Where Is The Fruit?

[Mr. M]

Occasionally I have seen this question directed towards a teaching/thread as if to invalidate the discussion as unproductive or unedifying. Wondering if this is a valid point of inquiry, or perhaps what is needed is a Bible verse, comment or critique that moves the discussion forward. After all, fruit often takes time to appear...and may need a little "fertilizer".

Luke 13:6-9 He also spoke this parable: A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and found none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?  But he answered and said to him, Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.

If I could ask one follow-up question, the narrative begins "He also spoke this parable".

Does this link directly to the opening passage, or designate a change in topic?

1-5 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.  And Jesus answered and said to them, Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?  I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

In other words, is repentance the "fertilizer" that brings to life a seemingly barren tree

to become a "tree of righteousness"?

Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

[farouk]

The Lord Jesus said: 'By their fruits ye shall know them' (Matthew 7.20).

[Mr. M]

57 minutes ago, farouk said:

The Lord Jesus said: 'By their fruits ye shall know them' (Matthew 7.20).

Ephesians 5:8-16

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

The issue being addressed in the OP is at what point is a lack of fruitfulness bring a rejection, i.e. "have no fellowship". Is a lack of fruitfulness a work of darkness, or an express need for "spiritual nutrition" from the Body? Thus, we are advised to walk circumspectly and expose evil.

[kwikphilly]

1 hour ago, Mr. M said:

Occasionally I have seen this question directed towards a teaching/thread as if to invalidate the discussion as unproductive or unedifying. Wondering if this is a valid point of inquiry, or perhaps what is needed is a Bible verse, comment or critique that moves the discussion forward. After all, fruit often takes time to appear...and may need a little "fertilizer".

Luke 13:6-9 He also spoke this parable: A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and found none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?  But he answered and said to him, Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.

If I could ask one follow-up question, the narrative begins "He also spoke this parable".

Does this link directly to the opening passage, or designate a change in topic?

1-5 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.  And Jesus answered and said to them, Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?  I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

In other words, is repentance the "fertilizer" that brings to life a seemingly barren tree

to become a "tree of righteousness"?

Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Amen- very true,we hear it often but I do think it is with merit when we consider an unedifying and unproductive Thread where the participants are not willing to Receive and have stiff,hardened unrepentant hearts..... Still,God's Word Does not return void- so perhaps the fertilizer will nourish grounds we are not even aware of?(:I'm thinking of our readers of course)

Firstly,I must say- I find it very disrespectful and discourteous to come in with boxing gloves on without prayer and consideration( some might actually learn something if they'd stop talking,lol)....So that's what is unedifying and unproductive 9 times out of 10- the combatants ,not the actual Topic being discussed-

What do they say at pointing the finger? 3 are pointing back ......God's Word is always productive,reactive,negative,prideful comments are not- it's a real bad look....

Am I rambling again,? I would much prefer listening to a Good Word this day rather than me rambling

[Mr. M]

1 minute ago, kwikphilly said:

Firstly,I must say- I find it very disrespectful and discourteous to come in with boxing gloves on without prayer and consideration( some might actually learn something if they'd stop talking,lol)....So that's what is unedifying and unproductive 9 times out of 10- the combatants ,not the actual Topic being discussed-

If it was up to me, new members would be "read only" on other people's threads until

they have presented their own threads that demonstrate a love of the scriptures and a

desire to be edifying to others (earning reputation points), not provoke centuries old

disputes that I personally am mystified by people's desire to engage in such contrary actions. 

Maybe ask a question in sincerity? I am still relatively new to online forum discussions (<4 years),

but have seen quite enough to raise the issue and pray for a way to promote the edification that 

the apostolic doctrines demand. A real challenge for oversight I know, but we should always 

pursue an improved ability to communicate and express ourselves, which is one of my goals 

on the forum, and accept correction.

[kwikphilly]

58 minutes ago, Mr. M said:

If it was up to me, new members would be "read only" on other people's threads until

they have presented their own threads that demonstrate a love of the scriptures and a

desire to be edifying to others (earning reputation points), not provoke centuries old

disputes that I personally am mystified by people's desire to engage in such contrary actions. 

Maybe ask a question in sincerity? I am still relatively new to online forum discussions (<4 years),

but have seen quite enough to raise the issue and pray for a way to promote the edification that 

the apostolic doctrines demand. A real challenge for oversight I know, but we should always 

pursue an improved ability to communicate and express ourselves, which is one of my goals 

on the forum, and accept correction.

