How can we ensure our lives bear fruit in every season? Setting the Scene: A Fig Tree with Only Leaves “Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if there was any fruit on it. But when He reached it, He found nothing except leaves, because it was not the season for figs.” (Mark 11:13) Jesus encountered a real tree on a real road outside Jerusalem. The Gospel record is literal, and the lesson is equally tangible: God expects visible, enduring fruit from those who belong to Him—no matter the calendar or circumstance. Why Fruit Matters • Fruit proves genuine faith (Matthew 7:17–18). • Fruit glorifies the Father (John 15:8). • Fruit blesses others and multiplies the Gospel (Philippians 1:11). • Fruit guards us from barrenness and ineffectiveness (2 Peter 1:8). Rooted in Relationship with Christ • “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him bears much fruit.” (John 15:5) • Abiding involves continual trust, dependence, and surrender. • A branch cut off cannot improvise fruit; staying connected to Christ is non-negotiable. Feeding on the Word Daily • “Blessed is the man… whose delight is in the Law of the LORD… He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season.” (Psalm 1:1–3) • Scripture supplies the nutrients of truth, wisdom, and correction. • Consistent intake—reading, memorizing, meditating—keeps spiritual sap flowing. Walking in the Spirit • “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23) • Flesh can mimic leaves; only the Spirit produces authentic fruit. • Moment-by-moment yielding to His leadership ensures harvest regardless of external climate. Practicing Persistent Prayer • “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24) • Prayer keeps the soil of the heart moist and receptive. • Continual conversation with God aligns desires with His purposes, channeling power for growth. Obeying Promptly • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Immediate obedience prevents spiritual drought. • Small, hidden acts of obedience often produce the sweetest fruit later. Embracing God’s Pruning • “Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2) • Pruning may feel like loss, yet it removes what siphons life. • Trials, discipline, and conviction refine character for greater yield. Staying in Fellowship • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) • Fruit ripens faster in the warmth of Christian community. • Accountability, encouragement, and shared service keep branches healthy. Expecting Harvest Through Every Season • “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD… He will be like a tree planted by the waters… and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7–8) • Seasons change: spring zeal, summer labor, autumn testing, winter waiting. • Trusting God’s unchanging promises secures continual productivity. By staying rooted in Christ, saturated with Scripture, led by the Spirit, prayerful, obedient, pruned, and connected to His people, believers can bear real, lasting fruit—leaves and figs—no matter the season of life. |
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