A Fruitful Life預覽

A FRUITFUL LIFE TO GLORIFY GOD

INTRODUCTION

One important principle to know about plants is; each plant requires a strong root. The root helps the plant to get enough nutrients to be able to bear fruit. Roots that grow healthy will result in healthy growth and fruit as well. If we look at the spiritual life of believers, we will find that our knowledge of the Lord Jesus is like the root that becomes the source of our spiritual growth. The right word to get it all is FELLOWSHIP with the Lord Jesus.

At the end of February 2018, churches around the world mourned over a hero of faith who’s also the greatest evangelist in the last 100 years, who has gone back to the Father's home, is Billy Graham. In an interview video clip, a presenter asked Billy Graham before he died. "If you are given a chance to live the life again, what will you do?" His reply is a phrase that could be a source of strength to us as believers. Billy Graham replied: "If I were to live again, I will spend more time meditating on His word and pray. I just want to tell Him that I love Him." As believers, the purpose of our lives should be to glorify God, and then what we do can be remembered and be an example to many people. The question is how can our life bear fruits that last and glorify God while we are in this world? We will study this from the Psalm written by David.

SHARING

1. Fellowship with God produces good fruits (Verse 13)

Has it ever occurred to us why so many passages of the Bible especially the Psalms describe the believer's life as a fruit tree and are expected to bring forth good fruit? If we bear good fruit, God, as the owner of the garden will certainly rejoice. A good fruitful life is a life that pleases God and brings blessing to others.

What is the requirement for us to have a fruitful life, to please God, and to be a blessing to others? Psalm 92:13 explains that if we really live in God’s care, God’s presence and His Word, God's character will grow in our lives. Do we have a close relationship with God? Do we maintain intimate communication in prayer and receive the flow of His word on a regular basis? Do we readily obey when He cleanses the parts of our lives that hindrance the process of growth and maturation of the fruits of our character and ministry? Is the openness towards the help of His Spirit bringing us closer to God? If so, we surely produce a variety of good fruits and works that glorify Him.

2. Fellowship with God keeps us persevere and faithful (Verse 14)

The fruitful life that God wants is not only temporary, He longs for our fruits to remain till the end. The Psalm teaches us that bearing fruits that last depends on our fellowship with God. We can persevere and continue to bear fruits when we live in His presence. When we bear fruit, it will help us to stand strong despite the various pressures and struggles of life, which in the end will result in faithfulness.

What good is it if the fruits we produce are only temporary, then wither and die? Therefore the Bible has long reminded us to persevere throughout the season of life by dwelling in His presence, never to leave even for a little while. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age.

3. Fellowship with God encourages us to share about His goodness (verse 15)

What kept David excited even when the struggles were so heavy? What made the twelve disciples of the Lord Jesus be on fire to preach the Word even when their lives were threatened? What drove Paul to keep going in the midst of persecutions while serving the Lord? The answer is simple, the joy of sharing the salvation of Christ.  When they told about the goodness of God, at that very moment the supernatural power of God flowed in their lives. Here's the key; when we are in fellowship with God, our hearts cannot bear to be silent, but have the courage to tell about goodness and salvation in Jesus Christ.

CLOSING

As we take a good look at this psalm of David, we find that a fruitful life depends on our fellowship with God. The Holy Spirit helps us to keep on growing and living our days in this world. If we want to be fruitful, let us begin by paying attention to the quality of our fellowship with God. Healthy fellowship with Him will result in healthy spiritual growth as well.