Well I'd be inclined to agree with " read only" for certain Forums,especially Bible Studies ,maybe Apologetics and probably eschatology too....if it were up to me,lol 

I most certainly join you in prayer for the betterment of this Ministry,which if the Apostolic demands are what we all strive for then INDEED we will achieve an effective & productive Body!

I've been here for a while but frankly I've not been anywhere else online so though it might seem Im experienced it's just that I am a Seasoned WorthyITE-lol I have no idea what other Christian Forums do and for that matter,I know nothing about social media networking as well - I'm not a computer person at all,maybe that's an advantage because I have not become used to the impersonal state of mind that many " posters" seem to have that consider WCF a " message board" ,you know" a platform to be heard" .

..I joined a Ministry,to have an opportunity to display Christ,love others.   Do exactly what I've always done out in the streets- be Used by the Lord,however that may be.....I found what I've always found in person,Holy Spirit Leads,Guides & Moves Mightily ( when we stay out of His Way).....I do believe it's an advantage because people have been engaging anonymously and impersonally on the internet so much I think they may forget we are all very real people,people with feelings,ideas,pasts,pain, joy etc .  The internet can be challenging ,you understand - you've always Ministered in person too ....

Anyway,great Topic,we can all work on improvements, raising the bar.... God's Will be Done!

[Selah7]

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

- Luke 13:1-9 (KJV)

Yes, a tree should develop into a strong, mature tree after being planted, and fruit should start to appear. If we end up being fruitless like that fig tree, what good are we?  This is what Jesus is asking here. Then the warning: if the tree isn't any good, cut it down and burn it because it's just wasting space! 

Truly, repentance was the central theme of both Jesus' and John the Baptist's messages, and they got directly to the point.  When we tie in repentance with this parable of the fig tree, I believe it brings a warning to us living in this generation that we must produce fruit now, especially in these latter days, because the harvest is like never before.

It’s interesting that chapter 12 also has much to teach about the end times.

I enjoyed the study.  Thanks, @Mr. M

s e l a h 

[Sower]

6 hours ago, Mr. M said:

Luke 13:6-9 He also spoke this parable: A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and found none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?  But he answered and said to him, Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.

 

6 hours ago, Mr. M said:

In other words, is repentance the "fertilizer" that brings to life a seemingly barren tree

Do not know how to answer about fertilizer. I cannot produce any fruit!  But I can abide in Christ, and bear His fruit.

We are branches in the true vine. the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine.

John 15, 1-8

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes,
that it may bear more fruit.

Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
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 anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers;
and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you...... (wow)...(and true)

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.    John 15, 1-8

Any branch not attached, not abiding, shrivels up, and bears no fruit. Jesus produces all fruit. We only bear it, if......

If you abide in me.........

 

Neat thread, Mr C.....and thanks.

[Mr. M]

11 minutes ago, Sower said:

 

Do not know how to answer about fertilizer. I cannot produce any fruit!  But I can abide in Christ, and bear His fruit.

We are branches in the true vine. the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine.

John 15, 1-8

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes,
that it may bear more fruit.

Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
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 anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers;
and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you...... (wow)...(and true)

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.    John 15, 1-8

Any branch not attached, not abiding, shrivels up, and bears no fruit. Jesus produces all fruit. We only bear it, if......

If you abide in me.........

 

Neat thread, Mr C.....and thanks.

Acts 26:19 Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 

20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all

the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God,

and do works befitting repentance.

You might say that we are determined to demonstrate true repentance by abiding in

His Doctrine, by which we bear much fruit. Since we bear fruit by asking the Father

in the Name of the Son, the doctrine is sure: "Pray without ceasing"! Of course, dying 

to self must be included in the discussion.

John 12:24-26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die,

it abides alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit. He that loves his life shall lose it;

and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me,

let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me,

him will my Father honor.

[Sower]

28 minutes ago, Mr. M said:

Acts 26:19 Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 

20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all

the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God,

and do works befitting repentance.

You might say that we are determined to demonstrate true repentance by abiding in

His Doctrine, by which we bear much fruit. Since we bear fruit by asking the Father

in the Name of the Son, the doctrine is sure: "Pray without ceasing"! Of course, dying 

to self must be included in the discussion.

John 12:24-26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die,

it abides alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit. He that loves his life shall lose it;

and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me,

let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me,

him will my Father honor.

a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die,

it abides alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit.

loves his life shall lose it;

hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

follow me; (abide)and where I am,

also my servant be:

follow me; and where I am (abide)

serve me

him will my Father honor.

"By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit"

Cool, huh..........