Bear Fruit

Introduction

Being exposed to the Sun. Beach vacation. You notice. Especially me because I burn.

Always evidence when I’ve been in the sun.

Exodus 34:35 ESV

the people of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face was shining. And Moses would put the veil over his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Evidence when God has been in the presence of God.

For believers today -

Exposure to Jesus leaves evidence.

Take Root * Bear Fruit

Receive Salvation

v. 9a

First part of the root.

Logo

Since they heard…heard what?

Colossians 1:4 ESV

since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,

The celebration that the believers had for new Christians! Joy! Angels in heaven!

For the Colossians, a moment when they had commited their lives to Jesus, turning from their sin and trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord.

This is the foundational decision.

Salvation is step one.

Experience Sanctification

v. 9b

Logo

To be filled with godly knowledge. Source of that is Scripture.

This is what Paul knew was necessary for their growth - their sanctification.

You are what you eat.

What do you spiritually consume?

Scripture. Community. Prayer. Worship. (Spiritual Disciplines)

The tools that help us to grow to be more and more like Jesus Christ in our attitudes and our actions.

Produce Transformation

vv. 10-14

“So as to…” What does the Christian life look like? Or maybe, not look like?

*The same? *Spiritual ego? *Defeated?

None of these!

Transforming how you walk / live (NIV).

Foundational motivation - to please God. Not guilt!! Faith traditions or churches…

Guilt is a poor motivator.

Not the Gospel model!

“pleasing” = A word that dealt with treaties. Once country blessing another creating goodwill.

God has forgiven, loved, redeemed, blessed - given meaning and purpose!

So, four marks of transformation that we see in healthy Christians (four verbs “-ing” = supporting columns).

The fruit of good works

External / v. 10

logo

Not to be confused with works FOR salvation.

Natural result of salvation.

Matthew 5:16 ESV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

James 2:17 ESV

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

The attainment of godly knowledge

Internal / v. 11

“Your wanter changes.”

Desire to be in the Bible. Like missing a couple of meals, a hunger.

The empowerment of glorious might

Internal / v. 11

According to = in conjunction with.

Faithfulness can be exhausting!

Written in a world of persecution, yet… endurance & patience!

The response of Gospel enlightenment

vv. 12-14

“In - light” = understanding.

But such a deeper / spiritual meaning.

Darkness to light! Forgiveness of sins.

Sin keeps us in darkness - unable to change - He qualifies us / delivers us!!

Conclusion

People knew when Moses had been with God.

But, faded. He hid the fading behind the veil.

2 Corinthians 3:13 ESV

not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end.

Can people see your fruit?

Comes by renewal and constant contact.

What rain and sunshine are to the nurture of plants, the knowledge of God is to the growth and maturing of the spiritual life.

Are you staying connected, nurturing your root - so that then you naturally produce fruit!

Renewal and recommitment.

Romans 12:2 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.