Known By Our Fruit

Matt 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

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.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

v. 14 - *The word ‘strait’ is not to be confused with the word ‘straight’. In this verse the word, strait is an adjective used to describe the gate. The ‘gate’ being an opened or closed entryway. Strait gate meaning a strict, exact, true way to enter into eternal life.

v. 15 - Be cautious of deceptive people that preach, teach & prophesy. They are disguised as saints of God, but are the opposite in character. Do not be deceived by them! Outwardly they have an appearance of godliness & they will use flattery & great swelling words. (2 Pet. 2:18)

v. 16 - Eph. 5:8  teaches us to “walk as children of light,” stating that the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness & righteousness & truth; proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Ga. 5:22, 22 gives the definition of the fruit of the Spirit:  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Ye shall know them by their fruits - Do thorns produce grapes, or do thistles produce figs?

If false prophets are known by their fruit,

how much more will we be known by ours?

    If we are righteous, we will bring forth good fruit. If we are dishonest & immoral, it will be revealed in our character & personality. We might be able to hide our true self for a while, but eventually we will be known as we are.

2 Peter 3:14...be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

17 ...beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

18   But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

(Definitions: Oxford, Strongs, Webster)