A Lesson On The Heart (Luke 6:43-45)

1.    Observations from nature (43-44)

-Every tree is known by its fruit and produces after its own kind (Genesis 1:11-12)

-We do not seek food from trees, plants, or vines that do not produce it. Neither do we seek to eat from those whose fruit is harmful.

-Jesus preferred to draw spiritual lessons from things easily observable and known from the natural world.

2.    Our heart determines our fruit (45)

-The heart represents what we think, feel, believe, and desire. This is who we really are.

-Matthew applies this to false teachers (7:15-20). They cannot produce disciples of Christ for they are not disciples themselves.

-Luke is much more comprehensive and thus shows that the application extends to every aspect of life (Jeremiah 17:10).

3.    There are only two types of hearts: good and evil (45)

-The good heart is filled with thoughts of purity and service (Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 1:9-11). Such hearts glorify God and will be rewarded by Him (Isaiah 3:10; Revelation 14:13).

-Evil hearts are filled with lust, bitterness, anger, jealousy, hypocrisy, and rebellion (Matthew 15:18-19; 23:25-28). They, too, will receive their reward from God (Matthew 7:19)

-What we choose to put before our eyes is what we choose to place into our hearts (Matthew 6:22-23; Proverbs 4:23)