FRUIT

WHAT KIND OF FRUIT DOES GOD EXPECT FROM US?

BIBLE READING: John 15:1-17

KEY BIBLE VERSE: Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me. (John 15:4)

FOLLOWING CHRIST OUGHT TO YIELD FRUITFUL RESULTS.

Christ is the vine, and God is the gardener who cares for the branches to make them fruitful. The branches are all those who claim to be followers of Christ. The fruitful branches are true believers who by their living union with Christ produce much fruit. But those who become unproductive-those who turn back from following Christ after making a superficial commitment-will be separated from the vine. Unproductive followers are as good as dead and will be cut off and tossed aside.

GOD EXPECTS MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF FRUIT.

Fruit is not limited to winning souls. In this chapter, answered prayer, joy, and love are mentioned as fruit (15:7, 11, 12). Galatians 5:22-24 and 2 Peter 1:5-8 describe additional fruit: qualities of Christian character.

APART FROM CHRIST, THERE IS NO REAL FRUITFULNESS.

Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right. But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to him, like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful. Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the vine? If not, you are missing a special gift he has for you.

BIBLE READING: Galatians 5:16-26

KEY BIBLE VERSE: When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

THE SPIRIT PRODUCES CHRISTLIKE FRUIT IN US.

The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Christ. They are the by-products of Christ’s control-we can’t obtain them by trying to get them without his help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to his (see John 15:4-5). We must know him, love him, remember him, and imitate him. As a result, we will fulfill the intended purpose of the law-loving God and man. Which of these qualities do you want the Spirit to produce in you?

BIBLE READING: Matthew 3:1-12

KEY BIBLE VERSE: Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever your roots. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. (Matthew 3:10)

SPIRITUAL FRUIT IS A NATURAL BY-PRODUCT OF GOD’S PRESENCE.

Just as a fruit tree is expected to bear fruit, God’s people should produce a crop of good deeds. God has no use for people who call themselves Christians but do nothing about it. Like many people in John’s day who were God’s people in name only, we are of no value if we are Christians in name only. If others can’t see our faith in the way we treat them, we may not be God’s people at all.

ACTIVE OBEDIENCE PRODUCES SPIRITUAL FRUIT.

God’s message hasn’t changed since the Old Testament-people will be judged for their unproductive lives. God calls us to be active in our obedience. John compared people who claim they believe God but don’t live for God to unproductive trees that will be cut down. To be productive for God, we must obey his teachings, resist temptation, actively serve and help others, and share our faith. How productive are you for God?

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