4 days ago2 min read

Saturday, January 04 || ARE WE BEARING FRUIT FOR CHRIST?

Read: John 15: 1-8

“I am the true Vine, and my Father is the Gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit. ...”

- John 15: 1, 2

In this allegory, there are two types of branches - indicating two groups of people - some do not bear fruit and some bear fruit. Those that do not bear fruit are not fulfilling the purpose of God in their lives. We can refer to them as apostate Christians, that is, those who make an outward profession of Christ, but ultimately turn away from Him.

In terms of outward appearance, they seem to be religious and they may observe religious rituals, but they are devoid of the fruit of the Spirit. They are dead wood. They get cut off and are thrown into the fire. Jesus spoke clearly in many passages about such Christians. Matthew 7: 21 tells us how Christ declared, “Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Jesus then described their religious activity which in their view was enough evidence of being a good Christian but which Christ did not accept. We need to note that their emphasis was on what they did, but not on what Christ had done in them.

This parable says clearly that if there is any real union with the true Vine there will be surely some life, and if there is any life, there will be some fruit. It is not that every branch would bear a bumper crop - but there is always fruit where there is life - the fruit is Christlike character, Christlike conduct and Christlike lifestyle.

Dear friends, God saved us to bear fruit for Jesus.  If we profess to be Christians but not bearing fruit, we need to examine ourselves and make some corrections before it is too late.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, let me not be a nominal Christian who make just outward profession of my faith in You. Let me be united with Jesus the true Vine, draw the Sap from Him and bear fruit that pleases You. Help me to exhibit holy, righteous and God-honoring behavior. Amen.

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