Bearing Pleasing Fruit

I am convinced if the church went back to the main task of proclaiming the Gospel, it would see people being converted to Christ, and it would have a far more significant impact on the social, moral, and psychological needs of people than anything else it could possibly do. Billy Graham

Colossians 1:9–14 “For this reason also, since the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the full knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and multiplying in the full knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Who rescued us from the authority of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Introduction

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Attention

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How many of us know how trees produce fruit? Has anyone ever asked what the purpose of the seed is? Why is it important for the tree to reproduce? Allow me to answer these questions.

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1) Plants bear fruits for the dispersal of seeds, thus helping them to grow into adult plants.

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2) Seed dispersal occurs by various procedures: Gravity (Barochory), Wind (Anemochory), Water (Hydrochory), Animals (Zoochory), and Humans (Anthropochory). Dispersal methods in the first three cases mainly use naked, winged, or waterproof seeds. The latter two seed dispersal cases require attracting animals and humans using fruits. So, there are alternatives to seed dispersal other than by fruits. P.S. There are seedless fruits; this happens due to parthenocarpy. Example: Banana.

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3) The probability of a seed growing into an adult plant increases highly in the case of seeds with fruits rather than other dispersal methods, as they are more primitive in terms of evolution and require abundant seed production to maximize the chance of seed planting. Seed dispersal is essential for plants as it improves the chances of the seeds being able to grow to the adult stage. Predators target areas with a high concentration of seeds as they have to spend less time and energy. By dispersing their seeds, plants ensure that the number of seeds available for predators to eat right below the parent plant is inferior. Also, a small plant that grows under the parent plant is denied access to sunlight and nutrients in the right amount. Seed dispersal is an attempt to find better conditions for the plants to grow. Seed dispersal is also a means of colonization of new regions that may not have been inhabited by the plant earlier and which offer good conditions for growth and development. Seed dispersal by fruits helps to fulfill the stated conditions in the best possible way. An animal may eat fruit in one area and defecate in another place so that seeds get carried to new areas with the bonus of a dab of fertilizer and moisture. By helping seeds get away from the parent plant and into new, uncolonized habitats, they increase the seeds' propensity to survive and allow plants to colonize new areas. In addition, the caching behavior of many rodents and some birds (caching seeds to eat them later) plants seeds so that they have an easier time sprouting.

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Need

Matthew records a discourse that Jesus had with the Pharisees (Matthew 12:33-35) where Jesus commands them to bear good or bad fruit. We, too, have this command. Often, we allow the things of this world to dictate what we put in, leading to bad days that spiral out of control, producing negative impacts or rotten fruit. But there's hope. Even those who produce lousy fruit can experience a miraculous transformation. It's not just a possibility; it's a promise. Through the powerful combination of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, we can turn our bad fruit into good. At a time before Christ, we all produced bad fruit, but thank God He did not cut us down! But, those who do not produce any fruit are a curse!

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Textual Idea:

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Paul taught the Church in Colossae to bear fruit pleasing to the Lord. He understood that this fruit would help others grow, change lives with eternal impact, and help them mature and not be swayed by false doctrine.

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Sermon Idea:

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Believers can bear pleasing fruit for the Lord.

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Interrogative:

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How can believers bear pleasing fruit?

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Transition:

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Paul lists four ways believers can bear pleasing fruit.

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1. Believers bear pleasing fruit through intercessory prayer.

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2. Believers bear pleasing fruit by living a life worthy of the Lord.

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3. Believers bear pleasing fruit by strengthening themselves in God’s glorious Power.

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4. Believers bear pleasing fruit by thanking the Father daily.

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Division 1 Statement

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Believers bear pleasing fruit through intercessory prayer.

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Explanation

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1. Explain that Paul did not cease to pray for them. (9)

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2. Problem: we never begin to pray for each other with a continuous prayer.

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3. Explain do not cease: The word (pauometha) comes from the root word (pauo), which means to stop, cease, or finish. With the ending added to (pauo), it brings forth “do not cease.”

‌4. Paul is explaining the fruit of prayer is never finished for believers!

