What steps ensure our lives produce "good fruit" as described in Matthew 7:17? Understanding “Good Fruit” Matthew 7:17 says, “Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Jesus is clear: the quality of fruit comes directly from the nature of the tree. The believer’s new nature in Christ must therefore be cultivated if good fruit—visible, godly character and works—is to appear. Step 1: Receive the New Nature • John 3:3—“Jesus replied, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’” • Good fruit begins with the miracle of regeneration. A person must repent, believe the gospel, and be born again; without this, no amount of effort produces truly good fruit. Step 2: Stay Abiding in Christ • John 15:5—“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Abiding means ongoing reliance on Christ through: – Daily, unhurried Scripture intake – Continual, honest prayer and praise – Conscious dependence on His strength rather than self-effort Step 3: Nourish with God’s Word • Psalm 1:2-3—“His delight is in the law of the LORD… He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in season.” • Practical helps: – Read whole books of the Bible to keep context clear – Memorize and meditate on key passages – Invite the Spirit to apply truth to specific attitudes and choices Step 4: Walk in Obedience • Luke 6:46—“Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I say?” • Good fruit shows up when commands are acted on: forgiving enemies, loving neighbors, practicing integrity, guarding speech. Step 5: Keep in Step with the Spirit • Galatians 5:16, 22-23—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” • Yield promptly to His conviction. Confess sin quickly. Invite His filling daily (Ephesians 5:18). Step 6: Remain Connected to Christ’s Body • Hebrews 10:24-25—“And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves…” • Regular fellowship, biblical teaching, and mutual accountability fertilize growth. Step 7: Submit to God’s Pruning • John 15:2—“Every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” • Trials, discipline, and corrections remove hindrances—resentment, pride, misplaced priorities—allowing richer fruitfulness. Step 8: Serve Others in Love • Titus 3:14—“Our people must learn to devote themselves to good works, meeting pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.” • Look for practical ways to bless, give, and share the gospel; fruit ripens as faith expresses itself through love. Step 9: Persevere to Harvest • Galatians 6:9—“Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” • Fruit often matures slowly. Consistency over months and years reveals genuine transformation. Bringing It Together To ensure our lives produce the good fruit Jesus expects, we must first be made new in Him, then continually abide, obey, and cooperate with the Spirit’s work. Rooted in Scripture, connected to His people, refined through pruning, and active in loving service, we will display the unmistakable evidence of a good tree—fruit that brings glory to God and blesses others. |
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