What does "bearing fruit in every good work" mean for our lives? The Setting: Paul’s Prayer for Fruitful Living Colossians 1:9-10 sets the tone: “We continually ask God … that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God”. Paul ties three ideas together—walking worthy, pleasing God, bearing fruit. None is optional; each authenticates the others. Defining “Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work” • “Bearing fruit” pictures visible, tangible evidence of an inner life united to Christ, much like a tree shows it is alive by the fruit hanging from its branches (cf. John 15:4-5). • “In every good work” widens the scope. Not an occasional spiritual project but a lifestyle—every action, conversation, and choice becomes a potential orchard. • The phrase is present-tense and continuous. Fruit-bearing keeps happening as long as the branch stays connected to the Vine. Roots That Produce Fruit: Knowing God • Paul immediately adds “growing in the knowledge of God.” The more we know Him, the more fruit naturally follows. • Hosea 6:3—“Let us press on to know the LORD.” Pressing on feeds the roots; fruit appears in season (Psalm 1:2-3). • Knowledge here is experiential, not merely academic. Heart intimacy with God fertilizes every good work. What Kind of Fruit? Scripture names several harvests: 1. Character fruit—“the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). 2. Praise fruit—“the fruit of lips that confess His name” (Hebrews 13:15). 3. Righteous deeds—“filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:11). 4. Gospel impact—leading others to faith: “I planned to come to you so that I might have some fruit among you also” (Romans 1:13). 5. Works of mercy—helping the needy, visiting orphans and widows (James 1:27). Where Do Good Works Come From? The Spirit’s Power • John 15:5 is uncompromising: “apart from Me you can do nothing”. • Ephesians 2:10 shows divine design: “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” • The Holy Spirit both prompts and energizes the work (Philippians 2:13). Reliance, not self-effort, is the biblical pattern. Everyday Scenarios: How This Looks • At home—patient parenting, honoring spouse, stewarding finances honestly. • At work—integrity in reports, serving colleagues, sharing Christ when doors open. • In church—using gifts, encouraging the discouraged, joyful generosity. • In community—advocating for justice, showing hospitality, volunteering sacrificially. • Online—edifying speech, truth over gossip, kindness over outrage. Guardrails: Avoiding Dead Works • Motive check—good works that seek applause are wood, hay, stubble (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). • Source check—if not flowing from the Spirit, they exhaust rather than refresh (Isaiah 64:6). • Doctrine check—fruit never contradicts Scripture; obedience and truth walk together (2 John 1:4-6). Promises and Encouragement • “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). • “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). • “In due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). A Call to Active Obedience Bearing fruit in every good work means moving beyond passive belief to Spirit-empowered action. We abide in Christ, grow in knowledge, and let His life spill over into deeds that bless people and glorify God. The result is a life that unmistakably shouts, “Christ lives in me!” (Galatians 2:20). |
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