Song Numbers

Bearing Fruit (Lesson 2) Jn. 15:1-8

Jn. 15:1-8 1. Jesus is the “true vine” 2. God the Father is the “husbandman” – the owner 3. Christians are “branches” 4. Christians must abide in Christ in order to bear fruit

5. The Vine supplies the branch with the ability to bear fruit – but the branch (Christian) must do his part in bearing fruit

I. Christians must bear fruit

II. To bear fruit, Christians must abide in Christ

To be a disciple – A Christian – we must bear fruit To bear fruit we abide be in Christ To abide in Christ we must keep His commandments WHAT KIND OF FRUIT WILL CHRISTIANS BEAR?

III. Bearing fruit is manifested in many ways

1. Sharing with those in need

2. Developing Christ-like Character Gal. 5:16 [16] This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

The Fruit of the Spirit – Gal 5:22-23 [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

2 Pet. 1:5-8 Christian Graces [5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; [6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

[7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. [8] For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faith This is our own personal faith which comes as a result of a study of the Scriptures

Virtue This means, “moral goodness, moral excellence.” It is the courage to act according to what is right.

Knowledge This is the knowledge that brings growth, perfection, and maturity to the Christian.

Temperance This is self-control and literally means to hold oneself in. This is the ability to keep one’s appetites, desires, tongue, temper, and thoughts under control

Patience This word literally means “abiding or remaining under” and denotes endurance or steadfastness. It characterizes the man who is unswerving in his deliberate purpose to serve God even in the midst of heartache and trial.

Godliness Deep devotion to God – shown by our willingness to obey His commandments It is this which causes us to give God the place in our lives --- and worships and serves God in the right way

Brotherly kindness From the Greek (philadelphia) which is love for brethren. It is the concern that Christians should have for each other.

Love It is seeking someone else’s well-being above everything else, and sacrifices self for them.

3. Maintaining good works Titus 3:14 [14] And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

Mt. 5:16 [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

4. Giving praise and thanksgiving to God Heb. 13:15 [15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

5. Righteousness Phil. 1:11 [11] Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Heb. 12:11 [11] Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

6. Holiness Rom. 6:22 [22] But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

7. Evangelism – winning souls for Christ Rom. 1:13 [13] Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles

We have the responsibility to preach to the lost We cannot force them to receive the word God is the one who gives the increase

1 Cor. 3:6-7 [6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. [7] So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

“The N.T. definitely teaches that as Christians we should do all that we can to convert as many as possible (Mt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15-16). However, there may be some who are so old, infirm, and lacking in knowledge when they are….

Converted that they are not in position to go and teach some one the gospel. But they can live the Christian life and possess the nine elements of the fruit of the Spirit.” (Garland Elkins)

“Fruit - bearing branches of the Lord (his disciples) are ‘cleansed’ by discipline, training, and growth to produce more fruit. Fruit for the Christian, is specified in Gal. 5:22-23, and involves all the good works expected of those who are wholly dedicated to the Lord.” (Guy N. Woods)

“Fruit bearing is intently inclusive of all Christian activities “Fruit bearing is intently inclusive of all Christian activities. It is not restricted JUST to winning souls as some, who lack full comprehension, have contended. Crossroads has been notorious in this concept.” (Robert R. Taylor, Jr.)

The branches that were cast forth 1. They became unfruitful 2. They were cut from the Vine 3. They were gathered up 4. And cast into the fire This is a figurative description of those who stop being faithful to the Lord

Rev. 2:10 …be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.