Abide | Midyear Prayer and Fasting (English)Egzanp

The Word of God Bears Fruit

Read John 15:4–5, 7–8, 16

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. . . . If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. . . . You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”

In the past few days, we saw how God’s Word is likened to rain that makes us flourish, the breath of God that gives us life, and a fire in us that makes us bold to proclaim the gospel. As we continue to abide in Christ and His Word, the inevitable result is our lives bearing fruit. When we respond to God’s pruning, which is the Word of God working in our lives, we will be more fruitful.

In this context, the word fruit figuratively refers to everything done in true partnership with Christ, as a believer (a branch) lives in union with Christ (the Vine). Fruit is the noticeable evidence God is working in and through our lives. The fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) is God’s work producing Christlike character in our lives. Fruit also represents the good works that God values because it glorifies Him. The apostle Paul refers to the fruit of righteousness (Philippians 1:11), the fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:10), and the fruit of the light that consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth (Ephesians 5:9). It is not a result of our striving or ability; it overflows from an abundant, abiding relationship with Christ. Fruit in our lives is how God is honored on the earth and how we are known to be His disciples.

Fruit-bearing is a process that takes time, but as we continually surrender our lives more to the Lord and remain connected to the Vine, we will be more fruitful, and we will even bear much fruit.

Finally, Jesus has chosen us to produce abundant fruit and fruit that will endure.

The fruit of Christlike character formed in us is not transient; it lasts forever.

The fruit of good works done in collaboration with Christ will not only be temporal; they will have eternal significance and will receive eternal rewards.

When God’s Word abides in us, it produces much fruit in our lives to bring glory to God.

• As a follower of Christ, do you think your life is bearing fruit? How do you think you can bear more fruit and much fruit this year?
• To whom can you preach the gospel this month? List three to five friends, classmates or officemates, neighbors, and relatives below. How can you pray for them starting today?

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” John 15:7–8

Father in heaven, I pray Your grace will enable me to abide in Your Word so I can live a fruitful life. Thank You, Lord, that as Your Word continues to clean and prune me, more people will see the fruit of the Spirit in my life. As I exhibit the character of Christ, may it lead to opportunities for me to share Your Word with other people who will become followers of Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.