There is a difference in scripture between the concept of being
blessed and being fruitful. Being blessed as a Christian in a
sense is solely based on what Christ did for us in what we
refer to as His atoning work i.e "we have been blessed with
all spiritual blessings in heavenly places"- Eph 1: 3.
Being fruitful however is another thing. This is always
conditional. A man has his part to play in becoming fruitful.
Fruitfulness is based on a person fulfilling the conditions
stipulated in the Word of God. Nowhere in the New Testament
and the entire canon of Scripture is the term fruitful associated
with the idea of it being "automatic", man's obedience is
required. God doesn't desire empty lives of us, one only full
rhetoric. He has blessed us so we can live fruitful lives.
Genesis 1:22 "And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and
multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply
in the earth."
Hear what He said about a vineyard where all that needed to
be done on God's part was done yet it brought forth wild
grapes. God was displeased at it.
Isaiah 5:4
"What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have
not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring
forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?"
A Christian could be slothful in business, such a man
shouldn't expect to be fruitful. He could also be unstable in
his ways, such a person shouldn't be under any illusion that
he shall receive anything of the Lord. I mean it was Paul who
penned these words about not allowing the grace of God to
you be in vain.
2 Corinthians 6:1 "We then, as workers together with him,
beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Conditions stipulated in the Scripture for a fruitful life.
- Meditation on the Word.
John 15:4-5
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye
abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that
abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much
fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
Fruitfulness is a product of an effective prayer life. An effective
prayer life is hinged on regularly storing in your heart the
scriptures that show you God's intent for that situation. The
words of God must be in you at a critical level at the time of
prayer. Meditation on the Word is the major key to fruitfulness.
Psalm 1:2-3
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth
he meditate day and night. 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."
- A heart free of offence and holds no grudges.
James 5:7-9
"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.
Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the
earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early
and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the
coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against
another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge
standeth before the door."
Very important to maintain the love walk. Those who cause
divisions, sow strife and peddle in backbiting and such like are
described as "spots in your feast of love (charity)" Men who
are clouds but without water.
Jude 1:12 "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when
they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds
they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose
fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the
roots;"
To be cont'd.
Good Morning here..........