Bearing Fruit in Christ
How to Use This Teaching Article
When you meet in your small group, spend the entire session walking through each fruit. Communicate how you are progressing and what you can do to increase your fruit-bearing efforts.
Notice Matthew 28:20:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV)
What if, for every Bible study we participated in or every sermon we heard, we then had a session in which we gave an account of our efforts to obey what we learned?
John 15:1–5
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth no fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (KJV)
15:1 true vine. Israel had been pictured in the Book of the Covenants (OT) as God’s vine, yet it became unproductive (Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 2:21). Here Christ asserts that He is the true vine whose good fruits last forever.
15:2 he takes away. The true Christ-follower will bear good fruit. The pseudo-Christian will not bear lasting fruit, and will ultimately be cast into the fire (15:6), just like the false wheat in the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:28-30, 41-42).
15:2 bears fruit. Note the threefold categories of a Christ-follower: (1) fruit-bearing (15:2), (2) more fruit-bearing (15:2), and (3) much fruit-bearing (15:5). This corresponds to the categories of Christians in Matthew 13:8, 23 who produce thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and one hundredfold. The measure varies, but the fruit is always lasting.
15:2 purges it. Christ, through the Spirit, lovingly prunes us so that we might be more fruitful. Pruning involves the Lord applying pressure or trial to lead us into a more fruitful Christian life and witness. What a realization—that His pruning is an act of love!
15:4 abide in me. The word “abide” is the same as “continue” or “remain” (John 8:31). To abide is not mystical; it means adhering to the words of Christ as true and authoritative, and seeking to obey them.
15:5 abide in me. Repeated for emphasis, this phrase shows that outward evidence will be present in every true Christian. Fruit will take different forms, but it will always be there.
Assessing Your Progress
For each fruit listed below, circle one:
1 = Increasing | 2 = Neutral | 3 = Decreasing
Then reflect on the application question.
#12 Biblical Total Truth Worldview (1, 2, 3)
Deuteronomy 4:5-6 (NIV)
“See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’”
Acts 20:27 (AMP)
“For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose and plan of God.”
➡️ Does your present life in Christ address the broader cultural issues around you? Which ones can you explain Biblically?
#13 Defending the Faith (1, 2, 3)
1 Peter 3:15 (AMP)
“But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.”
➡️ Name one area where you presented a logical defense of your faith. What was the outcome?
#14 Moral Uprightness (1, 2, 3)
2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP)
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].”
➡️ List several strengths of your moral character. Where is the Spirit still refining you?
#15 A Life of Prayer (1, 2, 3)
Ephesians 6:18 (AMP)
“With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.”
➡️ Describe your prayer life. When was the last time you prayed spontaneously out loud with someone?
#16 Wisdom and Knowledge (1, 2, 3)
Proverbs 1:1-4 (AMP)
“The proverbs (truths obscurely expressed, maxims) of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: To know [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction; To discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight, To receive instruction in wise behavior and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, Righteousness, justice, and integrity; That prudence (good judgment, astute common sense) may be given to the naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], And knowledge and discretion (intelligent discernment) to the youth.”
➡️ Which are you excelling in more right now—wisdom (making righteous decisions) or knowledge (knowing accurate facts)?
#17 Seeking the Kingdom First (1, 2, 3)
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
➡️ How are you prioritizing the Kingdom of God in your daily life?
#18 Resisting the Devil (1, 2, 3)
2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV)
“…in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”
➡️ List three schemes of the devil. In what two ways have you resisted him this past month?
#19 Loving God, Hating Evil (1, 2, 3)
Psalm 97:10 (LSB)
“Hate evil, you who love Yahweh, who keeps the souls of His holy ones; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”
➡️ How has your love for God been demonstrated in standing against evil in the last two weeks?
#20 Ministry to Others (1, 2, 3)
Acts 10:38 (NASB95)
“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”
➡️ Do you presently have a ministry? How do you measure its success? Do you pray spontaneously with others for healing?
#21 Work and Generosity (1, 2, 3)
Ephesians 4:28 (NIV)
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
➡️ How diligently are you working to extend the Kingdom of God? When you give, do you discern whether the need is legitimate?
Final Comments
How did you assess yourself? Circle one: Pleased, Motivated, Convicted.
Remember: Christ is more interested in progress than perfection.
As Jesus said:
“By their fruits you shall know them.” (Matt. 7:20 KJV)
Please consider leading a follow-up gathering where everyone shares how they have obeyed the Truth they learned.
Progressively bearing fruit with you,
In Him,
Dale