Cultivating Fruit

In this week’s message, we continued our exploration of the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on Jesus' teaching about the importance of cultivating spiritual fruit, particularly in relation to the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”  Matthew 7:7-11 NLT

Key Points:

1. The Tree and Its Fruit (Matthew 7:15-23):

Jesus teaches that a tree is known by its fruit, and likewise, people are identified by their actions. Just as a good tree produces good fruit and a bad tree produces bad fruit, our lives will either produce lasting spiritual fruit or will be barren. True discipleship is marked not just by outward signs but by the fruit of godly character.

2. Gifts vs. Fruit:

Bill explained the distinction between gifts and fruit. Gifts, such as prophecy or healing, are given by God and are seasonal. They empower us to serve, but they do not define our character. On the other hand, fruit—such as love, joy, peace, and patience—must be cultivated. Developing godly character takes intentional effort, like nurturing a tree in good soil.

- Gifts are given, but fruit must be grown. Both are necessary, but while gifts are temporary, the fruit of the Spirit is eternal.

- Character and Fruit: Without the fruit of the Spirit, even the most impressive spiritual gifts are ineffective. What will remain when we stand before God is not our gifts but the fruit of our character. Love, in particular, is the lasting fruit we must cultivate (1 Corinthians 13:8).

3. Cultivating Fruit:

Bill emphasized the active work involved in cultivating the fruits of the Spirit. The soil of our hearts must be prepared through:

- The Word of God: More than just reading, we need to understand and apply it.

- Prayer: Following Jesus’ example of constant communication with God.

- Fellowship: Engaging with others helps shape our character.

- Accountability: Allowing others to speak into our lives for correction and growth (Galatians 6:2, Hebrews 3:13).

In conclusion, while gifts are vital for ministry, it’s the fruit of our lives that will have eternal value. We are called to cultivate character that reflects Christ and brings glory to God.

Apologies about the Audio quality. We had a problem with the recording which has now be rectified.