Iceberg's. Luke 6:43-45NKJV
Machines in factories exist to turn-out products; however, factories can never manufacture "fruit." Think about this, Fruit must grow out of life, and, in the case of the believer, it is the life of the Spirit (Gal. 5:25). When you think of "works," you think of effort, labor, strain, and toil; when you think of "fruit," you think of beauty, quietness, the unfolding of life.
The flesh produces "dead works" (Hebrews 9:14), but the Spirit produces living fruit. So remember, Fruit has seed inside, for still more fruit (Genesis. 1:11). (Source: Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. Ga 5:22)
Jesus said in Luke 6:43-45NKJV “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.44 “For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
The Titanic received 5 iceberg warnings just before it went down. When the 6th message came during the wee hours of the morning: “Look out for icebergs,” the operator wired back “Shut-up! I’m busy!” Thirty minutes later, that great vessel- whose captain said, “Even God couldn’t sink this ship”- was sinking fast.
What happened? They forgot the truth about icebergs. What they saw above water couldn’t have sunk the great ship. But unfortunately most of an iceberg is below the water. Experts say, “What you can see of an iceberg might be 10% of that iceberg, 90% of that huge ice is below the surface.”
According to Jesus, your life is like an iceberg:
* 10% above water, is your reputation.
* 90% below the seas surface, is your character.
Again Luke 6:43-45TM “You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own life-giving lives. It’s who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds.
Listen to this word, “Whatever’s happening today on the outside of your life comes from what’s happening on the inside.” P.H
Important, “God puts, “being”, before-“ doing.”
Important question to ask you, “Do you be fruitful? Before you can ‘do’ fruit, you have to ‘be’ fruit. P.H
Again, Jesus prioritizes taking care of the inside (your heart), because that will determine what takes place on the outside. (your behavior).
Remember, 10%, reputation; 90% character.
Once again, remember, “It’s what’s below, that will sink a ship!”
“If character is so important, then maybe, we ought to talk about it.” P.H
What is character? (4 traits of character).
1. Self-discipline- The ability to do what’s right, even when you don’t feel like it.
Why? Because you’re fruit; You be fruit!
Scripture references on self-discipline.
I Thessalonians 5:6NKJV Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
2 Timothy 1:7NKJV For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Philippians 4:13NKJV I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Self-discipline is self-surrendering-By faith. Being, walking and talking Sons and Daughter’s of God.
Let me show you your Sonship.
Galatians 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
2 Corinthians 6:18 "And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty.
Again, What is character? Self-discipline. Paul cried, “I die daily.”
What is character?
2. Core values- Principles you live by in spite of the pressures around you.
No question, “I don’t want to be around people who cuss.’ ‘I dread the fellowship of non-dreamers, and I dislike liars.”
"As a man of God, one of my core values, is to have daily devotions.” P.H
Again, what is character? Having core values.
What is character?
3. Obtaining an anointed sense of identity.
A self-image based on who God, not others, say you are.
Ephesians 2:10NLT For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Remember this, “You can’t be or do, if you don’t know WHO are WHO’S you are!” P.H
Dan Rather, CBS anchor, once interviewed Mother Teresa. The first thing Dan asked was, “What she said during her prayers.” She answered, "I listen." So Dan turned the question and asked, "Well then, what does God say?" Mother Teresa smiled with confidence and answered, "He listens." For an instant, Dan didn't know what to say. Then Mother Teresa added, ”And if you don't understand that I can't explain it to you.”
The thought came to me that, “When you know who, (whose) you are, you don’t have to explain yourself.” P.H
Again, What is character? Obtaining an anointed sense of identity.
What is character?
4. Emotional security, because of Jesus- The capacity to be emotionally stable and consistent.
To remain a non-anxious presence.
“Your life’s greatest impact won’t come from what you own, but from what you are.” P.H
Because of Jesus, You are emotionally secure. He your rock, your refuge, your very present help in times of trouble.
Jesus said it, “Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.”
Again, “What is Character?”
Emotional security, because of Jesus.
Old Hymn, “It is well with my soul.”
Benediction.
