Category Archives: Fruit

Bible, Flesh, Fruit, Law, Scripture, Sin, Unfruitful

BAD FRUITBEARING

ROMANS 7:5

“For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were brought to light by the Law, were at work in the parts of our body to bear fruit for death.”

Farmers know the importance of maintaining their crop. Citrus farmers are constantly battling beetles, flies and blight in order to produce a good crop. They have to be steadily alert to the signs of these intruders on their trees and fruit. Sometimes drastic measures have to be done to product the integrity of the whole grove. They cut down and burn infected trees, so the problem won’t spread. Otherwise, they will get bad fruit instead of good.

Paul tells us that the invasion of sin into our lives that occurred back when Adam and Eve disobeyed God infects us. Unless that “disease” is purged through Jesus, we will never produce good fruit, only bad. Paul even goes on to say “the sinful passions…were at work…to bear fruit for death.” Let’s take a look at some of those “sinful passions” and make sure we are purged from them.

APPLICATION

The phrase “the sinful passions” is literally in the Greek “the passions of sins.” The Greek word for “sins” is the one we have seen before. It is hamartia which means we miss the target which God intends for us to hit – obedience to Him and godly living. The Greek word for “passions” is pathéma which can mean strong emotions or sufferings. In the sixteen times it used in the New Testament, all but two refer to the sufferings of Christ or our sufferings for Christ. Only two times, here in Romans 7:5 and in Galatians 5:24, is pathéma used negatively to refer to sinful passions and desires.

According to HELPS Word-studies, the end of pathéma tells us something about this word. “Note the -ma suffix, emphasizing the end-result (experiencing strong feeling).” Let’s apply that to today’s verse. What is the result of sinful passions? Paul tells us. It’s death. Our lustful passions and desires only lead us downward, not upward.

The other time pathéma is used in Galatians 5:24, Paul writes, “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” It is obvious from this verse and today’s verse that these kind of sinful passions and desires were never meant to be part of our walk with Jesus. Examine yourself today. Look at your lifestyle. Is it one of willful obedience to Christ and crucifying your flesh or are you living life to please yourself? Don’t bear bad fruit.

Help me, Father, to be a good fruit bearer for Your kingdom.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Death, Fruit, Law, Purpose, Scripture

A REASON FOR GETTING UP

ROMANS 7:4

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you also were put to death in regard to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.”

We all need a reason for getting out of bed in the morning, don’t we? If you don’t have some motivation, you might be like the son who refused to get out of bed and go to school even after his mother kept calling and calling him. Finally, his mother went to his bedroom, opened the door and demanded he get up right then. The son replied, “Give me one good reason why I should go to school today.” To that his mother said, “Because you’re the principal.” We all need a reason for getting up.

You may not see it at first glance in this verse, but Paul tells us why we should get up. It’s in the last phrase – “in order that we might bear fruit for God.” Isn’t that a good enough reason to get up and get going each day? Our physical resurrection from sleep should put us right into the vineyard with God. We “were put to death in regard to the Law” so that we can be fruit producers in God’s kingdom.

APPLICATION

Barnes says this about that last phrase of the verse. “That we should live a holy life. This is the point and scope of all this illustration. The new connection is such as will make us holy. It is also implied that the tendency of the Law was only to bring forth fruit unto death Romans 7:5, and that the tendency of the gospel is to make man holy and pure; compare Galatians 5:22-23.”

Look at those verses in Galatians. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” This is our destiny as followers of Christ. We are to live out this fruit of the Spirit every day. I have to admit I miss some of these some days. But I have the obligation to shake that off and go after it again.

God has saved you and delivered you from the bonds of sin, from the chains of the law to serve Him freely. He will produce the fruit as you yield yourself to Him. Take a look at John 15. See how the fruit is the result of the branch (that’s us) abiding in the vine (that’s God). Now, get up and go produce that fruit!

I am simply a branch You have chosen to produce Your fruit as I give myself over to You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Bondslaves, Enslavement, Eternal Life, Fruit, Sanctification, Sin, Slaves

THE GREAT EXCHANGE 

ROMANS 6:22

“But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.”

This time of the year there are lots of Christmas parties. One of the favorite games among adults is “Dirty Santa.” Now, that sounds worse than it is. The rules are everyone brings a gift which is supposed to cost within a certain range, say $10. All the gifts are wrapped without any names attached. Everyone gets in a circle, and numbers are drawn representing everybody who is there. Number 1 goes first, selects a gift and opens it. Number 2 goes next, but they can take Number 1’s gift or select their own. If they “steal” Number 1’s gift, Number 1 gets to select again. This continues until everyone has gotten a gift by “stealing” someone else’s or selecting one of their own. Some exchanges are good while others not so much.

