What does it mean to be a fruitful Christian?
Introduction
Being a fruitful Christian means bearing spiritual fruit for the glory of God. This involves abiding in Christ, being filled with the Holy Spirit, mortifying sin, and living a life of active obedience to God’s word. At its core, being fruitful means exemplifying the character of Christ through a life marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The Concept of Spiritual Fruitfulness
In Scripture, the concept of spiritual fruitfulness is used to describe the outcomes of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Just as an apple tree naturally produces apples when it is healthy, Christians will naturally produce spiritual fruit when they are walking closely with the Lord. The primary passage on spiritual fruit is Galatians 5:22-23, which lists nine virtues that characterize a Spirit-filled life: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” This passage shows that as believers yield to the Spirit’s work in their lives, he produces positive changes in their character and conduct.
The Source of Spiritual Fruitfulness
Spiritual fruit stems from a vital connection to Jesus Christ. He used the imagery of a vine and branches in John 15:1-8 to illustrate that apart from him, we are powerless to bear fruit. But when we abide in him, deriving spiritual life and nourishment from our relationship with him, then fruit naturally grows. It is only through dependence on Christ and the supply of the Spirit that the fruit of godly character emerges. The more time we spend delighting in God through prayer, worship, and meditating on scripture, the more fruitful we will become. As Psalm 1:1-3 describes the blessed man who delights in God’s word “in all that he does, he prospers.”
The Necessity of Pruning
In addition to abiding in Christ, pruning plays a vital role in fruitfulness. In John 15, Jesus said his Father prunes every branch that bears fruit “so that it will be even more fruitful.” Pruning happens as God uses trials to reveal and remove sinful patterns and dependencies on things other than Christ. Though painful, pruning frees us to receive more grace and yields a greater harvest of spiritual fruit. Hebrews 12:4-11 teaches that God lovingly disciplines those he calls his children, just as a father corrects his child. So we should see pruning as a means of becoming more like Christ.
Putting Sin to Death
An essential aspect of being fruitful is actively putting sin to death. Colossians 3:5 instructs us “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Mortification of sin helps clear away distractions and thorns that impede fruitfulness. It decreases our appetite for the world and increases our appetite for the things of God. Romans 8:13 explains that if we put to death the deeds of the body, we will live. God is at work in us giving us both the desire and the Spirit-empowered ability to slay sin.
Obedience to God’s Word
In addition to abiding in Christ and putting sin to death, obedience to God’s word fuels fruitfulness. In the parable of the sower, the good soil represents hearts that hear God’s word, accept it, and bear fruit through persevering obedience (Mark 4:20). Obedience moves us beyond merely hearing God’s word to actively living it out. As we walk in obedience, the process of transformation continues and Christlike virtues emerge. For example, obeying Christ’s command to love our enemies will produce spiritual fruit like compassion, patience, and forgiveness.
The Environment for Fruitfulness
Certain environmental factors promote or hinder fruitfulness. Just as plants need the right soil, water and sunlight to thrive, our spiritual environment affects our fruitfulness. We are most fruitful when immersed in a community of believers, under the preaching of the word, with full assurance of our position in Christ. But environments of unbelief, lawlessness, sin, anxiety and distraction will stunt fruitfulness. That’s why Acts 2:42 presents the early church as devoted to spiritual disciplines and fellowship – because those habits cultivate fruitfulness.
The Necessity of Faith
Faith is essential for fruitfulness. Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree as a picture of those who lack faith in him (Matthew 21:18-22). Fruit emerges as we trust God’s character and believe his word. Faith transforms trials from hindrances to opportunities for growth. As we believe God’s promises over feelings and circumstances, the Spirit develops His fruit in us. Fruitfulness also bolsters faith. As we see love, joy and other graces emerge, our faith in God’s transformative work strengthens. The fruit produced undergirds the reality of spiritual life.
Ultimate Purpose of Fruitfulness
The ultimate purpose of spirit fruit is to bring glory to God. As Jesus taught in Matthew 5:16, when people see the fruit in our lives, it causes them to glorify our Father in heaven. Galatians 5:22 describes the virtues not as the “fruits” (plural) of the Spirit, but the “fruit” (singular). It is one cluster of virtues working together to display God’s character and demonstrate the power of the gospel. As this fruit becomes visible, it shows that God is at work and attracts others to him. It also results in eternal rewards for believers as the harvest of fruit remains.
Manifestations of Spiritual Fruit
The fruit of the Spirit has outward manifestations that can be identified as evidence of true spiritual life. Here are some key ways that spiritual fruit becomes evident:
1. Christlike Character – The belieiver’s temperament, disposition, attitudes, and behaviors increasingly conform to the character of Christ.
2. The Fruit of Good Works – The believer engages in serving, generosity, and compassion towards others as the Spirit empowers the hands to match the heart.
3. Sharing the Gospel – Fruit includes sharing the message of salvation with others. Colossians 1:3-6 presents “the fruit of the work produced by the gospel.”
4. Generosity – Giving finances, time and abilities to advance God’s kingdom work is fruit, like the Macedonians described in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.
5. Praise and Thanksgiving – Hebrews 13:15 teaches that the fruit of lips giving praise glorifies God. A heart of gratitude signifies true spiritual life.
6. Converting Sinners – Proclaiming the gospel to see unbelievers converted and discipled is fruit. Paul calls the Thessalonians his “hope or joy or crown of boasting” in Christ’s presence (1 Thessalonians 2:19).
7. Prayer – Consistent prayer and intercession are fruits of the Spirit, as Paul describes Epaphras as “always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God” (Colossians 4:12).
8. Financial Giving – Contributing money to the work of ministry is called fruit. Paul thanks the Philippians for their “partnership in the gospel” by giving financially (Philippians 1:5).
These manifestations of gospel-driven living show progress in sanctification and closeness with Christ. The Spirit produces visible, tangible fruit to bless others and testify to God’s work in a changed heart.
Temporal and Eternal Aspects of Fruitfulness
Spiritual fruit has both temporal and eternal dimensions. Temporally, it produces spiritual growth in our lives now as we become more like Jesus. It also brings eternal rewards as Jesus promised “by this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8). Ephesians 5:8-11 instructs us to walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and find out what is pleasing to the Lord.” So fruitfulness results in heavenly rewards at the judgment seat of Christ. Therefore we should live fruitfully now, storing up treasures in heaven.
Conclusion
In summary, being a fruitful Christian means living a life marked by the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This happens as believers abide in union with Christ and his word, put sin to death, obey God’s commands, and live by faith in the power of the Spirit. The purpose of spiritual fruit is to glorify God as others see Christ formed in us. So as obedient disciples, we aim to be faithful branches, yielding much fruit to the honor and praise of our Father.