“Favor Bears Fruit”

Sermon in a Sentence

“Being rooted in God’s favor produces spiritual fruit that reflects His character and overflows to bless others.”

Introduction

When we hear the word favor and some preach and teach on favor, it is used to excite people to praise, shout, and a manipulative way to cause people to give money for this kind of favor. Some think that favor is only given to fix their credit, get them the house they would lose in a few months, or the person they will mistreat as soon as they get them. Favor is not a passing fancy that come to make you rich and famous. God’s favor isn’t just about receiving blessings; it’s about producing something of eternal value. Just as a healthy tree naturally bears fruit, a life planted in God’s favor will produce spiritual fruit that nourishes and blesses others. Today, we’ll explore what it means for God’s favor to bear fruit in our lives and how this fruit transforms both us and those around us.

Point 1: Favor Bears Internal Fruit (Internal Impact)

Scriptural Foundation: Galatians 5:22-23 – The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

• Key Idea:

God’s favor works within us, transforming our hearts and minds. The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of His presence in our lives. Christianity is not a denomination or a declaration; it is the way of life that identifies one as a follower of Christ. So many have Christian on the sign but not in their hearts. The old adage is that Christians are the only Bible that someone may read, yet I would argue that we are more than “letters” to this sinful world. Christians are “walking trees” that are rooted by the river to bear the fruit of the Spirit that internally impacts them individually.

What is favor?

Favor is the undeserved kindness, grace, or approval of God that brings blessings, guidance, and provision into a person’s life. It reflects God’s goodwill and divine assistance, enabling individuals to accomplish His purpose.

Scriptural Reference for Favor:

Proverbs 3:3-4 – “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”

Key Characteristics of Favor:

1. Unmerited Grace: Favor is not earned but freely given by God through His love and mercy.

• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

2. Divine Guidance and Success: Favor positions believers for opportunities, protection, and success in alignment with God’s plan.

• Genesis 39:21 – “The LORD was with Joseph; He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.”

3. Empowerment for Purpose: God’s favor equips individuals to fulfill their calling and impact others for His glory.

• Esther 2:17 – “Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval.”

4. Manifestation of God’s Goodness: Favor reflects God’s abundant goodness poured into the lives of His people.

• Psalm 84:11 – “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

Key Idea:

God’s favor works within us, transforming our hearts and minds. The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of His presence in our lives. Christianity is not a denomination or a declaration; it is the way of life that identifies one as a follower of Christ. So many have Christian on the sign but not in their hearts. The old adage is that Christians are the only Bible that someone may read, yet I would argue that we are more than “letters” to this sinful world. Christians are “walking trees” that are rooted by the river to bear the fruit of the Spirit that internally impacts them individually.

🍇 “Favor Bears Fruit” Snippet 1:

God’s favor doesn’t just sit dormant—it grows, it multiplies, and it bears fruit in our lives. Love, joy, peace, patience… these aren’t just traits; they’re evidence of His Spirit at work in us. 🌿

🌱 “Favor Bears Fruit” Snippet 3:

True favor doesn’t just bless—it grows! When God’s Spirit is at work, your life becomes a garden of goodness, overflowing with faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 🌿🌟

Application:

• Love: Rooted in God’s favor, we grow in love for Him and others.

• Joy and Peace: God’s favor brings contentment that isn’t dependent on circumstances.

• Patience and Self-Control: His favor empowers us to grow in endurance and discipline.

• Illustration:

A tree doesn’t produce fruit overnight—it grows slowly, drawing nutrients from the soil. Similarly, spiritual fruit develops over time as we remain connected to God. Today, people tend to move from “saved” to “mature” in one week or less. Spiritual maturity is more than quoting or misquoting a few scriptures, talking about the enemy, their new season or a call to ministry. Salvation is an experience; bearing fruit is a journey of being planted, pruned and productive. There will be seasons of fruitfulness, fruitlessness and pruning, but all of these seasons are part of our journey towards fruitfulness. Christians should bear all the fruit of the Spirit, not just the ones we want to grow.

