FOLLOWERS OF JESUS ARE TO BE FRUIT PRODUCERS!
FOLLOWERS OF JESUS ARE TO BE FRUIT PRODUCERS!
Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. —Matthew 21:43
You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. —John 15:16
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. —Matthew 7:20
Fruit… if you see apples on a tree you would know what type of tree it is. If you see oranges on a tree you would know what kind of a tree it is. If you see coconuts on a tree you would know what type of tree it is. You know the tree by its fruit.
Fruit… if you see men building the wooden structure of a house you would know they were carpenters. If you see women operating a quilting machine you would know they were quilters. If you see anyone painting on canvas you would know they were an artist. You know something about the person by what they are producing… the fruit of their hands.
Fruit… if you see a person (________________) you would know they are a follower of Jesus. What would you put in the blank? How would you describe the fruit that is in or should be in a follower of our Lord Jesus?
The fruit of a tree is determined by what type the tree is. The product is determined by what type of vocation it comes from. Therefore, the follower of Jesus will have the characteristics that Jesus determines which flows through the believer as he is lovingly obedient to his Lord.
Do I have fruit in my life because of loving obedience? It would be easy for me to say, “Well, yes I do!” The question is— “Do others see fruit in my life because of loving obedience to our Lord Jesus?” “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips” (Proverbs 27:2). Do those following Jesus see fruit in my life? Do those who don’t know Jesus see fruit in my life? May it be so!
Dear Father be pleased to bear fruit, yes much fruit through me to bring honor and glory to Your Name. May this be so as I lovingly obey and may it be by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus. So be it!