Bearing Fruit That Remains

Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 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 … If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:1-2, 6).

True disciples of Jesus Christ cannot ignore this great responsibility of bearing fruit. God watches over his vine and all the branches engrafted to it with great concern. He also stands alongside with a pruning knife in hand, lovingly watching for the slightest evidence of corruption, blight or disease which could hinder its growth. God expects every branch to bear fruit; in fact, it is impossible to honor and glorify God — or be a true disciple — without fruit. Jesus said, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (15:8).

Bearing fruit has everything to do with pleasing God — becoming more like him. Bearing fruit brings glory to the Father through what we are becoming rather than simply what we are doing. The Bible makes it very clear that many will have great results — casting out devils, healing the sick, doing great works in his name — but God knows if there is barrenness of spirit.

An abiding believer is one who loves and fears God, who dreads his righteous judgments, and who hungers for the Word. He delights in having the Word prune away all hindrances, allowing the very life and likeness of Christ to be ever-increasing in him. It is impossible to bear the fruit of righteousness without his Word abiding in you!

The more you allow Christ’s fullness to be revealed to you, the more of his life will touch everyone you are connected to. The Word says, “That you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (15:16). May you remain in the flow of Christ’s life and continue to bear much fruit that will glorify him.