Point 2: Favor Bears External Fruit (External Impact)

Scriptural Foundation: John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”

Μείνατε (Meinate)—is the aorist active imperative form of the verb "μένω" (meno), which means "to remain," "to abide," or "to stay." The root meaning of the verb conveys a sense of dwelling or continuing in a particular state or relationship.

The significance of "remain" is further highlighted within the framework of Christian discipleship, emphasizing the transformative power of a life lived in union with Christ. From this perspective, abiding is not passive but involves active engagement with Jesus' teachings, prayer, and community life within the church. The teaching encourages believers to foster a deep, personal connection with God, reflecting the eternal nature of this relationship. In summary, the Greek word "μείνατε" holds profound theological significance, calling Christians to a life of faithful persistence and connection with Christ, which is central to their spiritual identity and mission.

Key Idea:

God’s favor in our lives is meant to overflow, impacting those around us. Just as a tree provides nourishment, shade, and seeds for reproduction, our lives should provide spiritual nourishment and encouragement to others. Jesus reveals himself as the vine, or the source of our fruitfulness and the importance of being connected to him so that we can bear fruit enough for others to share. Christianity is not a religion to be held for the few; it is for the masses to partake of and be full. The conditional clause suggests that fruitfulness is directly connected to where we “remain.” “If you remain in him, then, you will consistently bear much fruit.”

🌟 “Favor Bears Fruit” Snippet 2:

The fruit of the Spirit isn’t achieved by striving—it’s a product of abiding. God’s favor empowers us to live fruitful lives filled with love, joy, and peace, even in challenging seasons. 🍑🌻

Application:

• Bless others with the fruit of kindness and goodness.

• Use your gifts and talents to serve your family, church, and community.

• Be a source of encouragement and hope for those who are struggling.

• Illustration:

Picture an apple tree in a garden. Its fruit isn’t for the tree itself but for those who come to pick and enjoy it. In the same way, our fruit—our love, kindness, and good works—are for others to experience God’s blessings through us. What good is it to bear fruit that others can’t benefit from?

Point 3: Favor Bears Kingdom Fruit (Eternal Impact)

Scriptural Foundation:

Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations.

Key Idea:

The ultimate purpose of favor is to advance God’s kingdom. When we live fruitful lives, we draw others to Christ and multiply His impact in the world.

💡 “Favor Bears Fruit” Snippet 4:

Favor that bears fruit starts with a heart aligned with God. His Spirit cultivates what the world cannot—eternal, lasting fruit. 🍇✝️

Application:

• Share the Gospel in word and deed.

• Be a disciple-maker, investing in others spiritually.

• Live in a way that glorifies God and points people to Him.

Illustration:

A single fruit contains seeds that can grow into more trees, multiplying the harvest. When we live fruitful lives, the seeds we plant through our actions and words can lead others to a relationship with Christ.

Practical Steps to Bear Fruit in Favor

1. Stay Connected to God:

• Spend time in prayer, Scripture, and worship to deepen your relationship with Him.

2. Cultivate Your Heart:

• Remove anything that hinders growth, like bitterness, distractions, or sin.

3. Bless Others Daily:

• Look for opportunities to share kindness, encouragement, and generosity.

4. Trust God’s Timing:

• Be patient as God develops fruit in your life; every season has a purpose.

Conclusion

A life rooted in God’s favor will bear fruit that glorifies Him, blesses others, and advances His kingdom. The more we align with His purpose and remain connected to Him, the more fruitful we become. Ask yourself today: What kind of fruit is my life producing? How can I allow God’s favor to flow through me to bless those around me?

Call to Action:

Pray for God to help you bear spiritual fruit. Commit to walking in love, kindness, and goodness this week, and seek to bless someone each day with the overflow of God’s favor in your life.