Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:17-20
Bearing good fruit is a test for every tree, not just prophets and teachers. In fact, our faithfulness as disciples of Jesus Christ is evidenced by our bearing much fruit (John 15:8). To do otherwise results in our being cut down (or cut off) and thrown into the fire.
The Scriptures make it abundantly clear: only the abiding life makes fruit bearing possible – Jesus and His words abiding in us, and our abiding in Him, His love, and His word (John 15:7-9, John 8:31). Abiding runs both ways; it is an intimate relationship. Jesus is faithful in His abiding. When it comes to bearing fruit, we are the limiting factor.
The Greek word for abide is menō. It also means to remain, continue and endure. The abiding life is not event-oriented, and it is not passive. In fact, it is a commandment requiring our intentional and diligent obedience. We must choose to abide.
Furthermore, while God is working in us to will and to do to His good pleasure, we must be working out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13).
The good fruit that every good tree bears is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and the good work God has created for us to walk in – work that glorifies the Father (Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 5:16). Good work is God’s work.
Abiding requires our enduring the transformational work of the Holy Spirit (2Corinthians 3:18). The removal of impatience and a judgmental spirit are two personal examples. Furthermore, God uses the chaos of transformation to work His way, truth and life into us; and to work out the hooks, habits and hang-ups that interfere with our glorifying Him and enjoying His presence.
Abiding in Jesus’ words (and the pursuit of them abiding in us) involves searching out the truths and mysteries of the kingdom – not just reading, but studying the Holy Bible. Personally, doing so has increased my love of the truth, and made me free (John 8:32). Searching out the many “matters” of Scripture (Proverbs 25:2) has been used by God to transform me by the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:2). I have found the word of God to be, as He promised, alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12).
Most important to this saying of Jesus, the diligence we apply to the discipline of Bible study results in the abundance of good fruit. We are just branches, and it is by His life and power that the fruit is produced. Our part is small, but critically important.
The promises of God in the sayings of Jesus are true for every one of His children. However, Jesus’ encouragement for us to both hear and do His sayings means there is something for us to do. It may be choosing to endure the Holy Spirit’s work. It may be putting to death the deeds of the flesh (by the Spirit). It may be searching out the mysteries of the kingdom, that we might become faithful stewards.
Lastly, all that we do must be done in faith and in the will of the Father. He does not hide His will from us. Ask His Son, our Lord and Master, to give you His command. Rest assured that His command will come packaged with the faith and grace you need, and with His loving assurance to lead you into His kingdom.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob
#iamjustthepen