A Hearer and a Fruit Inspector

O. T. #2155  "A Hearer and a Fruit Inspector"

March 23, 2022

Jonah-Part 1

LET IT GLOW

1 John 4:1 says, Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

We shouldn't believe everything we hear just because someone says it is a message from God. Check it out, whether it is truth or false. How do we know they are not a false teacher?

• Their words should match what God says in the Bible.
• Look to see if they are committed to the body of believers. (2:19)
• Their lifestyle should match the words they say. (3:23-24)
• They show love to other believers.
• Check out the fruit of their ministries. (4:6)
• Find out what they believe in Christ-Jesus is fully God and fully man.
• Be sure they speak God's truth.

We need to be careful as to whom we allow into our membership of the church. False prophets and deceivers lurk around weak believers. Not all denominations believe the same-salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He is the only way to God the Father and heaven. So be a fruit inspector.

LET IT GROW

Probably, most people are familiar with the story of Jonah. So let's take a fresh look into it. We will see Jonah's disobedience, consequence, repentance, obedience, and anger. Wasn't he human!

What was Jonah's commission from God?

Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry for their wickedness is come up before Me.  (Jonah 1:2)

What do we know about Nineveh?

• It was located about 550 miles from Jonah.
• It was the capitol city of 300,000 Assyrians, wicked, violent  people.
• They were hostile enemies of Israel, the Hebrews.
• They showed no mercy to their enemies.
• They worshiped idols, so God's judgment was coming upon them.

Do we have neighbors like that? What about coworkers? Any family hostile? Difficult people in our social circle?

So Jonah wanted God's wrath upon the heartless Assyrians so they would be destroyed. He didn't want to preach to them because they might repent. My, isn't that eccentric?

John has taught us to love others and love God. If we truly love God, then we will obey Him and do whatever asks and go wherever He leads. It is a heart matter, a matter of the heart. 

 

LET IT GO

Help us remain humbled before You, Almighty God.

Help us let go of whatever stands in our way of complete obedience to You.

How compassionate, merciful, and loving You are!

Jesus, thank You for leaving heaven to suffer for us sinners.