In our previous post in this series we have briefly looked at being faithful, fervent, and focused. Today we will look at what it means to be fruitful.
First let’s look at several passages from the beginning to see what was in God’s heart and plan for mankind.
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Genesis 1:28
Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you: birds and cattle and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth." Genesis 8:17
So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. Genesis 9:1
I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. Genesis 17:6
It should be clear, by these passages alone, God wanted men and women to multiply and be fruitful on the earth from the beginning. He wanted them to increase and fill the earth. He was not content to just have one couple on earth. He wanted a growing family. “The more the merrier” seemed to be His motto and purpose.
Scarcity, lack, and mediocracy were never God’s will. He has always been about increase and abundance. This is not some off balanced prosperity gospel idea of greed and covetousness. This was about manifesting His Kingdom on earth, and His idea from the beginning.
Later, when He called Abram, He promised to bless him exceedingly and multiply his seed (Genesis 12:2, 22:17, 26:4). Multiplication and increase were still on His mind.
As we come to the New Testament, does God still want increase? Does He still expect multiplication? Does He still expect us to be fruitful? Let’s see what scripture has to say.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 7:19
But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." Matthew 13:23
Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. John 15:4
"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
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:8
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. John 15:16
These and many other passages plainly reveal His desire is still for multiplication and fruitfulness. Otherwise why did God save us, and give us His Holy Spirit? Was it just to sit around waiting to die or be raptured? Was it simply so we could go to heaven some day? Or was it so we could bear much fruit in our short earthly lives?
If the Father intended to take us to heaven once we were saved, He would have translated us immediately when we accepted Christ. No, His purpose is for each of us to bear fruit to increase His Kingdom and glory (Isaiah 9:7). He is looking forward to rewarding those who have labored with Him in the gospel of His Son Jesus Christ to reach others and to bring them into His family.
Time is short. We must be about the Father’s business (Luke 2:49) and redeem the time that is left because the days in which we live are evil (Ephesians 5:16).
Will you pray and ask the Father to show you how you can become more fruitful? I believe the steps we have laid out in this series are a good place to begin.
In summary, become faithful in what He has given you to do. Next, rekindle the fire in your spirit, and stay fervent in your service. Then become focused on the things of the Kingdom of God. Lastly, abide
in Christ Jesus and allow the pruning of the Father so you will bear much fruit.
In addition to these things, Peter gives a detailed list of virtues we should all exemplify in our walk with the Lord (2 Peter 1:2-11). Doing these things will guarantee a life that is pleasing to the Lord, and one that is continually increasing in fruitfulness.
This life is short. We only get to do this once. Let’s be faithful, fervent, focused, and fruitful.
New subject next time. Until then, may God our Heavenly Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, richly bless and keep you.
James Brown
12/15/2024