Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (GA)

Matthew 7:12-20

¹² “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

¹³ “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. ¹⁴ For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

¹⁵ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. ¹⁶ You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

James reminds us that faith without works is dead. He reminds us that we should act out our faith and have a responsibility to lead a godly life. But the point that I think is over looked in James and even in Paul's we are saved by faith alone apart from works, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

Not everyone who does good works is a good person. Not everyone who leads a "godly" life has faith. James says, "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." I have often wondered if he forgets this statement of Jesus. Jesus says, you can recognize someone by their fruit, but fruit can be deceptive. I know some very nice athiests. I also know some very crude Christians. Should I count the nice person, who does not listen or accept Jesus? Should I reject the Christian, who confesses his sins and calls for Christ's redemption while often being a little obtuse, crude, or just a little off base?

I think we need to watch out for false prophets. I think we need to watch out for those who look like sheep but are ravenous wolves. I think that it is true that a healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, but it may not bear the best fruit. Likewise, there is bad fruit that looks very pleasing to the eye, and may even taste good, but twists your stomach or causes other problems like delivering all creation into sin.

I think the real thing to remember is that the weeds and wheat are growing together. As for you whether you are the obtuse Christian or the good living athiest, turn to Christ and confess your sins. Confess all your short comings, and hear the words of forgiveness. Christ has died for your sins. He has laid down his life for the sheep, and still calls you to repent and believe.