Topic: Fruitlessness
Text: Luke 13:6-9
Memory Verse: “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore, every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” -Matthew 3:10.
Reflection:
Fruitlessness in simple term means unproductive.
As Christians, it is good for us to know that the first commandment God gave to man after creation was “…be fruitful” -Genesis 1:28, and He has invested so much in us to see that we fulfill this mandate. As such, it grieves His heart when we are not living up this expectation (when we are fruitless) Matthew 21:19.
Our text (Luke 13:6-9) reveals how God has been blessing us, providing for our needs, taking care of our worries and protecting us, all for one purpose “…that we should bear fruits and that our fruits should abide” -John 15:16. But often we become satisfied in His blessings and comfortable in his protection that we never bordered to bear fruits in return. Even though Grace has been available unto us all the while, fruitlessness in the body of Christ will not be condone for too long -John 15:2.
Outline 1: Causes of Fruitlessness
- Ignorance and disobedience to God’s word Genesis 1:28; Hosea 4:6a; Matthew. 21:29-31a.
- Lack of genuine repentance from sin and other vices Acts 3:19; Matthew 3:8.
- Pre-occupation with the affairs of this world. Mathew 13:22, 1 John 2:16-17.
- Failure to evangelize and win souls. Romans 1:13,16; John 15:16.
- Inadequate understanding of the accompanying blessings of fruitfulness. Romans 10:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; Proverbs 11:30.
Outline 2: Dangers of Fruitlessness
- Condemnation, loss and pain. Matthew 25:24-30.
- Reversal of blessings. 1 Samuel 2:30-34; Mark 11:12-13.
- Separation between God and the fruitless fellow. Revelation 2:4-5
- Self-exposure to attacks. Jonah 1:1-4,15
- Total destruction of the fruitless fellow. Luke 13:6-9.
Conclusion:
As there are consequences for fruitlessness, so also abound blessings and rewards for fruitfulness. As such, an escape from fruitlessness is a leap into the blessedness of fruitfulness -John 15:2.
May God en-grace us to be fruitful and bear good fruits that will last.