5. In prayer we are asking to be filled with His will in spiritual wisdom and understanding.

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Illustration

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In the New Testament, we encounter the narrative of Epaphras, who interceded fervently for the church in Colossae. His dedication to praying for their spiritual growth and steadfastness is a testament to the sacrificial nature of intercessory prayer. Through his commitment, the Colossian believers experienced profound spiritual maturity and resilience.

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Argumentation

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1. Prayer changes the person who is praying and the one who is being prayed for.

2 Chronicles 7:14

“and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their evil ways, then I will listen from heaven, I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land.”

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2. When a person is praying for others, he is doing the will of the Father.

Luke 18:1–8

“Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, “In a certain city there was a certain judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. “Now there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice from my opponent.’ “And for a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow is bothering me, I will give her justice, lest by continually coming she wears me out.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. “Now, will God not bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? “I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find that faith on the earth?”

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Prayer is bearing fruit that the enemy cannot withstand.

Ephesians 6:18

“praying at all times with all prayer and petition in the Spirit, and to this end, being on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,”

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Application

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Have you ever imagined starting and driving your car with an empty fuel gauge? You might get a hundred miles, or you might only get a mile after getting stuck on the road. The same principle applies to the body of Christ. If we don't intercede in prayer for each other, we might spiritually get stuck on the side of the road. As a result, we need to have daily intercessory prayers for one another if we want to bear fruit that pleases the Lord and fight Satan by changing our hearts and the hearts of others.

The real business of your life as a saved soul is intercessory prayer.

Oswald Chambers

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Transition (Div. 1 to Div. 2)

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Through a developed prayer life, believers can walk in a worthy manner that is pleasing to the Lord.

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Division 2 Statement

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Believers bear pleasing fruit by living a life worthy of the Lord.

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1. What would a life look like that is worthy of the Lord?

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Matthew 16:24–28

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay each one according to his deeds. “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

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2. Picture a young adult who, in the face of adversity and persecution, stood firm in their Christian faith, displaying unwavering courage and resilience. Their refusal to compromise their beliefs, even amid opposition, serves as a stirring reminder that a life worthy of Christ is about standing firm in the face of adversity and being a faithful witness to His truth.

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Walk is used in the Bible to refer to one’s pattern of daily conduct. A mind controlled by knowledge, wisdom, and understanding produces a life worthy of the Lord.

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Ephesians 4:1

“Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you to walk worthy of the calling with which you have been called,”

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Philippians 1:27

“Only live your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about your circumstances, that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind contending together for the faith of the gospel,”

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Illustration

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Imagine a community of believers who come together to support and uplift each other during times of hardship and sorrow. Their genuine care and empathy for one another demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's love within a community. Their unity in times of trial serves as a powerful illustration that a life worthy of Christ is about bearing one another's burdens and showing compassion to those in need.

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Argumentation

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Paul does not promise that everything will be perfect. Instead, he urges them and us to grow personally and as a group through our interactions. God has brought you to this place so you can grow spiritually and numerically. You can achieve this goal by dedicating your life to it.

“What must I do to be saved?” The answer was always the same: surrender to Christ; get to know God personally; grow to become like Him.

A. W. Tozer

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Application

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We honor our Lord when we walk in His principles with one another. We can if we count on others more than our agenda. Philippians 2:3

Philippians 2:3

“doing nothing from selfish ambition or vain glory, but with humility of mind regarding one another as more important than yourselves,”

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Transition (Div. 2 to Div. 3)

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When we walk with the Lord, we are strengthened by His glorious power.

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Division 3 Statement

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Believers bear pleasing fruit by strengthening themselves in God’s glorious Power.

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Explanation

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Dunamoumenoi(“strengthened”) is a present participle, signifying continuous action. God is not like a booster rocket, which gives believers an initial power boost and then leaves them to fly on their own. Believers are continually strengthened with all power throughout their Christian lives.

When the inner man is fed regularly on the Word of God and seeks the Spirit’s will in all the decisions of life, the believer can be sure he will be strengthened with power through His Spirit. Spiritual power is not the mark of a special class of Christian but is the mark of every Christian who submits to God’s Word and Spirit.

