Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of bearing good fruit? Rooted in Luke 6:44 “For each tree is known by its own fruit. Indeed, figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor grapes picked from a bramble.” (Luke 6:44) Fruitful Echoes in the Gospels • Matthew 3:8–10 – “Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance… every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” • Matthew 7:16–20 – “By their fruit you will recognize them… every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” • John 15:1–8 – “I am the vine; you are the branches… the one who remains in Me… will bear much fruit… This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.” Spiritual Fruit Reveals True Conversion • Acts 26:20 – “…that they should repent and turn to God, performing works worthy of their repentance.” • Romans 7:4 – “…that we might bear fruit to God.” • Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” • Titus 3:14 – “Our people must learn to devote themselves to good works… and not live unproductive lives.” The Holy Spirit’s Harvest • Galatians 5:22–23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” • Ephesians 5:8–10 – “…Walk as children of light—for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.” • 2 Peter 1:5–8 – “…if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Fruit That Glorifies God and Blesses Others • Philippians 1:9–11 – “…filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” • Colossians 1:10 – “…bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” • James 3:17–18 – “But the wisdom from above is… full of mercy and good fruits… Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.” • Hebrews 13:15 – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.” Old Testament Pictures of a Fruitful Life • Psalm 1:3 – “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.” • Jeremiah 17:7–8 – “…He is like a tree planted by the waters… nor does it cease to produce fruit.” • Proverbs 11:30 – “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” Living Out the Call to Bear Good Fruit Scripture consistently links authentic faith with visible, Spirit-empowered fruit—good works, transformed character, heartfelt praise, and a life that blesses others to the glory of God. |
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