The Responsibility of a Believer - To Be Fruitful
The Responsibility of a Believer - To Be Fruitful
The concept of being "fruitful" is a common theme throughout the Bible. It is a call to action for all believers in Christ to live a life that produces good works and bears fruit for the glory of God. But what does it mean to be "fruitful"? Let's explore this idea further.
In John 15:5 (AMPC), Jesus says, “I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” This verse teaches us that in order to be fruitful, we must remain connected to Jesus, the source of our strength and sustenance. When we abide in Him, we can produce good works that reflect His character and bring glory to God.
So what kind of fruit are we called to produce? In Galatians 5:22-23 (AMPC), Paul writes, “But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].” These qualities reflect the character of Christ and should be evident in the lives of all believers.
In addition to producing spiritual fruit, we are also called to bear fruit in the form of good works. In James 2:14-17 (AMPC),? we are reminded that faith without works is dead. James writes, ?“What is the use (profit), my brethren, for anyone to profess to have faith if he has no [good] works [to show for it]? Can [such] faith save [his soul]? If a brother or sister is poorly clad and lacks food for each day, And one of you says to him, Good-bye! Keep [yourself] warm and well fed, without giving him the necessities for the body, what good does that do? So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).”
So, to be fruitful means to live a life that produces good works and reflects the character of Christ. It means remaining connected to Him and allowing Him to work through us to accomplish His purposes.
There are many examples of fruitful people in the Bible. One such example is Joseph, who endured years of trials and tribulations but remained faithful to God throughout. His faithfulness and obedience ultimately led to his promotion to a position of great influence in Egypt, where he was able to save many lives during a time of famine Read Genesis 37-50 (AMPC).
Another example is Mary, the mother of Jesus. Despite facing ridicule and scorn for her unexpected pregnancy, Mary remained faithful and obedient to God's plan. Her faithfulness led to the birth of the Savior of the world. Read Luke 1:26-38,(AMPC).
In modern times, there are many examples of well-known people who have lived fruitful lives. One such example is Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor in India. Her selflessness and love for others inspired countless people around the world.
Another example is Billy Graham, who devoted his life to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with millions of people. Through his preaching and evangelism efforts, countless lives were transformed and brought into a relationship with God.
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In conclusion, being fruitful is a call to action for all believers in Christ. It means living a life that produces good works and reflects the character of Christ. It means remaining connected to Him and allowing Him to work through us to accomplish His purposes. Let us strive to live lives that bear much fruit for the glory of God.
If You Have Ears to Hear, Then Hear It!
If You Have Ears To Hear, Then Hear It!
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3 个月Thank you for putting this together
Buffet Waiter at AJK Catering Services and Coordination
7 个月Amen
Manager at Applied Controls Corporation
8 个月I question the derivative mandate being to bear fruit, but should this be primarily viewed as an agricultural analogy saying, " Remain in me, abide in me, live in me, and the fruit will be the result of that. I will make you fruitful." Follow the first cause approach. What produces fruit in believer? Abiding. Then the responsibility is to abide in Jesus. How does one abide in Jesus? Through God's covenant entered into by Salvation in Christ you follow the foundational message of righteousness, faith toward God, etc as found in Hebrews 6:1-2. common fallacy is the consideration that Jesus produced fruit on his own. But he clearly said that he is fruitful because he abides in the Father. So How did Jesus practice the abiding? What his Father told him to say and do, he said and did. He was a perfect example to follow, yet he did not abide in the sayings of the Jewish tradition as it had come to be defined and interpreted in his era. His Father empowered him in his understanding by providing revelation and insight into the will of the Father, which enabled Jesus to fulfill every word of prophecy that had to be fulfilled in Christ.
Ministry Assistant at First Baptist Church Jonesboro
1 年Amen! I believe fruitfulness should be the believer's highest goal.