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Illustration

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As we navigate life's challenges, let's remember the inspiring story of Corrie Ten Boom. During the darkest days of the Holocaust, she found unimaginable strength in God's power to forgive and love her enemies. Her life teaches us that in the face of adversity, God's power can enable us to extend grace and mercy to others.

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Argumentation

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1 Corinthians 16:13

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

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We need to be strong men and godly men. Women need to be godly, bearing with one another, encouraging, correcting, rebuking, and teaching God’s truth. We must strengthen one another through God’s word and go through trials together.

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Strength is built by tearing down old muscle and rebuilding it. God strengthens us when we submit to Him through trials and a period of restoration.

Cry for grace from God to see God’s purpose in every trial, and then for grace to submit to it, at once; to accept it, to rejoice in it. This is usually the end of trouble.

Charles Spurgeon

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Application

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You can strengthen yourself and others through prayer, word, and action in God. I seek God's wisdom and knowledge, not worldly knowledge.

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Transition (Div 3 to Div 4)

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When we are strengthened through Him, we remember to thank Him daily.

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Division 4 Statement

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Believers bear pleasing fruit by thanking the Father daily.

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Explanation

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1. Why would we need to thank the Father daily? It allows us to remember where God has delivered us from through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:4–7 “But God, being rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

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2. This was Paul’s prayer for Colossians, and it is an excellent prayer for us to pray over our families and Church daily.

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3. Our days are filled with exceedingly wicked encounters. This world is passing away

1 John 2:17

and the things of this world are passing away. The evil one uses things to stumble us daily by starting our day in praise of Thanksgiving for what Christ has done for us and helps us through the day.

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Illustration

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Consider the story of the ten lepers whom Jesus miraculously healed. Only one returned to thank him. This biblical account serves as a potent reminder to us all that thankfulness should be a natural response to the blessings and grace we receive from Christ.

Imagine giving something significant to your child only to have them not show appreciation and gratitude for what you have done. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul warns believers, including us, to remember what Christ has done for us. Let us not be like the nine lepers who did not thank Jesus but rather like the one who came back to express gratitude.

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Argumentation

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1. It is easy to get wrapped up in the rat race of life and forget what God has done for us. Giving thanks reminds us He is there and will never forsake us.

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2. Thanking Him daily prepares us for the trials that wait for us. It is easy to do it here, but we need to be intentional people and do it everywhere and every day!

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Application

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Ensure you begin your day with a grateful heart. Set an alarm or leave a note as a reminder. Psalm 117:1-2

Psalm 117:1–2

“Praise Yahweh, all nations; Laud Him, all peoples! For His lovingkindness prevails over us, And the truth of Yahweh is everlasting. Praise Yah!”

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Conclusion

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Visualization

A tree without fruit is different from a tree bearing ripe and luscious fruit. A fruitful tree enriches its surroundings, just as our lives can bring positivity and hope to those around us when they are filled with the pleasing fruit of the Spirit. Our actions and attitudes are a testament to God's transformative work in our lives and can draw others to desire the same life-giving fruit.

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Reiteration

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1. Believers bear pleasing fruit through intercessory prayer.

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2. Believers bear pleasing fruit by living a life worthy of the Lord.

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3. Believers bear pleasing fruit by strengthening themselves in God’s glorious Power.

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4. Believers bear pleasing fruit by thanking the Father daily.

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Action

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1. We bear good fruit that assists us in becoming mature Christians.

One of the best tests of Christian maturity is tribulation. When God’s people go through personal trials, they discover what kind of faith they really possess. Trials not only reveal our faith; they also develop our faith and Christian character.

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2. Our delightful fruit can have an effect on the people around us, whether it is in our community, family, or Church.

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In what way can I bring my Lord most glory, and be of most service to His Church while I am here? Solve that question, and pass into the practical.

Charles Spurgeon

3. Our delightful fruit will sow the seeds of the Gospel in the lives of others.

 Men would sooner believe that the gospel is from heaven, if they saw more such effects of it upon the hearts and lives of those who profess it.

Richard Baxter

The Reformed Pastor (17th century)

Richard Baxter

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4. The fruit we consume in thanksgiving can have an impact on our relationship with God.

We should spend as much time in thanking God for his benefits as we do in asking him for them.

Vincent de Paul