The Prophet Isaiah speaks of a remnant people whose lives would bear much fruit as a consequence of having deep roots.  "And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward" (2 Kings 19:30).

Jesus told us that His Father in Heaven chose and appointed us to bear an abundance of lasting fruit for His glory. “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain…” (John 15:16NKJV).

The mere presence of fruit in our lives is the proof that we are true children of God and Christ's disciples. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NAS). This fruit is designated the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) as well as the fruit of righteousness (James 3:18). Fruit is simply the visible manifestation and expression of the invisible life that is in the tree.

As Christians, it is imperative that we understand the very nature of God is in us. Peter says we have become “…partakers of the divine nature…" (2 Peter 1:4). As a result, we have not only the responsibility, but also the capability to manifest the life of Christ to our world. Jesus said that "...every good tree brings forth good fruit…" (Matthew 7:17). It is not the fruit that makes the tree good, but the tree that makes the fruit good.



Christ instructed with His disciples the key to a fruitful life. "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit..." (John 15:5 emphasis added). Notice that He never once placed the responsibility of bearing fruit on them. Many today have misunderstood a powerful Kingdom truth: Fruit is the promise; abiding is the process. 

Stop trying to bear fruit. God has not called you to do such. Your responsibility is learning the process of abiding. The word "abide" literally means to "stay connected." As the branches stay attached to the vine, the life in the vine will flow into the branches. The branches then effortlessly bear fruit. 

The way to experience the power and life of Christ working in you that what is pleasing to God as well releasing the living waters that will bring healing to others is by learning the art of constant communion. As you abide in Him, you will experience first, the root, then the shoot, and, lastly, the fruit!

APPLICATION: What are some ways a Christian can practically "abide" in Christ? 

Making the Supernatural Natural,
Glenn Bleakney