“Sinful Census” 18 Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away. 20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?” 21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

“Sinful Census” Review of Text Here is a fig tree, that happens to lack figs when Jesus walks by. Then Jesus kills it. The disciples are caught up in amazement that by simply speaking, Jesus killed a fig tree. But why destroy a tree to make this point? Jesus’ miracles are usually beneficial. Why is this one different?

“Sinful Census” II. People who believe that God is so loving that He will not destroy mankind have a hard time with this passage. – Romans 11:17-22 John taught that the rejection of the Jews was fast approaching – Matthew 3:7-10 This is not unusual. God had rejected the Jews before. – Isaiah 5:1-7 – A vineyard that will not produce grapes is not worth cultivating. God will not always be tolerant of our misdeeds – Luke 13:6-9 John 15:1-8 – We must bear fruit or we will be discarded.

“Sinful Census” III. Some Christians Look Healthy, But They Are Not. Some have only a form of godliness – II Tim. 3:5 – 5 “having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” Some claim to follow God, but their deeds show otherwise – Titus 1:16 16 “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.”

“Sinful Census” 1 John 3: Love in deed and in truth. James 1: Prove yourselves doers of God’s Word. It does not take fancy systems or marvels of organization to spread the gospel – Acts 8:3-4 – 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. 4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. IV. We Must Produce True Deeds of Righteousness.

“Sinful Census” V. The Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Does this describe us? Are we productive for the Lord?