Embracing Spiritual Fruitfulness in Our Christian Journey

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of spiritual fruitfulness in our Christian walk. We began by acknowledging the blessings we have as a church family and the grace and love of God that surrounds us. Our collective efforts as a church are vital in being a beacon of hope and light in our community. I encouraged everyone to consider how they could contribute to the ongoing ministry and mission of Revival Tab through financial support, which is crucial for reaching sinners, raising believers, and releasing leaders.

We delved into the importance of giving with a generous heart, reflecting on Luke 6:38, which promises that the measure we use to give will be the measure given back to us. Our offerings are a reflection of our commitment to God's kingdom and our desire to see His will done on earth as it is in heaven.

I also highlighted the upcoming events, including our Good Friday joint service with Perfecting Church, where we will be sharing the seven last words of Christ. This is a time for us to come together and support our ministers as they minister in the name of the Lord.

The core of the message was about being a productive Christian, which involves recognizing the power of spiritual fruit, remembering the purposes of spiritual fruit, and resisting the predator of spiritual fruit. We revisited the analogy of the vine and branches from John 15, emphasizing that Jesus is the vine, we are the branches, and God is the vine keeper. The Holy Spirit's abiding presence in our lives produces spiritual fruit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

We discussed the spiritual attacks that can come when dealing with the Holy Spirit and the importance of being prayed up and asking the Holy Spirit to fill us again daily. The Holy Spirit acts like an x-ray, revealing things in our lives that do not belong and helping us to remove them so we can be productive Christians.

I also addressed the need for more children's ministry workers as our church grows, both biologically and spiritually, and the special projects the children are preparing for Easter Sunday.

In conclusion, we prayed for those needing a fresh start or a recommitment to their relationship with Jesus, and we celebrated the power of God to make us new creations in Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- Spiritual fruitfulness is not just a personal benefit but a means to meet the needs of others, reflecting the love and character of Christ to the world. As we embody the fruit of the Spirit, we become conduits of God's love, joy, peace, and other attributes, drawing others closer to Him. ([49:31])

- The Holy Spirit's role in our lives is akin to an x-ray, revealing what needs to be removed for us to travel freely in our spiritual journey. This divine pruning ensures that we carry no excess baggage that hinders our growth and productivity as Christians. ([32:17])

- Recognizing the power of spiritual fruit involves understanding that each aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is interconnected and must be present in our lives. Like an apple with its core, seeds, flesh, and peel, the fruit of the Spirit is one whole piece, and we must exhibit all its components to truly reflect Christ. ([33:26])

- The purposes of spiritual fruit extend beyond personal growth; they are intended to meet the basic human needs of others and to propagate the faith. As we bear spiritual fruit, we not only become more like Christ but also help others to grow and mature in their faith. ([58:24])

- Resisting the predator of spiritual fruit requires vigilance and a commitment to nurturing the fruit within us. The devil, like a roaring lion, seeks to devour our spiritual fruit, but by yielding to the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can protect and multiply the fruit in our lives. ([01:06:29])

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
- "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

2. John 15:1-8 (ESV)
- "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."

3. Luke 6:38 (ESV)
- "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the nine components of the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23?
2. According to John 15:1-8, who is the vine, who are the branches, and who is the vinedresser?
3. In Luke 6:38, what does Jesus promise will happen when we give generously? [18:32]
4. What analogy did the pastor use to describe the Holy Spirit's role in our lives, and how does it help us become productive Christians? [32:01]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the analogy of the vine and branches in John 15 help us understand our relationship with Jesus and the importance of bearing spiritual fruit? [28:08]
2. Why is it important to recognize that the fruit of the Spirit is a single entity with multiple components, rather than separate fruits? [33:34]
3. How can the Holy Spirit act like an x-ray in our lives, and what is the significance of this process for our spiritual growth? [32:01]
4. What are the purposes of spiritual fruit as discussed in the sermon, and how do they extend beyond personal growth? [46:16]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the nine components of the fruit of the Spirit. Which one do you find most challenging to exhibit in your daily life, and why? What steps can you take to cultivate this aspect more intentionally? [26:02]
2. The pastor mentioned the importance of being "prayed up" and asking the Holy Spirit to fill us daily. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine to ensure you are spiritually prepared for the day? [30:33]
3. Think of a time when you felt spiritually attacked or hindered in your walk with God. How did you respond, and what can you do differently in the future to resist these attacks more effectively? [29:29]
4. The sermon highlighted the need for more children's ministry workers. How can you contribute to your church's growth, either by volunteering in a specific ministry or supporting it in other ways? [20:38]
5. Identify a person in your life who may be struggling with basic human needs such as love, joy, or peace. What specific actions can you take this week to meet one of their needs through the fruit of the Spirit? [47:07]
6. The pastor emphasized the importance of financial support for the church's mission. How can you evaluate and possibly increase your financial contributions to support your church's ministry and outreach efforts? [18:04]
7. Consider the upcoming Good Friday joint service and Easter Sunday. How can you prepare your heart and mind to fully engage in these events and support your church community during this significant time? [22:01]

