By Kathy L McFarland
(TY200 – Lesson 9 )
Mark 8:22–26 (KJV 1900)
22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. 26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.
The Mysteries of Trees – Fruits
We must realize that at this point in our study, we know what “FRUIT” means in our Scripture.
Fruit are the living works of the LORD God, done through followers of the Lord Jesus Christ at the guidance of the Holy Spirit!
Wow! Wow! Wow! That we are blessed so greatly by the Lord, that we have the powerful Living God doing living works through us. Thanks be to Him!
This next study we will be exploring works and rewards that are given by the Lord for our efforts. We have learned already that the more we rid ourselves of ourselves and make room for the Lord, the more and stronger works can be accomplished. It is the movements of the LORD God, Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit that makes the works of God through us. Sometimes, in rare cases, angels are also tasked with helping the job get done. When every LIVING WORK is accomplished, there is rejoicing in Heaven. It is that big of a deal!
Teachings by Kathy L McFarland
Let us first quickly review what we have learned about the Mysteries of Trees so far (and remember that everything we have learned references Scripture). It all started with a verse in Mark 8:24, “And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.”
We learned that the Lord expected us to walk, and that trees had mysteries embedded within it throughout Scripture. If trees are our spiritual walking, then that is what we do spiritually. Right? So, in our spiritual walking, compared to the different parts of the tree, we can find out how to do spiritual works perfectly. And that is what our study has been about.
Mature Christians learn that “root” of a tree is the Foundation of Jesus Christ, and that the “vine” is Jesus Christ. The “branches” coming from that vine are identified as our efforts as Christians to do works that depended upon the Lord and Holy Spirit. He only allows the worthy growth of branches that conform to God’s will as He prunes back those unworthy. We learn that “leaves” come upon the branches that show flourishing and provisions made by God to produce works. Now we study “fruits” that are the final product, the intended goals of God to establish a purposeful work on this earth.
Matthew 12:33–37 (KJV 1900)
33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Spiritual Fruit Worksheet
1. What type of tree produces good fruit?
a. Good tree
b. Evil tree
c. Corrupt tree
d. All trees
2. What type of tree produces corrupt fruit?
a. Good tree
b. Evil tree
c. Corrupt tree
d. All trees
3. What does the word “corrupt” mean in this instance of Scripture?
a. Bad
b. Rotten
c. Decayed
d. Having no value
e. All the above
4. How can Christians discern between a good tree and a bad tree?
a. Examine the fruit of a tree
b. Examine the roots of a tree
c. Examine the branches of a tree
d. All the above
5. What type of works does our Lord Jesus Christ speak about in Matthew 12:33-37?
a. Those that glorify Him
b. Those that anger Him
c. Those that come from Christian’s mouths
d. Those that come from Christian’s efforts
6. Can an evil man speak good things?
a. Yes
b. No
7. In your opinion, can an evil man speak good things and trick you?
a. No, if evil says pretend words of goodness, those words would be recognized as
lies if examined carefully
b. Yes, evil can mimic good perfectly.
8. The heart, either evil or good, will betray itself in words spoken from the mouth.
a. True
b. False
9. In your opinion, can an evil person produce living works for God?
a. Evil is unable to do living works because they do not have the Foundation of Christ
b. Evil is unable to do living works because they are not led by the vine of Christ
c. Evil is unable to do living works because they are not filled with the Holy Spirit
d. Evil is unable to do living works because they do not have provisions made for
them by God.
e. All the above
f. None of the above
10. What are the works of evil called in Scripture?
a. Evil works
b. Sinful works
c. Dead works
d. Living works
11. What are the works of carnal men called in Scripture?
a. Works of the flesh
b. Dead works
c. Worldly works
d. All the above
12. What exists in each person’s heart, both evil and good?
a. Religion
b. Spirituality
c. Treasures
d. All the above
13. What type of words will the Lord judge on that Holy Day of Judgment?
a. Every prayer
b. Every word spoken idly
c. Every bad word
d. All the above
14. What does “idle” mean in Matthew 12:36? (Mark all correct answers)
a. Careless in consideration
b. Not working
c. Without thought
d. Useless
e. Ineffective
f. Not accomplishing anything
g. Indifferent
h. Careless
i. Lazy
j. Refuse to work
Contemplation
Proverbs 11:30–31 (KJV 1900)
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;
And he that winneth souls is wise.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth:
Much more the wicked and the sinner.
