions and behaviors. This is a valuable principle for discerning between true and false disciples and for evaluating our own spiritual condition.

As we seek to follow Christ and to make disciples of all nations, let us be mindful of the fruit that we are bearing. May we be known by our love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

“Ye Shall Know Them by Their Fruits”: A Mixed Methods Study on Corruption, Competitiveness, and Christianity in Europe and the Americas (Contributions to Economics)

by Jason García Portilla

4.5 out of 5