FRUIT-BEARING EVIDENCE OF THE FOLLOWER OF JESUS
FRUIT-BEARING EVIDENCE OF THE FOLLOWER OF JESUS
“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” —Matthew 13:18-23
Don’t be surprised or discouraged when you share the gospel with people and they do not call on the name of the Lord to be saved (Romans 10:13). Also, don’t be downcast when people do, apparently, call on the Lord to be saved and yet after awhile they drift away. The parable of the sower is very clear that a small percentage of people will believe. Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).
In the explanation of the Parable of the Sower above there are commonalities with the four groups of people mentioned. The first is that they all HEARD THE WORD. They heard because someone had “beautiful feet” and proclaimed the gospel to them (Romans 10:13-15). The question I have for myself is— Am I faithfully sowing the Word of God? People can only hear/read (John 20:31) as we share the gospel with them verbally or in written form. The second commonality is that there was a response and the response was because of a CAUSE. The first three groups mentioned did not respond with positive results. Satan, persecution, cares of this world/deceitfulness of riches CAUSE the Word of God to be UNFRUITFUL. And, Jesus said, “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20).
The only group of people mentioned that is GOOD SOIL is the last group. This group “hears the word and understands it. He indeed BEARS FRUIT and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” See the difference? This group of people not only HEARS, but they understand. Their fruit gives the evidence that they truly have understood. Hmmm… what fruit is in my life that gives evidence that I have truly called on the Lord to be saved? What evidence is there in your life? Fruit in the life is the evidence. Just saying words is not evidence. James 2:14-26 makes this very clear. Action and not just words show whose I really am. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zaaiFp4RSM
Dear Father may I faithfully proclaim Your Word and in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus to bear much fruit for Your Honor and glory. May it be so! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0llCZypNQG4