15. What is a tree of life?
a. Wicked fruit
b. Righteous fruit
c. Sinner’s fruit
d. All people’s fruit
Our Lord’s Words
John 15:1–18 (KJV 1900)
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 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. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. 18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
Teachings by Kathy L McFarland
Rewards for Fruits
Living Works – Fruits created by Christian with spiritual life as a tree, with roots of the foundation of Christ, with flourishing branches guided by the vine of Jesus Christ.
Dead Works – Acts performed by the evil, worldly, carnal, lost, and those with iniquities that are without God and life and void of the spiritual life of trees.
Vessel – Contains the fruits which are the works created by a Christian who has a foundation (roots) built on Christ and a flourishing branch guided by His vine.
Fruits – Works created by the Christian through Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit with the spiritual life as a walking tree.
2 Timothy 2:19–21 (KJV 1900)
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
1. A seal is placed on the people belonging to the LORD God, and He knows the ones that are His.
2. Every person that comes to the LORD God through Jesus Christ must depart from
iniquity.
3. A vessel contains the fruits which are the works created by a Christian who has a foundation (roots) built on Christ and a branch guided by the His vine.
4. There are many types of vessels in the great house of Jesus Christ. Each vessel represents the works of a person of Christ. Those works form the great house of Jesus Christ.
5. There are many types of vessels in the great house of Jesus Christ. Each vessel represents the works of a person of Christ. Those works form the great house of Jesus Christ.
6. The vessels of gold and silver bring honor. The vessels of wood and earth bring dishonor.
7. Some works bring honor, and some works bring dishonor to the great house of Jesus Christ.
8. If a person purges himself from iniquity, his works shall bring honor to Jesus Christ.
9. If a person is sin-free and does works of honor, he will be made holy and prepared to do even more honorable works for Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:9–15 (KJV 1900)
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Review:
Concept #1 – If you are a sinner without grace, no amount of good works will be rewarded.
Concept #2 – If you are a sinner without grace, you do not get credit by the LORD God for any works that you have done in your life.
Concept #3 – If you are a sinner without grace, you cannot be saved by your works.
Concept #4 – A sinner can repent from dead works and be saved by grace of the LORD God by, accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.
Concept #5 – If your foundation is laid on Jesus Christ, but you have not produced good works that sustain the testing of fire, you will be saved, but will suffer loss.
Concept #6 – If your foundation is laid on Jesus Christ, and your good works sustain the testing of fire, you will be saved and rewarded.
Concept #7 – If sin is present during your good works, the fire of the Holy Spirit will burn away all impurities. The type of work is revealed by this fire and classified as gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble.
Concept #8 – If impurity is present throughout your works, you will have stubble, hay or wood which will quickly be burnt away. You will suffer loss.
Concept #9 – If no impurity is present throughout your works, you will have gold, silver, or precious stones. You will be rewarded.
Concept #10 – If your works are pure and complete and under the direction of the LORD God, the Lord Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit, the fire will reveal gold.
Concept #11 – It is very, very good if your works are classified as “gold”. You will
receive great reward.
10. There are six types of vessels built on the foundation of the great house Jesus Christ.
These six types of vessels are:
1) Gold
2) Silver
3) Precious stones
4) Wood
5) Hay
6) Stubble
11. The vessels contain the entire works (fruits) that a Christian has done in their lifetime on earth.
12. Gold, Silver and Precious stones are works of honor. Wood, Hay and Stubble are
works of dishonor.
13. If a person does not have a foundation built on Jesus Christ, he cannot have a vessel (works container). Any works that person does is considered “dead” works, because they are “without life”
14. Every person’s works will be revealed on Judgment Day.
15. Every person’s works will be revealed by fire and be tried to see what sort it is.
16. If the vessel (works container) is gold, silver or precious stones, the work will abide, and the person will receive a reward.
17. If the vessel (works container) is wood, hay or stubble, the person shall suffer loss.
18. A person with a foundation of Jesus Christ cannot lose his salvation. A person can suffer loss from dishonorable works but shall be saved.
