In what ways can we ensure we are like the "good figs" today? The Prophetic Picture of Good Figs “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘Like these good figs, so I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chaldeans. I will keep My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart.’” (Jeremiah 24:5-7) Key Marks of the Good Figs • Set apart by God even while living in exile • Watched over for their ultimate good • Promised restoration, planting, and fruitfulness • Given a new heart to know and love the LORD • Wholehearted in their return and obedience Guarding a Heart That Delights the LORD • Daily surrender—Romans 12:1: present your body “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” • Ongoing repentance—Psalm 51:17: “A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” • Word-centered living—Psalm 1:2-3: delighting in and meditating on God’s law produces fruit “in season.” • Spirit-enabled obedience—Galatians 5:22-23: the Spirit’s fruit becomes visible evidence of inner renewal. • Persistent devotion—Colossians 2:6-7: “walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith.” Practices That Keep Us Like Good Figs 1. Immerse in Scripture – Read it, believe it literally, and shape every decision by its truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 2. Cultivate an active prayer life – Speak honestly with the Father, seeking alignment with His will (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 3. Remain in Christ – “Abide in Me, and I in you… the one who remains in Me and I in him will bear much fruit” (John 15:4-5). 4. Embrace godly community – Encourage and exhort one another to faithfulness (Hebrews 10:24-25). 5. Reject cultural compromise – Stand firm, even when obedience brings exile-like pressure (1 Peter 2:11-12). 6. Serve with humility – Use gifts for building up the body and reaching the lost (1 Peter 4:10-11). 7. Keep eternal perspective – Look forward to full restoration and reward promised by the Lord (Revelation 21:3-4). Living Proof of God’s Planting • Consistent character at home, work, and church shows His transforming power. • Steadfast hope during trials reflects trust that He “will build up and not tear down.” • Overflowing generosity and witness extend His blessing to others, echoing Jeremiah 29:7. Confidence for Today Because the LORD Himself gives the new heart, watches over His own, and guarantees restoration, believers can walk in assurance that faithful, obedient lives will echo the good figs—pleasing to God, fruitful in every season, and secure in His everlasting covenant. |
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