Got Fruit???
Luke 13:6-9
January 23, 2005
Luke 13:6-9 (NLT)
Then Jesus used this illustration: "A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. [7] Finally, he said to his gardener, ’I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s taking up space we can use for something else.’
[8] "The gardener answered, ’Give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. [9] If we get figs next year, fine. If not, you can cut it down.’ "
Planted For A Purpose
• God has a plan for you – Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Planted For A Purpose
• God has a plan for you
– God has you here for a reason
• To bear fruit – Jeremiah 17:7-8
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT)
"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. [8] They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit.
Planted For A Purpose
• God has a plan for you
– God has you here for a reason
• To bear fruit – Jeremiah 17:7-8
• To bring glory to God
The Desired Fruit
• A transformed life
– Romans 12:2
Romans 12:2 (HCSB)
Do not be conformed to this
Age, but be transformed by the
Renewing of your mind, so that you
may discern what is the good,
Pleasing, and perfect will of God
The Desired Fruit
• A transformed life
– Romans 12:2
• The fruit of the Holy Spirit – Galatians 5:22
Galatians 5:22 (NLT)
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
The Desired Fruit
• A transformed life
– Romans 12:2
• The fruit of the Holy Spirit
– The evidence of transformation
– Bears witness to God’s presence
in our lives
Called And Accountable
• What have you done with Jesus?
– Those who have put their faith in Christ will be judged for their fruitfulness or barrenness – 2 Corinthians 5:10
2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT)
For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in our bodies.
Called And Accountable
• What have you done with Jesus?
– Those who have put their faith in Christ will be judged for their fruitfulness or barrenness
– Those who have rejected Christ will also be judged – 1 Peter 4:17
1 Peter 4:17 (NLT)
For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin first among God’s own children. And if even we Christians must be judged, what terrible fate awaits those who have never believed God’s Good News?
The Patient Gardener
• Jesus intercedes for you – Hebrews 4:14-15
Hebrews 4:14-15 (NLT)
That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. [15] This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.
The Patient Gardener
• Jesus intercedes for you
• Jesus provides the resources to nurture you and make you fruitful
– His word – Psalm 119:105
Psalm 119:105 (NLT)
Your word is a lamp for my feet
and a light for my path.
The Patient Gardner
• Jesus intercedes for you
• Jesus provides the resources to nurture you and make you fruitful
– His word
– Spiritual leaders – Hebrews 13:7, 17
Hebrews 13:7 (NLT)
Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do.
Hebrews 13:17 (NLT)
Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
The Patient Gardner
• Jesus intercedes for you
• Jesus provides the resources to nurture you and make you fruitful
– His word
– Spiritual leaders
– The encouragement of others
• Hebrews 10:24-25
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)
Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. [25] And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
How Fruitful Are You?
**Powerpoint available upon request
