Spiritual Fruit Bearing

TOPIC: SPIRITUAL FRUIT BEARING (FRUITFULNESS)

BIBLE TEXT: John 15:1-8, 16; 2 Peter 1:1-11; Galatians 5:22-23; Mark 11:12-14, 20-21.

INTRODUCTION: God desires fruitfulness for all His children – unfruitfulness is not of God. God is a blossoming God and delights to see His own, walk and live in this covenant right. Spiritual growth and fruitfulness are proof of our contact with the Spirit of God with all dedication and devotion. To be born again and Spirit filled is biblical. God hates stagnancy. It’s either we are hot or cold, not lukewarm with God – Revelations 5:15-16. For this reason, Jesus cursed the fig tree and put a woe on all them at ease in Zion. (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21; Amos 6:1). God has promised to give every single grass in the field rain for fruitfulness (Zechariah 10:1). More so, God is already pouring out His Spirit upon His Children for this task of fruitfulness and you have to take advantage of this great opportunity (Joel 2:28-30; Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49). It is a great blemish to remain unfruitful (Isaiah 4:1; Genesis 29:32; 1Samuel 1:6). This study is to remind us of the necessity laid on us to bear fruit as God’s heritage, not any kind of fruit, but after God’s image.

DISCUSSION  (Study Analysis):

1).    What does it mean to bear fruit: Matthew 12:33; Luke 13:6-9; John 15:8

a) To reproduce after ones kind

b) To produce good fruit or flower

c) To give birth in ones lineage

d) To behave in a specified manner

e) To yield positive results

f) To exhibit a particular behaviour

g) To have good results

2).    Who can bear fruit for the Lord:John12:24; Romans 6:6-7, 7:4; 1John 1:9)

3a). What are the conditions for bearing fruit: (John 15:4-5; 2 Peter 1:5-8)

3b). Is bearing of fruit obligatory or a necessity? (John 15:16; Colossians 1:10; Romans 7:4)

4). Five degrees in fruit bearing: (John 15:1-8, 16)

a) No fruit (beareth no fruit) John 15:2

b) Fruit bearing (beareth fruit) John 15:2

c) More fruit (beareth more fruit) John 15:2

d) Much fruit (beareth much fruit) John 15:5, 8

e) Abiding fruit (fruit beareth) John 15:16

5). Kinds of Fruit We Need To Bear Spiritually:

a) Disciples/Converts (Sinner saved or backsliders restored) Romans 1:13; John 15:16; Luke 15:3-24; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20.

b) Christian Character (Galatians 5:22-23)

c) Christian Conduct. The fruit of righteousness (right living or behaviour) Romans 6:21-22; Philippians 1:11; 1Tim 3:15

6).    Some likely possible cause for a Christian not bearing fruit: (1Timothy 5:6; Isaiah 59:1-2; John 15:2; 1 Samuel 2:9b; 2 Peter 1:4-11)

7).    Why must a Christian not be satisfied with being saved alone: (John 15:8; Revelation 22:12; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10; Matthew 21:19; Luke 15:7, 10, 22-24)

8).    Consequence of not being fruitful: (2 Peter 1:9-10; Matthew 3:7-10; Mark. 11:14; John 15:2a)

CONCLUSION: We have a duty as a part of the body of Christ to be fruitful. God is no respecter of persons and God has saved and sanctified us so that we may be fruitful in life. Your being fruitful will surely bring good rewards and equally prove that Christ’s death and resurrection to make you live and be fruitful wasn’t in vain; and the Body of Christ (the Church) will not be stagnant because of you. Beloved, there is a promised rain for fruitfulness. Ask for it, you can then live a fruitful life. You can seek for the opportunity today in the house of God, the Church of the living God on earth.

MEMORY VERSE: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16.

Compiled By Revd Chukie MORSI