GROWING IN FRUITFULNESS (MATTHEW 7:17-18)  

Dear Members in Christ,                                                                                                                   

Growing in Fruitfulness (Matthew 7:17-18)  

In life, we often hear the phrase “a good tree will bear good fruit, a bad tree will bear bad fruit”. Thus, whenever we had eaten a good fruit, whether it was a rambutan, mangosteen or durian, we often have the desire to plant the seed in our own garden in order that we may propagate the tree for our own consumption. Conversely, when we had partake of a poor fruit, without a word, we would quickly cast the seed into the rubbish bin. Never to be seen again.

How does this phrase, “a good tree will bear good fruit, a bad tree will bear bad fruit” relate to being a Christian? A Christian, by definition, was an unbeliever once, and by the grace of God, after hearing and receiving the gospel seed of salvation, confesses his sins and accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. He is saved unto salvation. He then becomes a child of God (cf. Romans 10:9). He is a new creature created in Christ. This child will grow into a spiritual adult when he receives the Word of God daily. He will bear the fruits of salvation as he continues to mature in Christ. He grows more and more like the Master with each passing day. He will produce godly fruits of salvation for Christ.

There are no external markings or any change in the physical body to say that the person is saved! However, the Bible teaches that once a person is saved his former self, “…the works of the flesh; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…” will be replaced. The new believer will be transformed (cf. Romans 12:2). “… he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17). He is a new creature, like a new tree, bearing fruits in Christ!

He strives to live a life of holiness and righteousness. He loves the things of God, reads God’s Word and likes to be among God’s people in fellowship. He loves to keep God’s commandments. He wants to reach out to many lost souls in order to save them for the Lord. He also desires to serve and follow God faithfully.

He is not perfect yet BUT gradually will be more Christ-like. He has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to enable him to do so. Yes, as long as the Christian is on earth, he will continue to struggle against the lusts of the flesh and the worldly desires. There will be a spiritual war within himself. There will be a fight for dominance between the old self and the new self. Satan will continue with his utmost to tempt and lead the person back into sin and away from God. So, a believer must continue to be vigilant and watchful to keep himself away from the attractions and desires of the flesh. He must know and be nourished in God’s Word. He has to be strong and focus to keep close to God. He must also learn to submit to God and actively flee from the devil (cf. James 4:7,8).

A professing Christian: He will be like a good tree bearing good fruits. His faith in Christ will be like the light that shines forth in darkness. His life is guided by wisdom in God’s Word. Everyone has the opportunity to partake of the fruit of the Christian. He would indeed attract the attention of many who would want to know the reasons for his transformation!

When he sins, he acknowledges. He does not justify his sins. He is remorse and repents immediately. He seeks forgiveness from God. He knows that God will forgive (cf. 1 John 1:9). He also knows that he needs to follow the steps of his Saviour daily and bears good fruits for God. He actively carries the name of Christ with pride. He honours God’s name. He is conscious not to shame, tarnish nor corrupt the name of Christ. “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” Matthew 7:17-18.  

His life will bring glory to God. God will prosper him. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalms 1:3  

On the other hand, if a professing Christian does not grow and mature in his Christian faith of holiness and righteousness, it is likely that (1) the old self has great dominance over his new self or (2) he was not saved in the first place. He may profess with his mouth that he is a Christian but his life reflects otherwise. He continues with his old nature and lives a sinful life. He is influenced by his earthly desire for carnality. The Apostle Paul called such a person “a carnal Christian”. The carnal Christian needs to repent and return to God. “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Romans 8:13. Indeed, God is well pleased when His children return to Him.“Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” Romans 8:21. If he was not saved in the first place, he needs to repent and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour.

Conclusion: A true believer must have God pre-eminent in his life. His old sinful self must be replaced by the new self in Christ. He is a new creature. He manifests the fruit of the Spirit which “… is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” Galatians 5:22-23.

He endeavours to live according to the Word of God. His new life is reflected in his words, thoughts and deeds. He bears good fruit for God (cf. Matthew 7:17-18). He obeys and delights in God’s Word. He loves to do God’s Commandments: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15. He loves serving God whenever and wherever there are opportunities to do so. He is a faithful child who learns and walks with God daily. His mouth will continuously praise and give glory to God. Others will “see” and marvel for they too may want to know the reasons for his salvation.  

May all Christians be God’s Holy witness and stand firm for the faith. May every Christian be faithful and truly fruitful to the glory of God.

In Christ,
Eld. Choe Tong Seng