Fruit #1 (Organic Outreach 10)

Intro

Now that we have managed to establish a pattern for preparing our hearts and sowing the seed, it is time to talk about the means by which we reap a harvest. What does it look like to bear fruit?

Fruit, in the Kingdom, is people becoming followers of Christ.

Hard to comprehend

When people become followers of Christ, we don’t get any credit. When people choose not to we shouldn’t feel guilty.

Often we beat ourselves up if someone doesn’t choose to follow Jesus or if we didn’t say the “right” words or didn’t outright ask them if they wanted to. (While those are good things, salvation doesn’t hinge on our abilities) It rests on God’s ability to save.

Not Alone

The other reason we shouldn’t shoulder the blame is because we have a partnership with the spirit of God. It is not our job to save or convict. The spirit is perfectly capable of doing that.

Scripture

Acts 1:1–8 NIV

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

You will receive power. We don’t have to manufacture some power or inner strength to share the love of God. We have the spirit.

“His power is made perfect in weakness, his spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”

What was the result of the spirit falling?

Acts 4:31–35 NIV

31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

After they prayed - They were seeking it, they were preparing for it, they were lining themselves up with God.

They spoke boldly.

They were united in mission.

Challenge:

Whose decisions to take the blame for? Whose decisions have you taken the credit for?

Who do you need the spirit to reach?