Paul tells us clearly that we exchange slavery to sin for slavery to God. We know the slavery to sin leads only to death and destruction. But Paul tells us here that slavery to God produces good fruit (same word we saw in yesterday’s blog). This fruit results in sanctification and eventually to our eternal life with Christ in the heavenlies.

APPLICATION

It’s important to look at the verbs in today’s verse. “Set free” and “enslaved” are both Aorist Passive Participles which are tied to the main verb “derive.” Aorist means a certain, undefined point in time. Passive means it is done to you. In the first one, “set free,” we have the Greek word eleutheróō, which means “properly, set free, release from bondage; (figuratively) to remove the restrictions of sin (darkness) because delivered by God into true spiritual liberty (growth).” (HELPS Word-studies) We see that used in John 8:36: “So if the Son makes you free you will be free indeed”

The next verb (participle) is “enslaved,” which is the Greek word doulóō. This form of the Greek word, according to HELPS Word-studies is “focusing on the status of being a bond-slave.” Do you know what a bondslave is? It is someone who has chosen to serve someone. They weren’t taken by force. It was a willful surrender of their will to the master’s. What a great picture of our surrender to Jesus.

The main verb of this verse is “you derive.” That’s the Greek word echo, and I don’t mean that is something you hear when you yell in a cave, lol. It’s a simple verb, but the important thing is it is in the Present Indicative Active. Let me just say it’s an ongoing activity. We will derive or get the benefit or fruit continuously. Hallelujah! The Great Exchange – the bad for the good – sin for righteousness – impurity for purity – unholiness for holiness. Now, go live that way today.

Lord, I am not worthy to be called Your child, but You have chosen me and I serve You willingly.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Benefit, Bible, Choices, Fruit, Scripture, Unfruitful

WHAT’S THE BENEFIT?

ROMANS 6:21

“Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death.”

People do the craziest things for the craziest reasons. People rob banks just to get money which they think will make them happy or get them out of some jam. People do drugs to relieve themselves of worries or problems only to find those things still there when the high wears off. We really should stop and think about the benefits of our actions before we do something stupid. There – I said it – stupid.

Paul points out in today’s verse what I just was talking about. He asks the readers why they did those shameful things. Surely, they had a reason. And then he reminds them of the cost – death. The word for “benefit” is the Greek word karpos which is the word used to describe fruit, good or bad. So, Paul is saying, “What did you expect to reap when you sowed bad seed?”

APPLICATION

I don’t normally insert long passages in my devotional blogs, but you really need to read all of Matthew 7:15-20. You will see Jesus use the word karpos over and over.“15 ‘Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will know them by their fruits.’”

What kind of fruit did you expect when you engaged in sinful behavior? Did you really think the temporary fruit would last? Nope, it doesn’t work that way. We will reap what we sow. Too many people think they can sow their wild oats and then pray for a crop failure (not an original saying by me).

In the ministry in which I serve, Every Man A Warrior, we teach me to produce good fruit. We train them to become disciple makers, not just disciples. We want to see each and every man produce a crop 30, 60 or 100 times what they invested. Generational growth is our goal. That is not done by indulging our flesh. But when we yield to the Spirit, we can see that fruitful outcome. Produce the good fruit!

Lord, help me to produce fruit that can continue to grow long after I leave this earth.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Fruit, Judging, Law, Scripture, Unfruitful

FRUIT INSPECTORS

ROMANS 2:27

“And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a violator of the Law?” 

When I grew up in SW Georgia, I worked a few years for Walter Pollock & Sons. They owned a gas station, pecan groves, tobacco fields, a grainery and several other businesses. Mr. Pollock was quite the entrepreneur. During pecan season I was often working in the warehouse where we received pecans. I had to know how to recognize the different varieties and grade (or judge) them to offer the seller a price. I can still recognize some of those varities.

Paul calls out the Jews pretty forcibly in today’s verse by telling them that even an uncircumcised Law keeper would be able to judge them for not following the Law. Ouch! You have to remember that the Jews tended to look down on non-Jews (Gentiles). To be told they would be judged by a Gentile would have been highly insulting to them. Nevertheless, that was the truth, and Paul did not hesitate to tell them.

APPLICATION

Today we followers of Christ are not concerned about the issue of circumcision or keeping the Law. But we should be concerned about producing the fruit He has for us to produce. We are told not to judge others because we do not know their spiritual position just by looking. But we can judge their fruit production. Are they spending time daily with the Lord? Are they sharing their testimony with lost people in order to win them to Christ? Are they exhibiting the joy of the Lord as they encounter the trials of life?

Let me hasten to say that we have been given clear instructions about judging others. Look at Matthew 7:1-5. “1 “‘Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. 2 For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, the log is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye!’”

