We cannot dismiss our lack of fruit by arguing that “at least we have been faithful.” Faithfulness in duty for Christ is not the same thing as abiding with Christ.
Main Points:
1. We often talk about faithfulness as the goal of the Christian life. After all, when we stand before Him, we desperately want to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” While remaining faithful is a common topic of conversation, I rarely hear God’s expectation of fruitfulness being discussed.
2. A branch disconnected from the vine has no life and cannot produce fruit on it’s own. Similarly, a Christian disconnected from Jesus has no life of their own and are incapable of producing fruit. Intimacy and closeness with Jesus, produced by our time with Him, is vital if we are going to bear fruit.
3. Our faithfulness is not meant to be passive or stagnant; rather, it should overflow into tangible acts of love, kindness, and service that bear witness to the transforming power of Christ in our lives.
Today’s Scripture Verses:
John 15:8 - “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
John 15:5 - “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
John 15:4 - “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
Galatians 5:22-23 - “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Matthew 7:20 - “by their fruit you will recognize them.”
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