BEARING FRUIT IN KEEPING WITH REPENTANCE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 3:8
Supporting Texts: Luke 6:43-45, John 15:4-8, Galatians 5:22-24, Romans 6:1-2, James 2:17-20
INTRODUCTION:
Repentance is more than a verbal confession; it is a change of heart that must reflect in a change of life. True repentance is visible—it bears fruit. When John the Baptist told the Pharisees to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance," he was pointing them beyond mere religious formality to a transformed life that shows evidence of inner renewal.
Genuine repentance produces a lifestyle that aligns with the values of the Kingdom of God. It impacts our choices, character, speech, relationships, and priorities. Bearing fruit means others can observe the righteousness of God expressed through us.
This sermon will examine the meaning of spiritual fruit, how it validates our repentance, and the consequences of a fruitless Christian life. God is calling His people not just to claim repentance—but to demonstrate it.
1. REPENTANCE MUST PRODUCE EVIDENT CHANGE
True repentance is not invisible. It leads to visible results in conduct and character.
a) Real Repentance Involves Turning from Sin (Romans 6:1-2)
Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid!
b) A Changed Heart Reflects in Changed Behaviour (Luke 6:45)
Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks—and the life behaves.
c) God Looks for Fruits as Evidence (Matthew 3:10)
The axe is laid to the root of trees that bear no fruit.
d) Repentance Produces a Desire to Please God (2 Corinthians 5:9)
We make it our aim to please Him in all things.
Biblical Example: Zacchaeus—after encountering Jesus, he repented and immediately showed the fruit of restitution and generosity (Luke 19:8-9).
2. FRUITFULNESS IS A MARK OF A TRUE BELIEVER
A genuine believer cannot remain unfruitful. Jesus expects productivity.
a) Every Tree is Known by Its Fruit (Luke 6:43–44)
You cannot bear bad fruit if you are truly rooted in Christ.
b) Abiding in Christ is Key to Fruitfulness (John 15:4-5)
Without Him, we can do nothing; with Him, fruit becomes inevitable.
c) God Prunes Fruitful Believers for Greater Fruit (John 15:2)
Fruit-bearing is not a one-time event; it must increase.
d) Fruitlessness Brings Divine Displeasure (John 15:6)
Branches that bear no fruit are removed and burned.
Biblical Example: The fig tree cursed by Jesus—It had leaves but no fruit, and it withered because it failed to meet divine expectations (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21).
3. THE FRUIT OF REPENTANCE IS SEEN IN CHARACTER
Repentance produces godly traits that show the world who we belong to.
a) The Fruit of the Spirit Reveals Inner Transformation (Galatians 5:22-23)
Love, joy, peace, and other virtues are signs of spiritual growth.
b) Character Is a Stronger Witness Than Words (James 2:17)
Faith without works is dead.
c) A Transformed Life Testifies More Than a Confession (Titus 1:16)
Some profess God but deny Him by their actions.
d) Holiness Is the Natural Fruit of True Repentance (Hebrews 12:14)
Without holiness, no one shall see the Lord.
Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son—After returning, his change of attitude, humility, and obedience showed that his repentance was real (Luke 15:18-21).
4. REPENTANCE THAT BEARS FRUIT INFLUENCES OTHERS
Our fruit impacts lives, glorifies God, and furthers the Kingdom.
a) Fruitful Believers Inspire Transformation in Others (Matthew 5:16)
Let your light shine, that others may glorify your Father.
b) Fruit Brings Glory to God (John 15:8)
By bearing much fruit, we prove we are His disciples.
c) Our Lives Must Match Our Message (Philippians 2:15)
We must shine as lights in a crooked world.
d) Fruitfulness Helps Others Find Jesus (2 Corinthians 2:15)
Our lifestyle can be a fragrance of life to those who are being saved.
Biblical Example: Paul the Apostle—His transformed life and consistent fruit impacted generations and gave credibility to his message (Acts 9:20-22, 2 Timothy 4:7-8).
CONCLUSION:
God is calling the Church to a deeper level of sincerity and fruitfulness. It is not enough to say, “I repent.” Our lives must bear evidence of that repentance. As trees planted in God’s vineyard, we are expected to yield fruit that shows we are truly changed.
Ask yourself: Is there fruit in my life that proves my repentance? Let your confession be backed by transformation. The world is watching, and God is inspecting.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to bear fruit that proves my repentance.
2. Father, prune me so I can become more fruitful in Your Kingdom.
3. Deliver me from spiritual barrenness and inconsistency.
4. Fill me with the fruit of the Spirit daily.
5. Let my life be a true testimony of Your transforming power.
6. Uproot every unfruitful habit or relationship in my life.
7. Help me to live a life that attracts others to Jesus.
8. Strengthen me to walk in holiness and truth.
9. May my character and actions glorify You always.
10. Keep me rooted and abiding in Christ until the end.
