In what ways can we ensure our lives bear good fruit for God? The Warning of 2 Samuel 23:6 “ ‘But the worthless are all like thorns raked aside, for they can never be gathered by hand.’ ” (2 Samuel 23:6) • David’s last words draw a vivid, literal picture: people who refuse God are like thorn bushes—useless for harvest, painful to touch, destined for burning (v. 7). • The implication is clear: if a life can be thorny and barren, it can also be fruitful and life-giving. Scripture shows us how to choose the latter. Rooted in Christ, the True Vine “ ‘Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. … He who remains in Me and I in him will bear much fruit.’ ” (John 15:4-5) • Fruitfulness is impossible apart from a living union with Jesus. • Staying “rooted” means daily trust, obedience, and communion with Him. Daily Practices That Cultivate Good Fruit 1. Steady intake of God’s Word (Psalm 1:2-3). 2. Ongoing prayer and worship (Colossians 4:2). 3. Quick obedience to what God reveals (James 1:22). 4. Fellowship with other believers for mutual sharpening (Hebrews 10:24-25). 5. Active service that meets real needs (1 Peter 4:10-11). 6. Regular repentance, keeping the soil of the heart soft (1 John 1:9). Guarding Against Thorny Growth • Bitterness (Hebrews 12:15) • Worldly loves (1 John 2:15-17) • Unforgiveness and anger (Ephesians 4:31-32) Pull these roots early, or they will choke the life God wants to produce. The Spirit’s Harvest “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) • These qualities are supernatural evidence that the Spirit is active. • Our role is surrender; His role is production. Assurance of Lasting Reward “ ‘My Father is glorified by this: that you bear much fruit and prove to be My disciples.’ ” (John 15:8) “For if what has been built survives, he will receive a reward.” (1 Corinthians 3:14) • Fruitful lives honor God now and secure eternal reward later. • In the end, thorny works burn, but Spirit-grown fruit endures forever. Choose the vine, tend the soil, yield to the Spirit—and the harvest will come. |
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