Foul Fruit
For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision . . . . (Titus 1:10 NKJV)
Yesterday we saw how the body of Christ plays host to subversive spies from time to time and that we're responsible to identify them by their fruit. But what does their fruit look like? Here are three specific kinds.
Insubordination. Subversive spies will have a hard time submitting to spiritual authority. They're always resisting and challenging the instruction flowing from the pastor's pulpit. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, they undermine the leadership of the church in word and deed. Can you believe the pastor's Bible study today? I'd give him a six. I wish he'd teach more topically. If I were in charge . . . .
Idle talk. Their conversations never go anywhere or accomplish anything constructive. Their lives revolve around doctrinal debates and verbal volleys intended to make them look like the final word when it comes to God's Word. Meanwhile, there's a slew of hurting people who need to be encouraged and loved on.
Adding to the finished work of Christ. They don't appreciate the power of the cross or the depth of God's grace. The Bible connects these people with circumcision. A bit of background is needed. God had required Jews to be physically circumcised (Leviticus 12:2-3), but after Christ's work of redemption, circumcision became a symbolic agreement (not a matter of law) for both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 2:25-26). Eventually, some Jews began teaching that Gentiles had to get circumcised in order to be right with God, and that their simple faith in Jesus' death on the cross wasn't good enough. It was the classic 'Jesus plus' line-that you need Jesus plus something else in order to be saved.
Beware when you encounter people who don't respect the spiritual authority over them. Take heed when people only want to argue and debate doctrine. Mark those who are always adding to Jesus' work on the cross. And above all, make sure your life is free from this foul fruit.
DIG - What are some examples of fruit produced by subversive spies?
DISCOVER - When have you run into this type of behavior? What did it lead to?
DISPLAY - Ask God to show you if you need to personally grow in any of these areas.
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At the age of 24, Bob Coy left a coveted position in the music industry to serve as an associate pastor with Calvary Chapel of Las Vegas. In 1985, Bob and his wife, Diane, moved to Fort Lauderdale and began Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale. As senior pastor, he has become well known for his unique style in expounding the Scriptures, making them come alive and relate to those of us living in the 21st century. His teaching style emphasizes the believer's "life application" of the highest standards of God's truth while his delivery captures the loving heart of God's Spirit.
Pastor Bob has had the rare privilege of watching God's miraculous hand move in the individual lives of those in the fellowship as well as the corporate body as a whole. From the first meeting in a living room with four in attendance, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale has now become home to over 17,000 men and women from the tri-county area, and ranks as the eighth largest church in the country. Though many have tried to attribute its rapid growth to numerous reasons, no one is more surprised by the phenomenon than Pastor Bob, who gives total credit and all the glory to God alone.
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