Topical Bible: Fruits: Given by God

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In the biblical narrative, fruits are often depicted as gifts from God, symbolizing His provision, abundance, and the sustenance He provides for His creation. From the very beginning of Scripture, fruits hold a significant place in the divine order and human experience.

Creation and Provision

The account of creation in Genesis highlights the importance of fruits as part of God's provision for humanity. In Genesis 1:29 , God declares, "Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food." This verse underscores the idea that fruits are a direct gift from God, intended to nourish and sustain human life.

The Promised Land

Fruits also play a crucial role in the depiction of the Promised Land, a place flowing with "milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8). The land is described as abundant in fruits, symbolizing God's blessing and the fulfillment of His promises. In Deuteronomy 8:8 , the land is characterized by its produce: "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey." These fruits represent the richness and fertility of the land God has prepared for His people.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Fruits are frequently used symbolically in Scripture to convey spiritual truths. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of fruits to teach about the nature of true discipleship and the evidence of a life transformed by faith. In John 15:5 , Jesus states, "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." Here, bearing fruit is synonymous with living a life that reflects the character and teachings of Christ.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this concept in Galatians 5:22-23 , where he lists the "fruit of the Spirit" as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are seen as the natural outcome of a life led by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the transformative power of God's presence in a believer's life.

Judgment and Accountability

Fruits also serve as a metaphor for judgment and accountability. In Matthew 7:16-20 , Jesus warns, "By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit." This passage highlights the principle that one's actions and character are indicative of their true nature and relationship with God.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, fruits are a recurring motif that illustrates God's provision, the blessings of obedience, and the spiritual truths of growth and accountability. They remind believers of the abundant life God offers and the importance of living in accordance with His will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 14:17
Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Philosophy is Knowledge Given by God.
... and profitable for life came to us from God, and that philosophy more especially
was given to the ... reason, exist among the Greeks as spurious fruits of the ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter viii philosophy is knowledge given.htm

The Mandrakes Give a Smell, and at Our Gates are all Manner of ...
... and laid up for Thee all manner of pleasant fruits, all sorts ... the whole to Thee,
and as Thou hast given them to ... [46] Such results follow because God dwells in ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/13 the mandrakes give a.htm

The First Fruits of the Spirit
... But against the fruits of the Spirit "there is no law ... obedience; and they "have
confidence toward God," knowing they are ... by the Spirit which he hath given" them ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 8 the first fruits.htm

The Allegory of the Trees Demanding a King, in the Book of Judges ...
... which cause, also, four Gospels have been given, because God has four times given
the Gospel ... of which are clearly known by the diversity of the fruits. ...
/.../chapter ii the allegory of the.htm

Of the Union of Our Will with God's in the Inspirations which are ...
... OF THE UNION OF OUR WILL WITH GOD'S IN THE INSPIRATIONS WHICH ARE GIVEN FOR THE ... flowers
of spring in the expectation of enjoying the ripe fruits of summer ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xi of the union 2.htm

Divine Election and Reprobation
... in themselves with a spiritual joy and holy pleasure the infallible fruits of election ...
Or who has been his counselor?''Who has ever given to God, that God ...
/.../anonymous/synod of dort/divine election and reprobation.htm

Luther -- the Method and Fruits of Justification
... THE METHOD AND FRUITS OF JUSTIFICATION. ... and sacred because of our works; but to believe
that these things are given by the grace of God, they condemn as ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/luther the method and.htm

The Rational Soul from God Himself; Chastity not the Only Good ...
... breathed in a living spirit;" [2542] that is, God, the Maker ... which are mixed up in
the natural sweetness of fruits. ... are some to whom it is not given to attain ...
/.../chapter vii the rational soul from.htm

Prayer Takes in the Whole Man
... The whole man must be given to God in praying. ... all of himself, all that belongs to
himself, to God. ... and the sort of praying which brings the largest fruits. ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/i prayer takes in the.htm

Methodist Articles of Religion. AD 1784.
... Although good works, which are the fruits of faith, and ... the Holy Ghost, we may depart
from grace given, and fall into sin, and, by the grace of God, rise again ...
/.../methodist articles of religion a d.htm