Scripture
Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance,
Matthew 3:8 NET
Observation
John the Baptist warned people that an outward expression of faith, without an inward work wouldn’t do.
In his time, many people we’re coming to get baptized for the forgiveness of their sin. But just because they were a little wet, didn’t mean that they were good with God. He stressed that there had to also be a change in their heart. There had to be a new focus on living for God, a 180° change.
This change, would be apparent. This change would produce fruit. In other words, people would be able to look at you, what you were doing, how you lived, and see that you had changed.
Application
Many are deceived because they say a little prayer in church, get a little wet (baptized), maybe get emotional, but then go back to living the way they have always lived.
A real heart for God doesn’t want to go back to the old ways of living. A true heart for God wants to be pleasing to the Lord. A true heart has made Jesus Lord of their whole life. And as a result, produces that fruit.
I’m not talking about earning salvation. That is free from God, you can’t do anything to earn it. But a heart that has truly been given to the Lord, a heart that has truly received the free gift of salvation, a person who has understood that they are a sinner and need to repent and be saved, will produce fruit.
What type of fruit are you producing, the fruit of repentance or the fruit of selfishness?
Prayer
Lord, I pray that my life reflects the joy I have when I repented and turned my life over to You. Let others see You in me. Let it be apparent that Your ways have changed me forever.
Peace
Todd