What does "bear fruit next year" imply about God's expectations for believers? The Parable in Focus “Then Jesus told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree that was planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the keeper of the vineyard, “For three years now I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree and found none. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?” “ ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone again this year, until I dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine. But if not, you can cut it down.’ ” (Luke 13:6-9) Key Phrase: “Bear Fruit Next Year” • God is looking for tangible evidence of life—spiritual fruit—not merely outward appearance. • “Next year” points to a limited window of opportunity; grace is real, but it is not indefinite. • The vinedresser’s extra care shows God’s willingness to provide every resource needed for growth. God’s Patient Mercy—and His Final Expectation • Patience: The owner waits three full years, then grants one more. 2 Peter 3:9 says He is “patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish.” • Purpose: Patience is not aimless; it is granted so the tree will finally do what it was planted to do. • Accountability: A day of reckoning is certain—“if not, you can cut it down.” John 15:2 echoes this: “He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit.” What Kind of Fruit Is He Looking For? • Repentance that changes behavior (Matthew 3:8-10). • Christ-like character—“the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). • Good works prepared in advance (Ephesians 2:10). • Growth in knowledge and godliness (Colossians 1:10; 2 Peter 1:5-8). • Active faith that serves others (James 2:17). Why the Deadline Matters to Us Today • Life is short; opportunities to honor God won’t last forever (Psalm 90:12). • Habitual postponement dulls conviction and hardens the heart (Hebrews 3:13). • Fruitless seasons can end in loss of reward and influence, even discipline (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). Practical Steps to Fruitfulness • Cultivate the soil: daily Scripture intake and obedience (Psalm 1:2-3). • Allow pruning: welcome conviction and correction (John 15:2). • Apply spiritual “fertilizer”: fellowship, corporate worship, communion, service. • Stay grafted to the Vine: continual prayer and dependence on Christ (John 15:4-5). • Act quickly on prompted works: generosity, evangelism, acts of mercy. Sobering Reality for the Unfruitful • “Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 3:10). • John 15:6 warns of withered branches gathered and burned—symbolic of judgment and loss. • Refusal to bear fruit ultimately questions the reality of the tree’s life. Encouragement for Steady Growth • God supplies everything needed for fruitfulness (2 Peter 1:3). • Even small, consistent fruit is pleasing when rooted in genuine faith (Mark 4:26-29). • The promise stands: “If it bears fruit next year, fine.” God delights in one more harvest season—let’s use it well. |
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