The Greatest Sermon Ever Told – Fruit – Matthew 7:15-20

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told

Fruit – Matthew 7:15-20
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Pastor Mike Bailey

Introduction

The greatest sermon ever told was not preached by a celebrity pastor or even a famous prophet. It was not given from a stage or in a convention center. It was given from a hillside with standing room only. The speaker was not paid for his time, nor was the event promoted, yet thousands were in attendance. This man ultimately paid for his words with his own life and became the most influential religious leader in all of history. This is a sermon worth hearing and this is the message we all need.

June 29: Generosity – Matthew 6:1-4

July 6: Prayer – Matthew 6:5-15

July 13: Fasting – Matthew 6:16-18

July 20: Possessions – Matthew 6:19-34

July 27: Judging – Matthew 7:1-6

August 3: Asking – Matthew 7:7-11

August 10: The Golden Rule – Matthew 7:12

August 17: The Narrow Gate – Matthew 7:13-14

August 24: Fruit – Matthew 7:15-20

August 31: Disciples – Matthew 7:21-29

IMPACT Church 101 E. First Ave. Parkesburg, PA 19365
(610) 857-3887 [email protected]

Fruit

Matthew 7:15-20

A wolf in sheep’s clothing isn’t dangerous because it’s a wolf, it’s dangerous because no one sees it coming.  Anonymous

1. Pay attention to the warning. (15)

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Notes:

2. Observe the . (16)

¹⁹ When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Notes:

3. Examine the . (17)

²² But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18

Notes:

4. Be about what you find. (18-19)

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 2 Corinthians 13:5

Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

Notes:

5. Be purposeful with how you others and who you allow to influence you. (20)

⁷ You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? ⁸ This persuasion is not from him who calls you. ⁹ A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Galatians 5:7-9 (ESV)

Notes:

Challenge: What fruit are you and those around you bearing?

It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Isaiah 59:2a

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

All Bible verses are from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.