What other scriptures emphasize bearing fruit in the Christian life? Fruitless Fig Trees and Jesus’ Expectation (Luke 13:6–9) “Then Jesus told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree that was planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.’ • The picture is clear: God looks for visible, tangible evidence of life in those who belong to Him. • The parable sets the stage for the Bible’s repeated call to “bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (cf. Matthew 3:8). The Vine and Branches: Abide to Abound (John 15:1–8) • “I am the vine and 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.” (v 5) • “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.” (v 8) • Fruitfulness flows from relationship, not self-effort. Visible Evidence of New Life (Matthew 7:15–20; Mark 4:20) • “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” (Matthew 7:17) • “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:20) • Good soil “produces a crop—thirtyfold, sixtyfold, or even a hundredfold.” (Mark 4:20) The Spirit’s Produce (Galatians 5:22–23) • “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” • Nine qualities, one unified fruit—the character of Christ expressed in believers. A Life That Pleases the Lord (Colossians 1:9–12; Philippians 1:9–11) • “…bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10) • “…filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:11) From Death to Harvest (Romans 7:4–6; James 3:17–18) • “You… belong to Another… in order that we might bear fruit to God.” (Romans 7:4) • “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:18) Light That Bears Goodness (Ephesians 5:8–10) • “Walk as children of light—for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.” Old Testament Roots of Fruitfulness (Psalm 1; Jeremiah 17; Proverbs 11) • “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season.” (Psalm 1:3) • “He will be like a tree planted by the waters… and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8) • “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 11:30) Why Scripture Stresses Fruit • Displays God’s glory (John 15:8). • Confirms genuine faith (Matthew 7:20; 2 Corinthians 13:5). • Blesses others and advances the gospel (Colossians 1:10; Titus 3:14). • Stores eternal reward (Philippians 1:11; John 15:16). Cultivating Fruit Today • Abide in Christ through Word and prayer (John 15:4–7). • Walk by the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16, 25). • Respond to pruning—God’s loving discipline that multiplies fruit (John 15:2; Hebrews 12:11). • Practice good works prepared in advance (Ephesians 2:10). • Remain repentant and accountable, avoiding the fate of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:9). |
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