Spiritual Discernment

July 28, 2019 Background Scripture: Matthew 7 Lesson Passage: Matthew 7:1 – 6, 15 – 23 Today’s lesson examines the closing statements in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. How does one close out such profound teaching? Jesus closed by admonishing his followers to be careful not to judge what we may see as a fault or shortcoming in others. To do that is to subject one’s self to the same type of judgement. Besides that, it is hypocritical. We all have enough faults and shortcomings to keep us busy addressing them if we elect to do so. Addressing our own faults will also give us a better perspective whereby we may be able to assist others in their shortcomings. We must take care to not minimize our faults while magnifying the faults of others. We should continuously seek God in prayer for what we want or need. Prayer will sometimes require persistence. God is not a vending machine where we put a prayer in and push the button for what we want to see immediately. People don’t even respond in that manner. Persistence in prayer allows us to focus more on our relationship with God. The more we talk with God the more we build our relationship with Him. Persistence in prayer also teaches us patience. We should learn to wait on God to move in His own way at the time He chooses. Persistence in prayer reminds us of the sovereignty of God. Many will hear the good news but only a few will follow the way of God. Finally, we should be on the alert for false prophets. There are many who profess to be what they are not. Jesus warned his listeners to beware of those who profess to speak for God but were not sent by Him. They might look authentic and even sound authentic. Outward appearances can be very deceiving. The proof is in the results, or fruits. What is produced is a direct result of the plant. A plant can only produce the fruit it is capable of producing. There is a tree that grows wild that is a member of the nut-bearing group. The bark, leaves, and overall appearance of the tree looks identical to a pecan tree. In the winter, spring, and summer, the tree looks just like a pecan tree. In late fall, the nuts on the tree will mature and begin to fall to the ground. They are very bitter to the taste! We even called them bitter nuts. It is very difficult to determine the type of tree it is most of the year. However, when it bears fruit, it becomes evident as to what it is. False prophets can be just like that tree. For many seasons, it may be difficult to determine who they are. However, when they bear fruit, Jesus said you will know them by their fruit. A thorn bush cannot bear grapes and neither can thistles bear figs. Likewise, a good tree bears good fruit and a bad tree bears bad fruit. This is what Jesus taught his followers. The proof of who we are as citizens of the kingdom of heaven lies in our actions and not our speech. There are some who call Jesus Lord who are not citizens of the kingdom. All of God’s children have a personal relationship with Jesus. The good that we do comes forth from the Spirit of Christ who lives in us. The good fruit that we bear is evidence of the Spirit living within us. Spiritual discernment allows us to see the Spirit of Christ in others. We don’t judge their character. We are admonished to be “spiritual” fruit inspectors. Robert C. Hudson June 20, 2019