Apples, Oranges, Pears, and Peaches: Fruit Bearing

(Back to helps home page)    (Sermon October 14, 2001)
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October 14, 2001 - Matthew 3:7-10

Open It

1. What phrases, words, or images spring to mind when you hear the term "fruit"?
2. Why do you think John talked about fruit and not works.?
3. Why do you think some people become uncomfortable when we talk about the relationship between faith and works?

Explore It

1. What kinds of religious leaders came to listen to John? (Matthew 3:7)
2. What harsh name did John call the religious leaders?

Why? (Matthew 3:7-10)

1. What was John's message to the local "men of the cloth"? (Matthew 3:7-10)
2. Describe the works of the flesh, (Galatians 5.19-21).
3. What are the fruits of the Spirit? (Galatians 5.22-23).
4. What kinds of connections does an individual need to produce "good fruit"? (John 15:2-6, 16).

Get It

1. Why is it that coming from a religious family doesn't guarantee spiritual security?
2. What does it mean to repent?
3. Why do you think John lived such an eccentric life?
4. Why was John the Baptist so demanding of the religious leaders of his day?
5. What kind of "fruit" or character do repentant people produce?
6. Can you expect that all Christians will produce fruit at the same level of production? (Matthew 13.18-23).

Why? or Why not?

Apply It

1. What could you do this week to encourage someone to become a better producer of good fruit?
2. What first step could you take toward obeying God better today?
3. What particular sin(s) do you need to repent of today?

Additional Scriptural Passages Relating to Fruit Bearing

Matthew 3:8; Matthew 5:16; Mark 4:20; Luke 13:9; Luke 19:23; Luke 20:10; John 15:8; John 15:16; Romans 7:4; Philippians 1:11; Colossians 1:10

(Back to helps home page)    (Sermon October 14, 2001)
(Back to sermons home page)    (Back to Shultz home page)