The Encourager
“The Requirements of Bearing Fruit - Jeff Curtis”
The Requirements of Bearing Fruit
By Jeff Curtis
Bearing fruit has been established in the New Testament. So, let’s look to discover some practical requirements of bearing fruit. Some think that evangelistic fruit bearing – that is, sharing the gospel with others – requires a persuasive tongue, the ability to be a good salesperson, or a remarkable amount of wisdom. In John 15, the passage says nothing about any of these. Rather, it suggests four prerequisites.
- A submissive spirit. God is the vinedresser (Jn.15:1), He owns the vineyard.
He prunes even the fruitful branches (Jn.15:2). Christ said, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (Jn.15:10).
- A studious mind. Jesus told His disciples, “You are already clean because of
the word which I have spoken to you” (Jn.15:3). The word “clean” is from the same Greek word as “prune” (Jn. 15:2). One of God’s primary “pruning tools” is His word. Christ told the eleven, “if… My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (Jn. 15:7).
A knowledge of God’s word is essential for bearing fruit – especially regarding evangelistic fruit bearing. Bible study and soul winning go hand in hand. If one knows the Word, he will share it and also feel the need to learn more about it. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matt.5:6). Nothing improves the flavor of food like hard work, and nothing improves the “flavor” of God’s Word like being busy for the Lord – especially in the matter of sharing the truth.
- A committed heart. We must commit ourselves to staying with Jesus. His
message in John 15 is “Abide in Me” (Jn.15:5). In verse 7, He said, “If you abide in Me” you will receive certain blessings. We noticed that, in many ways, our relationship with the Lord is like that of branches to a vine. But, in one respect the comparison breaks down: Branches have no choice regarding whether or not they stay attached to the vine – but we do.
The Bible teaches the security of the believer, but not the impossibility of apostasy. John 15 teaches that, even after a person has been attached to the vine he can still be removed and “cast into the fire.” If one is to be saved, he must abide in the Lord. In the Day of Judgment, a person can’t pull out their baptismal certificate and say, “Look, I was baptized on such and such a day. You HAVE to let me in.” Baptism is essential to salvation, but so is remaining faithful to the Lord (Rev. 2:10). Not only is being baptized “into Christ” important (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal, 3:26-27), but remaining “in Christ” is also vital (Rom. 3:24; 6:11,23; 8:1,39; 2Cor.2:14; Philippians 4:7,19; 1Thess. 4:16).
- A determined attitude. The nature of branches is to grow. Once they stop
growing, they die. Someone wrote, “If there are no new shoots at the top of the tree, then death has struck at its roots.” With God’s help, we will grow in the matter of bearing fruit. John 15 speaks of “fruit” (v.2), but it also speaks of “much fruit” (vv.5, 8) and “more fruit” (v.2)
What are some positive results of bearing fruit?
We will grow spiritually. We will be cleansed; we will produce “much fruit” (Jn.15:5-8) and “more fruit” (Jn.15:2).
Our prayers will be answered (Jn.15:7). If our prayer life is not what it should be, we need to examine our relationship with Jesus and see whether or not we are bearing fruit.
God will be glorified. (Jn.15:8). The vineyard is His and He is the vinedresser. As the branches bear fruit, He is glorified.
We will show ourselves to be true disciples of Jesus (Jn.15:8).
We will have joy (Jn.15;11). Paul called those who he converted his “joy and crown” (Phil.4:1). John said that he had “no greater joy” than to hear that his “children” in the faith we “walking in the truth” (3Jn.4).
Souls will be saved – ours and others.