If you’re going to judge someone else’s fruit, make sure yours isn’t rotten. Make sure your fruit production is totally dependent on Jesus and not yourself. And encourage other believers to exercise the gifts God has given them so that they too will produce the fruit of the Spirit.

Father, accept any fruit I produce as an offering to honor You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Fruit, Holy Spirit, Kindness, Scripture, Testimony

THE KIND GOD

ROMANS 2:4

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” 

Kindness is a lost virtue nowadays, isn’t it? We watch the news and all we see are muggings, shootings and other crimes against humanity. My wife and I like to watch a reality show (don’t judge, lol) about police officers. It’s a live broadcast that follows various law enforcement departments around the country. Kindness is not exemplified very much on that show. But sometimes…you will see it from someone you least expect to show it. That’s always refreshing.

Paul uses two different forms of the Greek word for “kindness.” The first word is the noun form of “kindness” – xrēstótēs which means “useable, i.e. well-fit for use (for what is really needed); kindness that is also serviceable…refers to meeting real needs, in God’s way, in His timing (fashion). Hence xrēstótēs is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22).” (HELPS Word studies). The second word for “kindness” is xrēstós which is the adjective form of the same word. We don’t really have a word in the English that adequately defines these words. But we do know that God is a kind and gracious God.

APPLICATION

Since the second “kindness” in today’s verse is an adjective, you could translate the last phrase of today’s verse this way, “not knowing that the kind God leads you to repentance?” I like that. God is so kind to lead us to repentance. He wants to really meet our needs and even our wants sometime. God exemplifies true kindness by welcoming us into His family.

I have known some very kind people in my life. Some of those are my African brothers and sisters. When I have the privilege to visit there, they welcome as one of the family. Whatever I need they seek to provide. They go out of their way to make me feel at home. If I get sick (which has occurred from time to time), they are so caring and comforting. Their kindness is incredible.

Do you have that fruit of the Spirit? Well, of course you do. If you are a believer and Christ is your life, you have all the fruit of the Spirit in you. We choose not to live them out. Your kindness toward others speaks volumes. You may be able to reach some people for Jesus just by showing them kindness. Try it today. Let the kind God give you His kindness to share with others.

O Lord, thank You for being so kind to me and drawing me to Yourself.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Fruit, Harvest, Ministry, Production, Scripture

FRUIT

ROMANS 1:13

“I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also just as among the rest of the Gentiles.”

Every time I read a verse about “fruit” I think of figs or apples or bananas. Can’t help it! I know that is not the meaning behind the word in today’s verse, but it gives us a very vivid image of what Paul is talking about. The Greek word for “fruit” is used 66 times in the New Testament to describe physical and spiritual fruit. The context tells you which. Some of the best verses about “fruit” are words spoken by Jesus Himself. We will look at some of those.

Before we do that, listen to what Albert Barnes says about this statement by Paul “that I may obtain some fruit among you.” “That I might be the means of the conversion of sinners and of the edification of the church in the capital of the Roman Empire. It was not curiosity to see the splendid capital of the world that prompted this desire; it was not the love of travel, and of roaming from clime to clime; it was the specific purpose of doing good to the souls of human beings. To ‘have fruit’ means to obtain success in bringing men to the knowledge of Christ. Thus, the Saviour said John 15:16, ‘I have chosen you, and ordained you that you should bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.’”

APPLICATION

Let’s go to my favorite chapter about “fruit,” John 15. Take a minute and read verses 1-16 and count how many times the word “fruit” is used by the Lord. I’ll wait…. Done? How many? That’s right – eight times! Do you think the Lord wants us to produce fruit for Him? He wants us to produce much fruit for Him.

The idea of producing fruit isn’t just in the New Testament. In Psalm 1:3 we read, “He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” I hope you memorize Psalm 1:1-3. They are words to live by. If we walk with the Lord, he promises fruit in our lives.

Now, before you open up a stand at the spiritual farmer’s market, make sure you have the right kind of fruit. You find that in Galatians 5:22-23. “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” That’s the fruit He gives us to share with others. By exhibiting that fruit, we are able to gain spiritual fruit through the salvation of those we minister to. Start your harvest!

Father, You have gifted us with Your fruit. Help us produce more fruit for You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Fruit, Heaven, Ministry, Scripture

DECISIONS, DECISIONS!

PHILIPPIANS 1:22

“But, if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me, and I do not know which to choose.”

I have been a decision maker for quite some time now. As my ministry progressed, I was given more and more decisions to make. Some big and some small, but all were decisions that had to be made by me. “The buck stops here” is really true if you are in leadership.

