What "fruit" did you reap from the actions described in Romans 6:21? Tracing the Fruit in Romans 6:21 “What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death.” (Romans 6:21) The Fruit Paul Has in View • A harvest of emptiness—the old life produced nothing of lasting value. • A harvest of shame—memories and habits now regarded with deep regret. • A harvest that ends in death—spiritual separation now, physical death later, eternal loss ultimately. Why This Fruit Is Inevitable • Sin’s seed can only reproduce after its own kind (Genesis 1:11–12). • “Whatever a man sows, he will reap” (Galatians 6:7). • “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). • Works of the flesh—including impurity, idolatry, and strife—“those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19–21). Everyday Examples of the Same Crop • Broken relationships that sprang from selfish actions. • Lingering guilt that drains joy and confidence. • Habits that enslave rather than satisfy. • Fear of judgment and the grave. The Stark Contrast One Verse Later • “But now, having been set free from sin and having become slaves to God, you reap fruit leading to sanctification, and the outcome is eternal life.” (Romans 6:22) • In Christ the harvest changes: holiness replaces shame, life replaces death (John 10:10). Living in Light of the Lesson • Remember what the old crop produced—shame and death. • Walk in the new life granted by union with Christ, bearing “the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22–23). • Fix hope on the certain, eternal harvest promised by the One who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). |
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