Rewards Worksheet
1. How are a Christian’s works judged by the LORD GOD? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (More than one answer)
A. If the works survive the revealing by fire, the Christian will receive a reward from the LORD God.
B. If the works are burned by the revealing by fire, the Christian will suffer loss.
C. The results of the works are not important. If a Christian tries to do good works, the LORD God rewards the effort.
D. If a Christian’s works are burned by the revealing by fire, his salvation is in jeopardy.
E. Even if a Faithful Christian’s works are burned by the revealing by fire, his salvation is not in jeopardy.
2. What criteria does the LORD GOD use to reward a person or cause a person to suffer loss? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
A. Works
B. Faith
C. Holiness
D. Favor
3. “Work” is the thing that a person ________? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
A. Does
B. Believes
C. Loves
D. Wants
4. What criteria does the LORD God use to save a person? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
A. Works
B. Faith
C. Holiness
D. Favor
5. What are the six principles of the doctrine of Christ? Hebrews 6:1-3
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
6. What are “works” as spoken of in Scripture?
A. Acts performed in obedience to your nature with natural life as a Christian
B. Acts performed in obedience to the law of God with your spiritual life as a tree walking with Christ
C. Acts performed in obedience to your faith in God with natural lives of good people
D. Acts performed in obedience to your belief in God with spiritual life as a vessel
7. What are “dead works” as spoken of in Scripture?
A. Any works performed without the spiritual life of trees defined by Scripture
B. Any works performed without the spiritual life of trees defined by Scripture
C. Any works performed without the spiritual life of trees defined by Scripture
D. Any works performed without the spiritual life of trees defined by Scripture
8. How does the LORD God know the ones that are his? 2 Timothy 2:19-21
A. Their souls are light
B. They appear holy and righteous
C. There is a seal placed on them
D. They pray more often
9. What must every person depart from, that comes to the LORD God through Jesus
Christ? 2 Timothy 2:19-21
A. Family
B. Friends
C. Life
D. Iniquity
10. What is the typology for the word “vessel” in Scripture? 2 Timothy 2:19-21
A. Container for all the works (fruits) a Christian creates in a lifetime
B. Fruits created by the Christian
C. Evil works
D. Works of the LORD God alone
11. Whose house is the “great house?” 2 Timothy 2:19-21
A. The LORD God
B. Jesus Christ
C. The Holy Spirit
D. The Christian
12. What does each vessel in the great house represent? 2 Timothy 2:19-21
A. Works of a person of Christ
B. Works of Christ
C. Works of the Church
D. Works of Satan
13. What vessels bring honor? 2 Timothy 2:19-21
(More than one answer)
A. Gold
B. Silver
C. Wood
D. Earth
14. What vessels bring dishonor? 2 Timothy 2:19-21
(More than one answer)
A. Gold
B. Silver
C. Wood
D. Earth
15. What is honored or dishonored by works? 2 Timothy 2:19-21
A. The house of the Christian
B. The great house of Christ
C. The house of the LORD God
D. All the above
16. How does a person bring honor to Jesus Christ? 2 Timothy 2:19-21
A. Purge himself from desires of Natural Life
B. Purge himself from sexual desires
C. Purge himself from iniquity
D. Purge himself of vessels
17. What does Jesus Christ do with a person that is without sin, and does works of
honor? 2 Timothy 2:19-21
(More than one answer)
A. Jesus makes him holy
B. Jesus gives him rest
C. Jesus allows the world to recognize his contributions
D. Jesus gives him a leadership position in a church
E. Jesus prepares him to do even more honorable works
F. Jesus makes him prosperous and rich
18. What are the six types of vessels built on the foundation of the great house Jesus
Christ? 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
19. Which vessels are works of honor? 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
1)
2)
3)
20. Which vessels are works of dishonor? 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
1)
2)
3)
21. Bonus: How can the difference between the list of 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 vessels, and the list of 2 Timothy 2:19-21 vessels be explained? (Contemplation)
22. What type of vessel does a person have that does not have a foundation built on
Jesus Christ? 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
A. Hay
B. Stubble
C. Clay
D. None
23. What are works called that are done by a person that does not have a foundation
built on Jesus Christ? 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
A. Works of charity
B. Dead works
C. Fruitful works
D. Natural works
24. When will every person’s works be revealed? 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
A. On Judgment Day
B. At their death
C. When they are completed
D. When they are started
25. How are every person’s works revealed? 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
A. By wind
B. By water
C. By fire
D. By the LORD God
26. What results if the vessel is gold, silver, or precious stones? 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (More than one answer)
A. The work will abide
B. The person will be promoted
C. The person will receive a reward
D. The work will fade away
E. The work will cease
F. The person will suffer loss
G. The work will burn
27. What results if the vessel is wood, hay or stubble? 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
(More than one answer)
A. The work will abide
B. The person will be promoted
C. The person will receive a reward
D. The work will fade away
E. The work will cease
F. The person will suffer loss
G. The work will burn
28. What else results to a person that has dishonorable works built on the foundation
of Jesus Christ? 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
A. He loses his salvation
B. He goes to hell
C. He no longer welcome in heaven
D. He will suffer loss, his works will burn, but he will not lose his salvation
Hebrews 9:13–14 (KJV 1900)
13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
29. What does the blood of Jesus Christ purge in a person’s conscience? Hebrews
9:13-14
A. All dead works
B. All sad memories
C. All shameful thoughts
D All the above
30. Who must “works” serve? Hebrews 9:13-14
A. The living God
B. The greater good
C. The True Church
D. The believer’s efforts
1 John 3:8 (KJV 1900)
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
31. What types of works does a sinner accomplish? 1 John 3:8
A. Works of Natural Life
B. Works of the world
C. Dirty works
D. Works of the devil
32. What do the works of the devil become because of Jesus Christ coming to
earth? 1 John 3:8
A. Dirty works
B. Dead works
C. Evil works
D. Sinful works
33. What types of works, then, are done by all sinners? 1 John 3:8
A. Works of the devil
B. Dead works
C. Sinful works
D. Dishonorable works
Ephesians 2:8–10 (KJV 1900)
