FRUITFUL IN EVERY GOOD WORK

That you may have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God – Colossians 1: 10

We are not saved by good works: “by grace you have been saved through faith…not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph.2:8-9). But we are created in Christ for good works, to glorify God (Eph.2:10; Mt.5:16). In other words, we are to be fruitful in every good work (Col.1:10). We are not to grow weary in doing good: “always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1Cor.15:58; Gal.6:9-10).

The Word of God is the Seed of the Kingdom. It has power to produce fruit in the hearts of those who receive it (Mt.13:19, 23; Lk.8:11). We are born again by means of the incorruptible seed of the Word (Jam.1:18). From another perspective, Jesus – the Word of God – is the Vine, while we His disciples are the branches (Jh.1:1; 15:1-5). Abiding in Christ empowers us to bear fruit unto abundant and eternal life. As branches, we are to bear fruit, much fruit, and diverse array of fruit.

God designed us to be fruitful in every good work. Among the array of fruits we are empowered by the Vine to bear are:

• Winning souls to Christ and helping them to grow: Paul said, “that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles” (Rom.1:13)
• Helping, and sharing with those in need, which compares to ensuring that the needy “have received this fruit” (Rom.15:28 NIV)
• Growing in Christ-like character, that is, the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22-23)
• Praising God and thanksgiving – “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the Fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Heb.13:15).
• The Fruit of Holiness, which is the product of submission and service to God (Rom.6:22).

Fruitfulness is not for fun; it is truly rewarding. Bearing the fruit of souls is a sure path to Joy: “For what is our hope, or Joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy” (1The.2:19-20). To those who bear fruit of helping others, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Those who bear the fruit of the Spirit are free from legalism (Gal.5:23b). Bearing the fruit of the lips – thanksgiving and praise – guarantees “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil.4:6-7). The reward of the fruit of holiness is eternal life (Rom.6:22b). Whether in time or eternity, you can never be a loser when you commit to abide in the Vine as a truly Fruitful Follower of Christ!