Known by Its Fruit
Matthew 12:33-37
1. Context
• escalating opposition to Jesus
• immediately following the blasphemous attribution of the Pharisees (22-32)
• rejection and reflection
• immediately following the blasphemous attribution of the Pharisees (22-32)
• rejection and reflection
2. A Challenge and a Proverb 33
• exposure of Pharisaical logic
• a tree known by its fruit
• fundamental matter of stewardship
• a tree known by its fruit
• fundamental matter of stewardship
3. A Rebuke and a Principle 34-35
• brood of vipers with a serious heart condition
• heart as root and words as fruit
• transmission of treasure
• heart as root and words as fruit
• transmission of treasure
4. A Declaration and a Determination 36-37
• accountability for careless words (Psa. 119:11; 141:3, Prov. 4:23)
• words as an indicator at the end
• complete contrast with culture
• commendable consistency of Jesus (1 Pet. 2:24)
• words as an indicator at the end
• complete contrast with culture
• commendable consistency of Jesus (1 Pet. 2:24)
5. So What?
• Because your words convey your heart’s treasure, resolve to value Jesus supremely.
• “There is nothing to show us that we have need of grace like the use of our mouths.” (Duncan)
• “You have never spoken a word that belongs to you because words belong to the Lord.” (Tripp)
• “There is nothing to show us that we have need of grace like the use of our mouths.” (Duncan)
• “You have never spoken a word that belongs to you because words belong to the Lord.” (Tripp)