The Way Of Christ - The Way Of Bearing Fruit

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                          "THE WAY OF CHRIST"

                        The Way Of Bearing Fruit

INTRODUCTION

1. In this series we have seen how The Way Of Christ is the way...
   a. To God    d. Of love   g. Of unity
   b. To life   e. Of joy    h. Of prayer
   c. To truth  f. Of peace  i. Of forgiveness

2. Now we shall consider that The Way Of Christ is the way of bearing
   fruit...
   a. Jesus described it as a mark of discipleship - Jn 15:8
   b. Disciples have been appointed to bear fruit - Jn 15:16
   c. Failure to bear fruit results in being taken away and burned - Jn
      15:1-2,6

[The end of unfruitful disciples is dreadful to contemplate.  To ensure
that we bear fruit and remain in The Way of Christ, note first that...]

I. BEARING FRUIT CONTINGENT ON ABIDING IN CHRIST

   A. AS EXPLAINED BY JESUS...
      1. We must abide in Him, as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself
         - Jn 15:4
      2. Abiding in him, we bear much fruit; without Him we can do
         nothing - Jn 15:5
      3. Acknowledged by Paul, a successful fruit bearer - Php 4:13; 2Co
         3:5

   B. HOW WE CAN ABIDE IN CHRIST...
      1. First, by putting Him on in baptism - Ga 3:27
      2. Then, by abiding in His love, keeping His commandments - Jn
         15:9-10; cf. 14:15,21-23

[To be a disciple, we must bear fruit.  To bear fruit, we must abide in
Christ.  To abide in Christ, we must keep His commandments.  But what
kind of fruits will disciples bear...?]

II. BEARING FRUIT MANIFESTED IN VARIOUS WAYS

   A. WINNING SOULS TO CHRIST...
      1. As expressed by Paul in his desire to go to Rome - Ro 1:13
      2. Disciples creating more disciples is a one way to bear fruit
         - cf. Mt 28:19-20

   B. SHARING WITH THOSE IN NEED...
      1. As expressed by Paul in describing the contribution to poor
         saints - Ro 15:25-28
      2. Which was evidence of God's grace at work in the givers - cf.
         2Co 8:1-2; 9:12-14

   C. DEVELOPING CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTER...
      1. Indicating that one is walking in the Spirit - Ga 5:16,22-23
      2. Evidence that one is diligent in growing in the true knowledge
         of Jesus - 2Pe 1:5-8

   D. PRAISING GOD AND GIVING THANKS...
      1. The fruit of our lips in praise and prayer are spiritual
         sacrifices - He 13:15
      2. Which we are to offer continually - He 13:15

[As we bear fruit in these different ways, we not only glorify God and
prove to be fruitful disciples, we also experience the "abundant" life
of which Jesus speaks (Jn 10:10)...]

III. BEARING FRUIT LEADS TO THE FULFILLED LIFE

   A. WINNING SOULS PRODUCES JOY...
      1. As Paul found to be case with the Thessalonians - 1Th 2:19-20
      2. As John realized with his "children" - 3Jn 1:4
      -- One reason many Christians do not live a life of joy is that
         they never bear fruit in leading others to Christ!

   B. SHARING WITH OTHERS PRODUCES HAPPINESS...
      1. Those who give are "blessed" - Ac 20:35
      2. The word "blessed" can be translated "happy"
      -- If Christians are so materialistic and selfish that they do not
         share, they will never know the blessedness of giving!

   C. DEVELOPING CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTER PRODUCES ASSURANCE...
      1. Growing in the true knowledge of Christ ensures an "abundant
         entrance" into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord - 2Pe 1:8-11
      2. Developing a Christ-like love gives assurance of one's
         discipleship and salvation - Jn 13:34-35; 1Jn 3:14,18-19
      -- Many Christians have no assurance; and no wonder, if their
         character remains unchanged as evidenced by little love for the
         brethren!

   D. PRAISING GOD AND GIVING THANKS PRODUCES PEACE...
      1. Prayer is the antidote for anxiety - Php 4:6
      2. For in response to prayer God will guard our hearts through His
         peace - Php 4:7
      -- Failing to bear much fruit in regards to prayer, Christians
         will be filled with anxious lives, not abundant living!

CONCLUSION

1. The way of bearing fruit is essential to The Way Of Christ, for
   bearing fruit is necessary...
   a. To be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ
   b. To be a fulfilled disciple of Jesus Christ

2. If you desire to truly follow The Way Of Christ...
   a. Abide in Him by keeping His commands
   b. Produce fruit that glorifies His Father

   "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so
   you will be My disciples." (Jn 15:8)

If you are not yet a disciple of Jesus, then let His own words lead you
to become one - Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-16
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