Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
—Matthew 7:20
Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? Not every Christian necessarily is.
A disciple of Jesus Christ will bring forth spiritual fruit. Jesus said, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (John 15:8), and “by their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20). If you’re a disciple of Jesus Christ, then you will produce spiritual fruit in your life.
In the parable of the sower, Jesus talked about seed falling on different kinds of ground, representing different reactions to the gospel. The final category is those who bring forth fruit: “But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred” (Mark 4:20). Those who last spiritually embrace this truth and produce spiritual fruit.
For example, praising and thanking God is bringing forth spiritual fruit. Hebrews says, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (13:15). Praising God is producing spiritual fruit.
What we say is also a type of fruit in our lives. Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).
Our change in conduct and character is also a type of spiritual fruit. Galatians 5:22 tells us, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”
Can people see these traits in your life? A Christian’s life should be characterized by these things. Are you bringing forth spiritual fruit?
|
   
   
|
|
Reply With Quote
