How to Determine Who is Real Matthew 7:15-23

We live in an age of artificiality… We have genetically modified foods We have synthetic medications We have synthetic oil for autos We have artificial ingredients & flavors We have artificial intelligence, video games, cyberspace existence We have modified physical features

We have artificiality in people too! There are many varieties of people with different views Some people are rank pagans and it’s obvious Some are just not clear what they are Some may be Christians and it’s not clear Some are Christians and it’s obvious

I. We have a Practical Concern for Knowing Who is Real “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15, NKJV)

A. People are not always what they seem to be People may present themselves as something they are not People may disguise their real intentions and objectives

Matthew 7:16-18 “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.” (NKJV)

B. There is a general principle for evaluating people The natural order indicates a root to fruit correlation The human analogy has a similar correspondence The main point of comparison is that a plant can begin growing for a time before its fruit identifies it for what it is Remember that all analogies have limits

What people produce will indicate something about them “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:19–20, NKJV)

C. There is personal accountability for what we produce There is an expectation to bear good fruit There is an assessment based on fruit bearing Each believer’s works will be tested by fire All unbelievers will end up in hell/ the lake of fire

II. We have a Practical Problem of Recognizing Exceptions “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21, NKJV)

A. There is a clear expectation for entering the Kingdom Entering the Kingdom is a main theme of Matthew The requirement for entering the Kingdom is not just words “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’” (Matthew 7:22, NKJV)

B. Some apparent followers will have tangible fruit That day indicates the future Kingdom Many notes the extent of the problem Your name indicates awareness of Christ Prophesied indicates use of words Demons and wonders indicate a supernatural element or the appearance of it

Matthew 7:23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:23, NKJV)

C. All presumed and real followers are accountable to God Some presumed “followers” of Christ will be rejected Such rejection is based on their faulty practice

III. We have a Practical Need to Produce Fruit “Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:20, NKJV)

A. Biblical fruit needs to be produced All believers will produce some biblical fruit There are some important considerations about bearing fruit There are also some special circumstances to consider

B. Biblical fruit needs to be qualified Fruit may include Christ-like character Fruit may be characterized by good works Fruit may be the result of a faithful witness Fruit may come from lips that praise God Fruit may include generous giving…

C. Biblical fruit needs to be a priority There is a progressive emphasis on increasing fruit There is an expectation for pruning There is an expectation for abiding There is a need to balance our perspective on bearing fruit