The book of Philippians Chapter 1 verses 15-17 separates preachers into two groups. There those who preach because of rivalry and envy and those who do so because they love Christ. It is those who do it for love that are called to be true defenders of the gospel. Those who seek rivalry are working for self-interest and should be disregarded and condemned.
The dilemma for most Christians is how to identify the genuine from fake preachers. Since they do not have marks on their head, most Christians are confused and end up following the wrong ones. However, Matthew provides an assurance that God knows about such people and has not allowed them to thrive without reason. The answer is in Matthew 7 verses 15-20.
According to Matthew, it is by their fruits that disciples are identified. These verses give the example of a tree saying that a good tree produces good fruits and will be identified by that. A bad tree will equally produce bad fruits. In the example, it is impossible to expect anything good from a bad tree just like men do not look for fruits in thistle trees.
A lot of attention should go to verse 19. In the verse, there is an assurance of the fate that will befall people who mislead others. According to Matthew, their reward is coming in the form of being cut down. Only trees that bear good fruits will be allowed to thrive. This is a warning to fake preachers. There is emphasis on chapter 3 verse 10 where the warning is very clear. Christ has put an axe at the foot of all trees that do not bear good fruits. These trees will be eliminated from the garden.
It is common to find preachers who prosper despite being unfaithful to the word. This is one of the most confusing elements for Christians and non-believers alike. Peter in his first letter chapter 2, verses 1 to 3 points at what awaits such people. Because of misleading the flock with their sweet words, their destruction is near and certain. Their bloom should not be read as the inability of God to deal with them.
The reward for true defenders is also coming. They will be rewarded by thriving and prosperity. They will reap the fruits of righteousness. In fact, it is said that they will experience growth such that they become the envy of other tribes. Their prosperity will not sublime like smoke on a windy day.
The revelation of true defenders and imposters is not instant. God seems to take his time but he will ultimately come. The image of these fake preachers thriving does not mean that God has forgotten. He will deliver to each his reward based on his deeds. This will happen as the secrets of the hearts of men are revealed. It will be a time to shame evil doers.
The actions of people will show whether they are truthful or false. When they use words that are not followed by actions and are motivated by their material gains, they are about to reap their rewards. However, God will reward the truthful with goodness that does not fade forever.
The dilemma for most Christians is how to identify the genuine from fake preachers. Since they do not have marks on their head, most Christians are confused and end up following the wrong ones. However, Matthew provides an assurance that God knows about such people and has not allowed them to thrive without reason. The answer is in Matthew 7 verses 15-20.
According to Matthew, it is by their fruits that disciples are identified. These verses give the example of a tree saying that a good tree produces good fruits and will be identified by that. A bad tree will equally produce bad fruits. In the example, it is impossible to expect anything good from a bad tree just like men do not look for fruits in thistle trees.
A lot of attention should go to verse 19. In the verse, there is an assurance of the fate that will befall people who mislead others. According to Matthew, their reward is coming in the form of being cut down. Only trees that bear good fruits will be allowed to thrive. This is a warning to fake preachers. There is emphasis on chapter 3 verse 10 where the warning is very clear. Christ has put an axe at the foot of all trees that do not bear good fruits. These trees will be eliminated from the garden.
It is common to find preachers who prosper despite being unfaithful to the word. This is one of the most confusing elements for Christians and non-believers alike. Peter in his first letter chapter 2, verses 1 to 3 points at what awaits such people. Because of misleading the flock with their sweet words, their destruction is near and certain. Their bloom should not be read as the inability of God to deal with them.
The reward for true defenders is also coming. They will be rewarded by thriving and prosperity. They will reap the fruits of righteousness. In fact, it is said that they will experience growth such that they become the envy of other tribes. Their prosperity will not sublime like smoke on a windy day.
The revelation of true defenders and imposters is not instant. God seems to take his time but he will ultimately come. The image of these fake preachers thriving does not mean that God has forgotten. He will deliver to each his reward based on his deeds. This will happen as the secrets of the hearts of men are revealed. It will be a time to shame evil doers.
The actions of people will show whether they are truthful or false. When they use words that are not followed by actions and are motivated by their material gains, they are about to reap their rewards. However, God will reward the truthful with goodness that does not fade forever.
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