Fruitfulness

Nobody likes failing. We enjoy success; we like to achieve things, especially if others notice and cheer us on.

So, what does the Bible teach us about success – about finding success or being successful?

In the Old Testament, individuals found success as they prayed and trusted God for help in achieving something. For example, Abraham’s servant found success in finding a wife for Isaac in Genesis 24 and we are told that David was successful in all of his battles after defeating Goliath (see 1 Sam 18: 30). The book of Proverbs even tells us that The Lord “holds success in store for the upright” (Prov 2: 7).

But, interestingly, the word doesn’t seem to exist in the New Testament!

However, the New Testament does have a lot to say about fruitfulness. For example, Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15: 8).

Much fruit. Did you notice that? The purpose of being a disciple of Jesus is to bear fruit. Much fruit.

What is the fruit Jesus wants us to bear? What does it look like? Let’s break this down into two areas:

1. The Lord wants every Christian believer to bear fruit personally.

Every graduate from Sunday school knows Galatians 5: 22, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” God wants to grow and develop those characteristics in our hearts and everyday practices, and it is an ongoing process throughout our lives.

2. As important as the fruits of the Spirit are, God also wants churches to be fruitful.

Rick Warren in his book The Purpose Driven Church asserts that we can measure the fruitfulness of a local church by looking for the following things:

1. Is there Repentance? For example, in Matt 3: 8, Jesus challenged the Pharisees to “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance”.
2. Do the church members practice truth? Paul prayed that the Colossian church will be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, “so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work”.
3. There will be answered prayer. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15: 7).
4. People will share and give. Christ-like character will be formed and displayed in their lives.
5. And lastly, there will be a steady stream of unbelievers coming to Christ. “I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles… I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome …” (Rom 1: 13 – 15)

How do you think your church is doing? Is it healthy? Is it fruitful?

If not, what can be done to change that?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Terry Nightingale is a pastor serving in the southern suburbs of Perth, Western Australia, having previously worked in Christian education both in the UK and Perth. He graduated from Vose Seminary with a Masters in Divinity in 2016. He loves sharing the Gospel and teaching the Word of God.

Terry and Sue arrived in Australia in 2003 from the UK for a 1-year adventure. They never returned! The beaches, the sun and God’s call upon their lives persuaded them to settle in the land ‘down-under’. Today they have two grown-up children both married, with four grandchildren and counting.

Terry writes a popular weekly blog at terrynightingale.com called ‘4-minute Devotions’, short Bible -centred messages for the busy Christian on the go. He also writes Christian worship music and plays the guitar.

Looking Back To Move Forward is his first non-fiction book for Christian leaders – in fact for anyone who occasionally faces discouragement or setbacks. His second book, based on his blog, is entitled Bite-Size Devotions For The Busy Christian.