A Good Man Out of the Good Treasure of His Heart Brings Forth Fruit Which Is Good - Part 1236

Jesus said, "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, "This people draws nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honours Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Mark 7:6-7) "And He called the multitude, and said unto them, "Hear, and understand. Not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man; but that which comes out of the mouth, this defile a man."

Then came His disciples, and said unto Him, "Know Thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?" But [Jesus] answered and said, "Every plant, which My heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch ..."  (Matthew 15:7-14)

In Matthew 23, Jesus is speaking to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat; all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do, but do not ye after their works, for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers, but all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues. And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, "Rabbi, Rabbi."

But be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren. And call no man father upon the earth, for one is your Father in heaven. Neither be ye called masters, for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:2-12)

Think about this for a moment. Jesus said, "I have chosen and ordained you." (John 15:16) The King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, our Lord God and Saviour who is both Lord and Christ, has chosen us and ordained us to abide in Him. (Acts 2:36)

Not to be a member in good standing within a man-made church hierarchical structure, or whereby one elevates or appoints themselves to a position within a five-fold, or ten-fold ministry -- for example, as "self appointed" or "man ordained" apostles, evangelists, prophets, pastors, teachers, miracles, gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (Ephesians 4:11; I Corinthians 12:28)

But as believers in Jesus by faith who are now "equals" within the body of Christ, with Jesus being the Head of His Church. His bride. Not teaching the commandments of men, but the good news gospel of the Kingdom. Observers and doers of the truth -- and not the whims of men.

Indeed, Jesus instructs us to "abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing." (John 15:4-5)

It is no wonder the Pharisees were offended by Jesus' words. Here these wanted to be noticed by the masses around them, and yet all the while here is Jesus telling us to keep our eyes focused on Him. In other words, just because the blind are out there leading the blind, does not mean you have to end up in the ditch along with them. (Matthew 15:14)

Jesus said, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good ,,, for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)

"Whosoever comes to Me and hears My sayings, and does them, I will show you to whom he is like ... " (Luke 6:45-49)

This is why we as believers in Jesus by faith must build our house upon the rock, the one and only Rock which is our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. The same Word that was with God and was God who was made flesh and dwelt among us. We behold His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-18)

Thus, "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God though it not robbery to be equal with God -- but made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men -- and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is ABOVE every other name -- that at the name of JESUS every knee should bow in heaven and in earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)

"God manifest in the flesh." (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23)

"And they shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23)

Only Jesus can redeem His people from their sin. Take the time necessary to study your new testament today. Pray and ask the Lord Jesus for His guidance and wisdom in the days ahead. Repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the Holy Ghost which will lead you into all wisdom and truth. (Acts 2:36-42)

Stand in the offering plate.