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
34. How is a person saved? Ephesians 2:8-10
A. Receives grace through faith
B. Receives forgiveness through works
C. Receives grace through works
D. Receives faith through works
35. What type of works can be accomplished to allow a person to receive salvation?
Ephesians 2:8-10
A. Holy and righteous works
B. Works of ministry and charity
C. Works for the homeless, orphaned and starving
D. Salvation never comes because of a person’s works
36. What is the spiritual word for what a person believes? Ephesians 2:8-10
A. Faith
B. Works
C. Iniquity
D. Thoughts
37. What is the spiritual word for what a person does? Ephesians 2:8-10
A. Faith
B. Works
C. Iniquity
D. Thoughts
38. What preparation was made by the LORD God for His chosen people? Ephesians
2:8-10
A. To survive the battle between works and the world
B. To walk in good works of Christ
C. To desire the works that the LORD God assigns
D. All the above
39. What statement of truth can be made about the LORD God’s workmanship
concerning every good work that is done? Ephesians 2:8-10
A. The product of the works is soon over
B. All good works are accomplished at the LORD God’s Will and direction
C. Works are given to all people, regardless of belief
D. The level of faith is directly related to the level of works done by a person
40. Why should a person avoid boasting about their works? Ephesians 2:8-10
A. Evil can destroy all works
B. Fame is short, and failure long
C. Boasting is vanity and unattractive to the world
D. The works are not prepared by you, but rather the LORD God and Jesus
41. How does a Christian achieve works of gold, rather than works of stubble?
A. Work hard at everything he does
B. Start each work with a prayer
C. Participate in noble and holy works
D. Let the LORD GOD and Jesus Christ use you completely
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV 1900)
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
42. How does a Christian allow more use by the LORD GOD and Jesus Christ? 2
Timothy 2:15
Becker Bible Teacher Resources (biblestudydata.com)
A. Through prayer and meditation
B. Through study
C. Through faith
D. Through works
43. A good workman for the LORD GOD is never ________ ? 2 Timothy 2:15
A. Tired
B. Weak
C. Ashamed
D. Rewarded
44. How is a man of the LORD GOD prepared for all good works that He Wills? 2
Timothy 3:16-17
A. Through Scripture
B. Through sermons
C. Through the soul
D. Through mysteries
45. “Faith” is the thing that a person _______? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
A. Does
B. Loves
C. Believes
D. Wants
46. “Works” is the thing that a person _______? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
A. Does
B. Loves
C. Believes
D. Wants
47. The Mysteries of Trees teaches us that _____________ is the parts of the process
that receives rewards on Judgment Day.
A. Trees
B. Fruits
C. Roots
D. Branches
48. What happens to faith and works, without the foundation of Christ? 1
Corinthians 3:10-15
A. Faith and works will not survive.
B. Faith and works will not be rewarded.
C. Faith and works will suffer loss.
D. Faith and works will endure.
Teachings by Kathy L McFarland
In the upcoming weeks, we are going to study some different types of spiritual lives, represented by different trees in Scripture. As we mature as Christians, we find ourselves fitting into a very specific place in a very specific way in the Kingdom of God, and we learn about the spiritual lives of others that surround us in our Church led by Christ with each of us having a “path” to walk upon.
As we learn to walk expertly as trees walking with Christ, we are developed by the Lord to our full potential. We give up more and more of ourselves and get out of the way of the Holy Spirit as He creates the living works. Knowing our places spiritually walking in the Kingdom of God is an exciting step that grounds us and encourages us to improve our walking even more!
Looking forward to the next walking journey as trees with you!
