December 23, 2015:  SOAP #2211:  

Scripture:  John (NIV) 15:2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful…. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples…. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.

Observation:   Fruit must be important because Jesus spoke of it the last time he was with the disciples before going to the cross.  The fruit on a tree is an outward expression of the inner nature of that tree.  Oranges come from a tree that has the nature of an orange tree, etc.  And so it is with people in whom God dwells by his Spirit.  There are outward expressions of that inner nature.  Galatians 5 gives a list of fruit that can be seen:  love, joy, peace, etc.  Others who come to believe in Jesus through one’s testimony are also fruit.

Application:   A Christian who has no fruit is like a fruit tree that bears no fruit.  It is unnatural.  The branch that bears no fruit is to be cut off.  –When I do not feed the spiritual man, the flesh becomes stronger and begins to express its fruit.  I take on the attitudes and expressions of the world.  –But when I focus on building up the spiritual part by doing things that help me grow in my relationship to God, the fruit of the Spirit can be seen in my life more and more.
Prayer:   Lord, by your Holy Spirit make me more like you.  May my life bring you glory by having much fruit.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!