Paul was torn between the desire to continue to minister, even though that meant being held in a prison, and the desire to be called on to heaven. Paul had “tasted” a little bit of heaven before (read 2 Corinthians 12:4). He was looking forward to his heavenly reward, yet he still had more work to do.

APPLICATION

If you were given the choice to either stay here and continue to labor for the Lord or go on to heaven, what would you choose? Staying here for your kids or grandkids is admirable. No one wants to leave them behind, especially before knowing they are secure in the Lord. But our reason for staying needs to go beyond just our families. What has the Lord called you to do?

Look what Paul says here. He says living “will mean fruitful labor.” In other words, if he is alive he can continue to live out John 15:16 which says, “…and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit…” We are called to bear fruit. Paul had never forgotten his calling to reach the Gentiles. He wasn’t done yet.

Stop being so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good. Look around you. How can God use you today to produce fruit that will last for His kingdom? When it’s time to go to heaven, He’ll call you. I say often that I am immortal until God calls me home. He knows the number of my days. Until then I want to be used by Him. How about you?

Father, use me up to my last breath to produce fruit for Your kingdom.

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Bible, Filled, Fruit, Righteousness, Scripture

THE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

PHILIPPIANS 1:11

“having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of God.”

When I read this verse, I wondered what Paul meant by “fruit of righteousness.” I know from the Word that any righteousness I have comes from Jesus. This verse shows us what is expected of that righteousness once we have it. We produce fruit. I am getting ready to plant some vegetables to harvest later. I will expect fruit to come from those plants since I will water and fertilize and weed them. Hmmm, does that apply to this verse? Let’s see.

Paul uses the Greek word pléroó which means to fill or make complete. The important part about this word is this. That -oo ending means the result of the action of the word is more important than just the action. In this case, the fruit is more important than the filling. Do you follow me? If you just get filled and it stays there, what good is that? The filling causes fruit which you then can share.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes describes this “fruit of righteousness” this way. “That which righteousness in the heart produces. The fruits, or results, will be seen in the life; and those fruits are – honesty, truth, charity, kindness, meekness, goodness. The wish of the apostle is, that they might show abundantly by their lives that they were truly righteous. He does not refer to liberality merely, but to everything which true piety in the heart is fitted to produce in the life.”

In the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament), we find this in Proverbs 11:30. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and one who is wise gains souls.” In Proverbs 13:2 we read, “From the fruit of a person’s mouth he enjoys good, but the desire of the treacherous is violence.” So, we see that this concept of fruit and righteousness is not something Paul just dreamed up. It comes from the very heart of God in all His Word.

James referred to this “fruit of righteousness” in James 3:18. “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James, the half-brother of Christ, saw this lived out in Jesus. He watched Him exhibit this fruit to others. He saw the peaceful manner in which He dealt with others, even His enemies. James wanted that for himself and others.

Today, live out some of that fruit to others. Start with the ones Barnes referenced – honesty, truth, charity, kindness, meekness and goodness. That should keep you busy all day.

Lord, help me live out this fruit of righteousness to others I encounter today.

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Bible, Fruit, Growth, Pleasing, Scripture, Walking

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR JESUS

COLOSSIANS 1:10

“so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” 

How much time did you spend Christmas shopping this year? Some people shop all year looking for that perfect gift for a loved one. Grandmas especially are good at that. They seem to always be on the lookout for a gift for a grandchild. That’s because they are always on her mind. Hmmm, how can we apply this to today’s verse?

In the previous verse, Paul had prayed for knowledge of God’s will for these believers. In today’s verse, we see why. He wants them to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” Isn’t that what every parent wants for their child? I know that is what I desire for my children and grandchildren. Once again, Paul further explains what he means by this.

APPLICATION

He wants the Colossian believers “to please Him in all respects.” The Greek word used here for “to please” is only used here in this verse. It means to be agreeable or accommodating. Paul wants them to walk only where Christ would walk. He wants them to do what only Christ would do, to say only what Christ would say. To be agreeable and accommodating to Christ in their daily lives.

He also wants them to bear “fruit in every good work.” We know what that means, don’t we? Fruit bearing is always for the benefit of others, not yourself. Paul desired that these believers bear fruit to help spread the gospel, to do good for those who need to hear the truth. I am sure the words of Jesus in John 15 were ringing through Paul’s ears as he wrote this.

And then Paul prayed they would be “increasing in the knowledge of God.” The Greek word for “increasing” has the idea of physical or spiritual growth. In either, it infers growing in size, getting bigger, getting stronger, just as a plant would grow in size and produce its fruit or grain.

Are you pleasing? Are you bearing? Are you increasing? If you are, you have just given Jesus the perfect gift this Christmas.

Father, help me please you, bear fruit and increase in the knowledge of You this Christmas Day.

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