Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION

Last week, we treated the second topic in the “Divine Source” via a sub topic, titled: “Abiding results in Progress” as we progress in this year’s theme of "A Closer Walk with God". In the study, we saw the Lord Jesus Christ comparing Himself to the Vine and we His Children to the branches. God the Father, the Owner of the Vineyard, looking after both the Vine and the branches. We considered progression in fruit-bearing and how abiding in Christ leads to greater results, and concluded that abiding in Christ is key to our spiritual growth and fruitfulness. Today’s study focuses on the aspect of fruitfulness.

THE PURPOSE OF THE BRANCH - FRUITFULNESS
Verse 2: “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
Branches of a tree can serve several purposes such as creating shade from the scorching sun, home for birds, etc., but the ultimate purpose of branches is to bear fruit. It is also not just any fruit, but “good fruit”! (Matthew 7:19).

That is why Jesus emphasized this in John 15:16 where He said:
“You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name [as My representative] He may give to you [AMP]

The “fruit” that Jesus refers to is symbolical. It encompasses the character and good works of Believers that flow from a life abiding in Him. Evidenced by a spiritual manifestation as we see in Galatians 5:22-23, by performing good deeds, (Matt.5:16) and by being productive through the utilization of our gifting (Matt.25:20 & 22).

a) The Fruit of the Spirit: (Galatians 5:22-23) lists the fruits of the Spirit as love,joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are evidence of spiritual maturity. If we find ourselves lacking in any of these, we should look closely at 2 Peter 1:5-8 

b) Good Works: (Matthew 5:16) encourages believers to let their good works shinebefore others, glorifying the Father in heaven. Our actions and service are outward expressions of an inward connection to Christ.

c) Utilizing Your Gifting Efficiently and Productively: (Matthew 25:14–30) tellsof a master who was leaving his house to travel, and, before leaving, entrusted his property to his servants. The servants who got 2 and 5 talents respectively utilized their talents and where fruitful. (Matt.25:20 & 22).
These three areas are very important to be effective. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we have been Called unto good works. Unfortunately when some Believers shine their lights as Matt 5:16 tells us to, (by manifesting our gifting and abilities) people are unable to see past the stained glass marred by their bad character and consequently unable to see any good deeds and therefore are not able to glorify God.

PRUNING FOR GREATER GROWTH
Our heavenly Father is a resourceful God. He never wastes resources and will do what He must to ensure that we achieve our highest productivity levels. So He prunes us, ridding us of everything that would makes us come short of His expectations. Pruning is a necessary part of our walk with God. Although it is a painful process, it results in greater spiritual fruit.

Of what benefit is it to anyone if you have the capacity to produce at 100% but you consistently deliver 50%?

Please note that it is not a competition with the next person, of who attains the highest, or who has the most, but always performing at your fullest potential! The servants with the 2 and 5 talents both delivered 100%; they delivered at their highest potential, and their rewards were the same! See verses 21 and 23 of Matthew 25.
They both read the exact same:
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

DEPENDENCE ON CHRIST
For without me you can do nothing . . . verses 4- 5
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Fruitfulness is not possible outside of Christ. Just as a branch draws life from the vine. It is only in Him, we can draw the ability to be and to do. Philippians 4:13, says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

As Believers, our spiritual well-being and consequently our ability to thrive in life and be fruitful, is rooted on our relationship with Christ.

Question: How can we correlate this with Romans 11:29 “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance?

CONSEQUENCES OF FRUITLESSNESS
In verse 6, Jesus warns of the dangers of not abiding in Him. He said:
“If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”

As we study fruitfulness, it is important to note that there are consequences for fruitlessness.
(a) Separation from God John 15:2a "He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit." Matthew 7:19 also says: "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

(b)Spiritual Uselessness. Matt.5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."

Question: What other consequences can we find in the following scriptures?
(i) 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 (ii) Matthew 21:18-19 (iii) Luke 13:6-9 (iv) 2 Peter 1:8-9

Many believers, although not completely detached from the Vine, fail to bear fruits for a variety of reasons.
a) Their spiritual state and relationship with Christ (Isaiah 59:2)
b) The influence of worldly distractions and priorities (Luke 8:14).
c) Stunted spiritual growth. (1 Corinthians 3:1-2)

Spiritual growth is essential for fruit-bearing. Without maturing in the faith, believers will struggle to bear lasting fruit.

Question: What other reasons do we believe can cause a Believer not to bear fruits?

ABIDING IN CHRIST
Verse 7 “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
In this verse Jesus throws in a bonus as part of the package of being a connected branch that abides in Him as well as His Words abiding in the branch. You will ask what you want and it will be done to you!

How Do We Abide in Christ?
a) By Obeying His Commands: Abiding in Christ involves obeying His teachings. In John 15:10, Jesus says, "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love."

b) By Remaining in His Word: By reading, meditating, and applying Scripture, we maintain a close relationship with Him. (Psalm 1:1-3, Joshua 1:8) Remaining in His Word entails living according to the Word. Matt. 7:24-27 (MSG) Read

c) By Prayers: Prayer is another key way to abide in Christ. Prayers build your relationship with God and draws us close to God’s heart. (Philippians 4:6-7). Also, praying in the Spirit builds a deeper connection with God. Romans 8:26 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans”

d) By Walking in the Spirit: Abiding in Christ also involves walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). This means relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and direction in our daily lives. Romans 8:14 says “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God”

CONCLUSION
Fruitfulness is a sign of true discipleship. Verse 8 says: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Fruitfulness in the Believer’s life depends entirely on our connection to Jesus. He is the source of all spiritual nourishment, and apart from Him, we can do nothing. By abiding in Christ through obedience, Scripture, prayer, and walking in the Spirit, we will bear much fruit. This fruit not only benefits us but also brings glory to God and proves our discipleship.