Devotional

Day 1: Embodying Christ's Love and Character
The journey of spiritual fruitfulness is not solely for personal edification but serves a higher purpose of meeting the needs of others. As believers embody the fruit of the Spirit, they become vessels through which God's love, joy, peace, and other attributes flow into the world. This transformative process is not instantaneous but requires a daily commitment to living out the character of Christ in every interaction. By doing so, one's life becomes a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, drawing others closer to God and fostering a community that thrives on divine love and grace. [49:31]

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

Reflection: How can you demonstrate one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit in a practical way to someone in your community today?


Day 2: Divine Pruning for Spiritual Freedom
The Holy Spirit's role in our lives is to illuminate areas that require growth or removal, much like an x-ray reveals hidden fractures. This divine pruning is essential for believers to travel lightly on their spiritual journey, ensuring that no excess baggage hinders their growth and productivity in Christ. As one submits to this process, they experience the freedom that comes from letting go of burdensome habits, thoughts, or behaviors that do not align with God's purpose for their lives. The result is a life marked by increased spiritual fruitfulness and a closer walk with the Lord. [32:17]

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." - Philippians 1:6 ESV

Reflection: What is one area in your life that you feel the Holy Spirit is prompting you to surrender or improve upon for greater spiritual health?


Day 3: The Interconnectedness of Spiritual Fruit
Understanding the power of spiritual fruit involves recognizing that each aspect is interconnected and essential for a well-rounded Christian life. Just as an apple consists of various parts that make it whole, the fruit of the Spirit is comprised of multiple attributes that together reflect the fullness of Christ within us. It is not enough to exhibit one or two of these traits; believers are called to cultivate each aspect, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform them into the likeness of Jesus. This holistic approach to spiritual growth ensures that one's life bears fruit that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. [33:26]

"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 12:13 ESV

Reflection: Which aspect of the fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to exhibit, and what steps can you take to cultivate it in your life?


Day 4: Spiritual Fruit for Propagation of Faith
The purposes of spiritual fruit extend far beyond personal sanctification; they are designed to meet the fundamental human needs of others and to further the gospel. As believers bear spiritual fruit, they not only become more Christ-like but also facilitate the spiritual growth and maturity of those around them. This propagation of faith is a natural outcome of living a life that is rich in the Spirit, as it inspires and encourages others to seek a deeper relationship with God. The impact of one's spiritual fruitfulness can therefore ripple outwards, affecting the faith journey of countless individuals. [58:24]

"By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." - John 15:8 ESV

Reflection: How can you use your spiritual gifts to help someone else grow in their faith this week?


Day 5: Guarding Against the Predator of Spiritual Fruit
Resisting the predator of spiritual fruit requires constant vigilance and a proactive approach to nurturing the fruit within us. The adversary seeks to destroy or corrupt the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can stand firm against such attacks. By remaining connected to the vine, which is Christ, and by being filled with the Spirit daily, one can protect and even multiply the fruit in their lives. This spiritual battle is won through prayer, scripture, and a steadfast commitment to living in obedience to God's will. [01:06:29]

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." - 1 Peter 5:8 ESV

Reflection: What spiritual disciplines can you strengthen or implement to protect the spiritual fruit you are cultivating in your life?

Quotes

"The Holy Spirit, the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives produces spiritual fruit. Let me say that one more time the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives Produces spiritual fruit." [29:50]( | | )

"The Holy Spirit does the exact same thing for you and me he goes through our stuff. He may have picked up on something that is in our bag That doesn't belong there and he's not about to take off with someone who's got some questionable baggage." [32:17]( | | )

"We are to show evidence of the fruit of the Spirit not fruits of the Spirit. What's the difference between fruit and fruits? A tree just may bear many apples But it is fruit from the same tree." [33:26]( | | )

"The fruit of the Spirit sums up everything that we need to be like Christ. It really is Which is one of the main purposes God has for our lives For us to be like Christ." [38:01]( | | )

"Spiritual fruit is produced to meet the needs of others. Let me give you number two number two simply is spiritual fruit is produced. I want you all to say this word with me Propagation." [58:24]( | | )

"To be productive Christians, we must recognize the power of spiritual fruit We must remember the purposes for spiritual fruit and lastly We got to resist the predator of spiritual fruit." [01:01:06]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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