✝️This Is What Real Fruit Looks Like

Good morning, my brothers!  You’re producing something with your life right now. The question isn’t if, but what. This week, we examine the kind of fruit abiding in Christ is meant to produce in us to impact eternity and bring glory to God. Let’s go!

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What Fruit Are We Producing?

Last week, we talked about abiding in Christ, about remaining in the Vine, not striving, not performing, not trying to manufacture fruit in our own strength. We learned that eternal fruit is formed through our growing intimacy with Jesus.

Jesus said in John 15 that when we abide, we will bear much fruit. Not a little. Not occasional flashes of spiritual emotion. Much fruit.

So what is this fruit we produce as we stay connected to Jesus?

It’s not measured by numbers nor applause. It is not influence or great activity. It isn’t wealth. None of these is inherently bad if viewed correctly. All can be used by God to bring about fruit. But none of them is the actual fruit that lasts.

Fruit, I believe, is the result of Christ formed in us and Christ multiplied through us.

Fruit Begins With Our Heart and Character

Charles Spurgeon would remind us that the first fruit is holiness.

Not outward performance. But inward transformation. Christ in us, developing our character to be more like Him.

A man abiding in Christ begins to hate the sin he once justified. He becomes quicker to repent. Slower to defend himself. More aware of pride. More sensitive to conviction.

The man abiding and thus producing fruit delights in spending time with the Lord in study, meditation, and prayer.

He loves more completely, without expectation and sacrificially. He looks for the best outcome for others before self.

The fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 is not a checklist for impressive Christians. It is evidence of a surrendered life, led by the Holy Spirit. It is the life of Christ naturally lived out in and through us, the vessels. It’s not forced, it just is.

Love.
Joy.
Peace.
Patience.
Kindness.
Goodness.
Faithfulness.
Gentleness.
Self-control.

Many of us can quote the verse. But the important measure is whether the people closest to us see them naturally lived out by us.

Would your wife say you are more loving than you were five years ago?

Would your kids say you are more patient?

Would your coworkers describe you as steady and self-controlled under pressure?

Would “joyful” be used as a characteristic by those closest to describe your demeanor?

Exhibited fruit doesn’t grow through hustle. It grows through abiding, and it becomes more natural the more we abide.

Obedience Is Fruit

A man who abides with Christ does not negotiate delayed obedience. He obeys immediately, regardless of whether he fully understands the big picture, and even when it’s hard. This is a message Charles Stanley taught repeatedly from his pulpit in Atlanta.

Obedience is fruit when it costs something.

Integrity when nobody is watching.

Choosing purity in a world that celebrates compromise.

Staying faithful in your marriage when culture says you deserve more.

Telling the truth when lying would be easier.

Leading your home spiritually, even when you feel inadequate.

That kind of fruit does not trend on social media. But heaven sees it.

Joy Is Fruit

John Piper has said for years that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.

Is our joy in Christ, our satisfaction in Him alone, or do we find it in the things of the world?

Is our peace rooted in Him, or in circumstances going our way?

A man abiding in Christ begins to find an indescribable stability. His circumstances may fluctuate, but his center does not. He loses things without losing himself. He faces criticism without collapsing. He walks through uncertainty without panic.

He can sing while imprisoned, as Paul and Silas did in Acts 16.

That kind of joy is fruit. And it speaks loudly to a watching world. Just ask the other prisoners.

Souls Are Fruit

D.L. Moody, the former shoe salesman turned devoted Christ-follower, would ask us who we are bringing with us.

If Christ lives in us, His heart for the lost begins to beat in us. The reality of eternal separation from God that awaits the lost burdens us.

We start noticing the neighbor who does not know the Lord. The coworker going through a divorce. The young man drifting. The friend silently struggling. The answer for all is clear and His name is Jesus.

Fruit is not only character. It is multiplication.

Who have you shared Jesus with in the last month? The last year?

Who are you discipling?

Who is stronger in their walk with Christ because of your influence?

One of my mentors, Dr. Bill Bennett, spent his last decades Mentoring Men for the Master. His example still resonates, years after his death: A man who abides does not remain alone. He reproduces. He lives out the great commission found in Matthew 28.

Not perfectly. Not loudly. But intentionally. With words and actions.

If we are not sharing the Gospel with those around us or discipling anyone, we need to ask whether we are truly bearing fruit that lasts.

Endurance Is Fruit

Spurgeon battled depression. Moody faced criticism. Stanley endured church conflict. You and I have our own battles we fight. Faithful men do not escape hardship. They endure it.

Endurance is fruit.

Remaining faithful when prayer feels dry is fruit.

Remaining obedient when your marriage is on the rocks, when your kids mess up, when finances are tight, and when the temptation comes. That’s fruit.

Remaining humble and giving God all the glory when success finally comes is fruit.

A flash of passion is easy. A lifetime of consistent faithfulness is fruit.

Jesus said that bearing much fruit proves we are His disciples. Not dramatic moments. Not perfection. Enduring faith. Will we be able to say with Paul:

Will we finish strong? By doing so, we bear fruit that impacts generations.

So What Fruit Are We Producing?

Guys, now let’s get personal. Here’s a quick gut check.

Are we producing:

• Christlike character?

• Courageous obedience?

• Deep-rooted joy?

• Spiritual sons?

• Faithful endurance?

There is nothing wrong with earthly success. But earthly success without spiritual fruit is hollow.

One day, everything visible will be stripped away. The only thing left standing will be what we did in His power and for Him.

The Encouragement We Need

Here is the good news.

Fruit is not your responsibility. Abiding is.

You do not wake up and try to manufacture patience. You stay connected to Christ. You confess sin quickly. You open the Word. You pray honestly. You obey immediately. You stay close enough to hear Him.

And over time, the Father produces what only He can produce. Slowly. Quietly. Powerfully.

Fruit that lasts…for eternity.

Because the Father delights in producing fruit through men who stay close to His Son.

And imagine what would happen if the men of MTM became known for this kind of fruit.

Men marked by integrity.
Men filled with joy.
Men who disciple younger men.
Men who endure.
Men who quietly impact others because Christ lives in them.

That kind of fruit lasts and begins with abiding.

Let’s stay close enough to hear Him. And let’s become the kind of men who leave behind something eternal. Fruit that lasts.

  -WIll

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