Let the Fruit Remain

One of the important things that God seeks from every child of His is fruit bearing. Every tree produces its kind and because we are created in the image of God we need to reflect or represent Him gracefully in this world. We are commanded and expected to bear fruit as followers of Christ. As difficult as it is to bear fruit the greater struggle is to let the fruit remain. What fruit do we have to show as evidence since we got saved, repented or became a disciple?

FRUIT BEARING

• Bearing fruit is a direct evidence of our repentance.

• Bearing fruit reveals the nature of God in us.

• Bearing fruit is a result of a deeper work in us.

FRUIT REMAINING

• Fruit bearing is an indication of who you are connected to but fruit remaining reveals who you are living for. [Matthew 12:33]

• Fruit bearing can be temporary but fruit remaining becomes a character. [Matthew 7:17]

• Fruit bearing can be an act but fruit remaining becomes a lifestyle. [James 3:12]

WHY OUR FRUIT DO NOT REMAIN

UNENLIGHTENED UNDERSTANDING [Matthew 13:19]

We fall short when we depend solely on our own understanding when it comes to Word of God. The Word is Spirit and it can be fully understood, retained, and applied to our lives daily by the help of the Holy Spirit.The devil can reason out the truth as he did to Eve in the garden of Eden. We can also quickly lose the memory of the Word or the power thereof when we lack the revelation of the truth of God.

SHALLOW ROOTS [Matthew 13:21]

The root gives every tree its stability, needed nutrients for growth and fruit bearing.The deeper the root the more firm a tree is to survive any storm or negative climate.

Jesus said in this world you will have trouble but take heart! I have overcome the world.When we fail or ignore to nurture our relationship with Christ daily we forfeits the privilege to grow deeper, thus securing our lives to the anchor of our soul. We can or will fall away quickly if our roots are not deep enough when we encounter trials and temptations.

THORNS THAT CHOKES THE LIFE IN US [Matthew 13:22]

The sharp pointed edges of thorns can easily poke into or defilate their objects. The life challenges we all face and the pursuit of riches at all cost has the ability to choke the life in us. It can kill our passion or delight for God, cast doubt about His promises or make us lose our reverence fear for the Lord. When we give in to the pressures of our peers and the world we lose our connection to Christ causing us to lose our fruit.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR FRUIT REMAIN

DIVINE ENLIGHTENMENT AND OBEDIENCE

It is important always to pray to the Holy Spirit to give us understanding before reading the bible. It is also critical to make it our prayer that God will speak to our heart through His Word being taught or preached.

Our obedience to the Word daily produces spiritual nutrients (grace) to bear fruit and in an increasing measure. Our continuous obedience enables our fruit to remain, making the nature of Christ in us become a lifestyle.

INTIMACY AND TRANSFORMATION [John 15:4]

The branch of a Vine need to stay attached or connected in order for the fruit to remain. Jesus said without Him we cannot do anything. If the branch is cut off or broken from the Vine then the fruit will eventually fall off.

Intimacy requires intentional steps on our part; our willingness to surrender, seeking Him in prayer and obedience to His will. There are costs involved and sacrifices to be made in denying our self in order to become more like Him.

DISCIPLINE AND FAITHFULNESS Discipline has never been pleasant but always necessary to grow into maturity. It is important heed to the conviction and chastisement of the Spirit because God disciplines the one He loves. God is interested in helping us get rid of the old habits and behaviors hindering our fruit bearing as well as bearing much more fruit.

Standing firm on His promises and trusting Him in the midst of trials and temptations by the power of the Spirit makes our fruit remain. The fruit we bear in adversity is the evidence of the goodness and power of God.

Let us faithfully abide in Him to ensure our fruit remain. Holy Spirit help us not only in bearing fruit but to let the fruit remain so that when the world look at us they can see Jesus.

God bless you.