In what ways can we "fertilize" our faith to bear spiritual fruit? The Parable that Frames Our Study “ ‘Sir,’ the keeper replied, ‘leave it alone again this year, until I dig around it and fertilize it.’ ” (Luke 13:8) Why Jesus Spoke of Fertilizer • A fig tree in the best vineyard still failed to produce. • The solution was not to discard it immediately but to enrich the soil. • In the same way, believers saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) sometimes stall in fruit-bearing; spiritual nourishment revives them. Digging Around the Roots—Removing What Hinders • Confession and Repentance (1 John 1:9) – loosens hard soil of unconfessed sin. • Humble Self-Examination (Psalm 139:23-24) – exposes hidden rocks of pride. • Forgiving Others (Mark 11:25) – clears weeds of bitterness that choke growth. Essential Fertilizers for a Flourishing Faith • Daily Scripture Intake – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Reading, memorizing, and meditating supply steady nutrients of truth. • Consistent, Honest Prayer – “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) – Conversing with the Gardener draws living water to the roots. • Obedience to the Spirit’s Promptings – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) – Obedience activates the fertilizer already present. • Christ-Centered Fellowship – “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) – Mutual encouragement aerates the soil and shares nutrients. • Worship and the Lord’s Table – “Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19) – Corporate worship and Communion remind the tree of its Source. • Generous Service and Giving – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) – Outflow keeps sap moving, preventing spiritual stagnation. • Trust in Trials – “The testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:3) – Pressure breaks up compacted earth, making room for deeper roots. What Healthy Fruit Looks Like • Character: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). • Conduct: good works prepared in advance (Ephesians 2:10). • Conversation: gracious, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). • Conversion: leading others to faith (John 15:8). Patience with the Process • Growth takes time (James 5:7). • The vinedresser’s patience in Luke 13 underscores God’s mercy, yet the call to bear fruit remains urgent (John 15:2). Nourished Roots, Abundant Harvest When the soil of the heart is loosened by repentance and enriched with Scripture, prayer, fellowship, obedience, service, and sanctifying trials, the Spirit produces fruit that glorifies the Father and validates genuine faith. |
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