In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned people against false prophets. With simple logic, Jesus pointed out that “every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit … So you’ll recognize them by their fruit” (Matt 7:17, 20). For not everyone who says to Jesus, “Lord, Lord!” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of his Father in heaven (Matt 7:21).
Later on toward the close of his ministry, Jesus challenged his followers with similar words. There earlier had been those who appeared to place their trust in Jesus, but Jesus was not fooled by outward expressions of faith that were unaccompanied by obedience (John 2:23–25). The many who had believed in him, he urged, “If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples” (John 8:31). Sadly, most did not heed Jesus’ words.
So on his way to Gethsemane Jesus reiterated his challenge once again: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples” (John 15:7–8). Are we easily satisfied with out new status in Christ and slack in our obedience? Let us not forget that it is by our fruit that we prove to be Jesus’ followers and glorify our Father in heaven.
Dr. Kostenberger,
I believe this is a very timely topic. It seems in our day that the simple claim of faith is taken to be enough to give a person confidence of a personal relationship with Jesus. Worse yet are those who say it doesn’t matter what a person knows or believes but only that they live like Jesus. What is a person to do?
Isn’t it Paul who tells us to …”examine yourself to see if you are in the faith”? (II Cor. 13:5) Or what of Peter who instructs us to “Prepare your mind for action…” (I Peter 1:13) Indeed, it would seem that several times the New Testament challenges us to be busy about the work of the Master. And yet we are never to forget that apart from God’s gracious work through Christ Jesus, our best works are mere filthy rags.
Larry
I beleive its important to us all who are christians to make sure we have our roots in our Lord Jesus because that is where we can draw all that is good. If we draw all that is good will produce all that is good. And because it doesn’t come from us the father will be glorified.
Dr. Kostenberger,
I recently had a conversation with a seventh day adventist. During our conversation he quoted the sermon on the mount. He told me that if I broke one command, I’m breaking all commands. As a non-domination Christian, I honor Christ everyday but traditionally on sundays. Is it a sin to worship everyday and keep Sunday as the day of the Lord or must we refer to the original calendar and worship on Saturdays? Is diversity in they way we worship mention in the Bible?