RECOGNISING PEOPLE BY THEIR FRUITS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 7:15-20
Key Verse: “Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16)
Supporting Texts: Galatians 5:22-23, James 3:17, Luke 6:43-45, Proverbs 20:11, 1 John 4:1
Description: This study reveals how a person’s true character, spiritual condition, and influence are revealed through their fruits, actions, words, and lifestyle.
INTRODUCTION
In Matthew chapter 7, Jesus warned believers about false prophets and deceptive individuals. He taught that people are recognised not merely by their appearance, words, titles, or outward activities, but by their fruits.
Fruit refers to the visible evidence of a person’s inner life: character, behaviour, attitudes, words, decisions, and spiritual influence. Just as a tree is identified by the kind of fruit it produces, people are known by the results and patterns of their lives.
Many people may appear spiritual, kind, wise, or trustworthy outwardly, but over time their fruits reveal their true nature. God wants believers to develop spiritual discernment and wisdom when relating with others, choosing leaders, forming relationships, and following spiritual influences.
1. FRUIT REVEALS TRUE CHARACTER
The inner condition of the heart eventually becomes visible.
a) Jesus said people are known by their fruits (Matthew 7:16)
A person’s life eventually reveals their true spiritual condition and character.
b) Good trees produce good fruit (Matthew 7:17)
A transformed heart produces righteous attitudes and godly conduct.
c) Evil hearts eventually reveal corruption (Luke 6:45)
Words, actions, and decisions expose what is hidden within the heart.
d) Character matters more than outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7)
God looks beyond external appearance and examines the heart.
Biblical Example:
Absalom appeared charming and persuasive outwardly, but his actions revealed pride, rebellion, and selfish ambition (2 Samuel 15:1-6).
2. GODLY FRUIT REFLECTS THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Spiritual maturity produces righteous and Christlike fruit.
a) The fruit of the Spirit reveals genuine spiritual life (Galatians 5:22-23)
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control reflect God’s nature.
b) Wisdom from above produces righteous conduct (James 3:17)
Godly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy.
c) Genuine believers bear lasting fruit (John 15:5)
Abiding in Christ produces spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
d) A transformed life glorifies God (Matthew 5:16)
Godly behaviour becomes a testimony that points others toward Christ.
Biblical Example:
Barnabas demonstrated kindness, encouragement, faith, and generosity, revealing genuine spiritual fruit in his life (Acts 4:36-37).
3. BAD FRUIT EXPOSES WRONG INFLUENCES AND DECEPTION
Corrupt fruit reveals spiritual danger.
a) Jesus warned about false prophets (Matthew 7:15)
Some people appear righteous outwardly while inwardly being deceptive and harmful.
b) Sinful behaviour exposes spiritual corruption (Galatians 5:19-21)
Pride, greed, immorality, bitterness, and deception reveal ungodly influences.
c) Words reveal the condition of the heart (Matthew 12:34)
Speech often exposes hidden attitudes and spiritual maturity.
d) Bad fruit damages others spiritually and emotionally (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Wrong influences can spread confusion, division, and destruction.
Biblical Example:
Judas walked with Jesus outwardly, but greed and betrayal eventually exposed the true condition of his heart (John 12:4-6).
4. BELIEVERS MUST DEVELOP SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT
Wisdom helps believers recognise healthy and unhealthy influences.
a) Believers are commanded to test the spirits (1 John 4:1)
Christians must carefully evaluate teachings, influences, and relationships.
b) Discernment protects against deception (Proverbs 14:15)
Wise believers do not accept everything blindly without examination.
c) God gives wisdom to those who seek Him (James 1:5)
The Holy Spirit helps believers recognise truth and error.
d) Healthy relationships produce positive spiritual fruit (Proverbs 13:20)
Walking with wise and godly people strengthens spiritual growth.
Biblical Example:
The Berean believers carefully examined Paul’s teachings through Scripture before accepting them fully (Acts 17:10-11).
CONCLUSION
Jesus taught that people are recognised by their fruits. Outward appearances, titles, and words alone are not enough to reveal true spiritual character. Over time, actions, attitudes, conduct, and influence expose the condition of the heart.
Believers must seek to produce godly fruit through fellowship with Christ while also exercising discernment concerning the people and influences around them. A life rooted in God will consistently produce righteousness, love, truth, humility, and spiritual maturity.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to produce godly fruit in every area of my life in Jesus name
2. Father, purify my heart and character continually in Jesus name
3. Lord, fill me with the fruit of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name
4. Father, grant me wisdom and discernment concerning people and influences in Jesus name
5. Lord, expose every deceptive and harmful influence around my life in Jesus name
6. Father, help me to reflect the character of Christ daily in Jesus name
7. Lord, let my words and actions glorify You continually in Jesus name
8. Father, connect me with wise and godly relationships in Jesus name
9. Lord, remove every corrupt habit and attitude from my life in Jesus name
10. Father, let my life become a positive testimony and blessing to others in Jesus name
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. Your life shall continually produce righteous and godly fruit!
2. Every hidden corruption and ungodly influence is removed from your life!
3. God shall increase your spiritual discernment and wisdom!
4. You shall not be deceived by false appearances or wrong influences!
5. The fruit of the Holy Spirit shall flourish greatly in your life!
6. Your words, actions, and character shall reflect Christ continually!
7. Every unhealthy relationship and influence shall be exposed and removed!
8. God shall surround you with wise and godly people!
9. Your life shall become a shining testimony of righteousness and truth!
10. The grace to walk in holiness, wisdom, and spiritual maturity shall rest upon you continually!
