Boundaries for Good Fruit

Matthew 3:1–12 NIV84

1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” 4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

In our walk with Christ, producing good fruit is a sign of our spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. Today, we will explore what we must do to produce good fruit by setting the right boundaries in our lives.

1. Establish Boundaries with God

Sub Point 1.1: Prioritize Time with God

Matthew 6:33 “33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

To produce good fruit, we must prioritize our relationship with God

Setting aside time for prayer, worship, and Bible study is essential

Sub Point 1.2: Obey God's Commandments

John 14:15 “15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

Obedience to God's commandments sets a foundation for righteous living and helps us to stay within the boundaries He has set for us

Sub Point 1.3: Trust in God's Plan

Jeremiah 29:11 “11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Trusting God's plan allows us to submit to His will and stay within the boundaries He has designed for our good

2. Set Boundaries in Relationships

Sub Point 2.1: Choose Godly Influences

1 Corinthians 15:33 “33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.””

Surrounding ourselves with godly influences helps us to stay on the path of righteousness and bear good fruit

Sub Point 2.2: Practice Forgiveness

Ephesians 4:32 “32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Forgiveness helps us to maintain healthy relationships and prevents bitterness from taking root in our hearts

Sub Point 2.3: Set Healthy Boundaries

Proverbs 4:23 “23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

Setting healthy boundaries in relationships protects our hearts and allows us to maintain our spiritual and emotional well-being

3. Be Disciplined in Personal Habits

Sub Point 3.1: Practice Self-Control

Galatians 5:22–23 “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that helps us to resist temptation and stay within the boundaries God has set for us

Sub Point 2: Prioritize Holiness

1 Peter 1:15–16 “15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.””

Striving for holiness in our daily lives aligns us with God's character and helps us to produce good fruit

Sub Point 3: Be Good Stewards of your Time and Resources

Ephesians 5:15–16 “15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Being wise stewards of our time and resources ensures that we are using them in ways that honor God and contribute to bearing good fruit

4. Get involved in service for God

Sub Point 4.1: Participate in Church Community

Hebrews 10:24–25“24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Engaging in the church community provides support, encouragement, and accountability

Sub Point 4.2: Serve Others

Galatians 5:13 “13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”

Serving others is a practical way to demonstrate God's love and bear good fruit in our lives

Sub Point 4.3: Share the Gospel

Matthew 28:19–20 “19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.””

Sharing the Gospel is a way to bear fruit by leading others to Christ and expanding God's kingdom