Two Kingdoms - Part 4Sample

This picture is loaded - Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a simple analogy! You may want to read this one a few times! How does Jesus start this section? “WATCH OUT! BEWARE!” Jesus doesn’t use this language anywhere else on the mountain! He makes it clear from the start that you need to pay attention to this warning. What does Jesus say we are to watch out for?

GO DEEP

The empire of this world has a way of looking soft and safe and cuddly like a sheep but is determined to make you one of its own. The empire has a way of making you feel comfortable and at home - your guard goes down while it is robbing you of your identity and purpose! Think for a minute and listen to your Father: are there areas in your life where you have let your guard down? Write down anything that comes to your mind.

Jesus continues His warning by saying:“By their fruit you will recognise them.”

This warning is STRONG! But it is also a reminder of OUR purpose -God’s children bear good fruit!

But even one step further ...We are recognised as God’s children by our good fruit!

BE BOLD

Jesus started out His teaching on the mountain by saying that the people of His kingdom are the SALT and LIGHT of the world, and He’s ending with the same point! How will you live today to become salt and light? Are you bearing good fruit? Can others recognise you are a follower of Jesus by the way you live? Be bold today and DO something that will show others that you are part of God’s Kingdom.

MEMORISE IT

"By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruit you will recognise them." - Matthew 7:16-20