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Now Is the Time to Bear Fruit
Gardening can be a rewarding experience—planting, watering, and watching for fruit to grow. But imagine nurturing a fruit tree for years, only to find the fruit bitter or sour. All that effort feels wasted, and you’re tempted to cut the tree down.
Jesus used this very image to describe our spiritual lives. Like trees, we are expected to grow and bear fruit. But what kind of fruit are we producing? Is it sweet and pleasing to God, or dry and bitter?
The Parable of the Fig Tree: Act Now
In Luke 13:6–9, Jesus tells a parable about a fig tree that bore no fruit for three years. The owner wanted to cut it down, seeing it as a waste of space and resources. But the keeper pleaded for one more year to care for it.
This parable reminds us that while God is patient, He also expects results. “I’ll serve God later” may be too late. We must act now—while we still have the chance.
Abide in Jesus and His Word
Jesus said,
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Our spiritual growth depends on our connection with Him. But how do we stay connected when He’s no longer physically with us?
He explains in John 15:7,
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you…”
To abide in Jesus is to treasure and live by His word. If God’s word no longer moves or challenges us, then our hearts may have grown dull.
The Condition of Our Hearts
In Matthew 13, Jesus compares our hearts to soil in the Parable of the Sower.
- Some seeds fall by the wayside—quickly snatched away by the devil.
- Others fall on stony ground—initially received with joy, but wither under pressure.
- Some fall among thorns—choked by worldly worries and desires.
- Only seeds that fall on good ground take root and bear abundant fruit.
Which type of soil describes your heart today?
We must clear away the stones and thorns—spiritual distractions and worldly desires—that hinder growth.
Remove Carnal Desires
Paul reminds us in Romans 7:4–5 that our old sinful passions bear fruit to death. But through Christ, these passions can be crucified.
After baptism, we are called to live by the Spirit—not by the flesh. Yet many of us cling to our old ways, treating sinful desires as precious.
But Galatians 5:16 offers hope:
“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
Through the Holy Spirit, we receive strength to overcome sin and bear good fruit.
Support One Another
Spiritual growth isn’t meant to be a solo effort. Hebrews encourages us to meet often, stirring one another to love and good works.
Whether during spiritual convocations or informal fellowship, we can:
- Pray together
- Share testimonies
- Reflect on God’s word
- Encourage one another in love
These habits strengthen our walk and help us grow fruitfully as a body of Christ.
Embrace Trials and Discipline
Finally, trials and God’s discipline are part of bearing fruit.
In 1 Peter 1:6–9, we are reminded that trials refine our faith, making it more precious than gold.
And Hebrews 12:11 tells us:
“No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Don’t reject trials or discipline. Embrace them as God’s way of cultivating your heart to produce lasting fruit.
In Conclusion
What fruit are you bearing today?
- Are you rooted in Christ?
- Nourished by His word?
- Empowered by the Holy Spirit?
- Enduring God’s trials and discipline with faith?
Now is the time to bear fruit—while the keeper still pleads on your behalf. Don’t delay. Produce fruit worthy of the Lord’s vineyard.
Come join us for the Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). Bring your family and friends as we understand what it takes to return to God and pursue spiritual growth and bear fruits for God. We look forward to seeing you!
Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Please find our church location below:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
Google Maps
In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org