PRAYING FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD -- Tomorrow:
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." (Colossians 1:9-11, KJV)
Devotion 20 of 32
The Result of Christ's Indwelling
" . . . being fruitful in every good work . . . "
Being "fruitful in every good work" is the result of Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith (Eph 3:17). It is actually Jesus that lives in us, producing rich fruitage in all that is done in His name. That is why Paul confessed, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but CHRIST LIVETH IN ME: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Gal 2:20).
THE RESULT OF GOD'S WORKING
Being "fruitful in every good work" is also the result of God's own working, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Phil 2:13). Those who are filled with all wisdom and spiritual understanding are brought to a point where they are made "perfect in every good work to do His will, [God] working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (Heb 13:21).
A COMPARISON WITH ISRAEL
Being "fruitful in every good work" is the result of a life that corresponds to the labor God has expended upon us – for we are "His workmanship" (Eph 2:10). By way of comparison, ponder Israel. Their lives did not yield an appropriate harvest to the Lord. When they corrupted themselves, Moses chided them: "Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not He thy Father that hath bought thee? hath He not made thee, and established thee?" (Deut 32:6). They were not "fruitful in every good work." God Himself said of them: "Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?" (Jer 2:21). They were not "fruitful in every good work."
Through Isaiah, the Lord lamented: "What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?" (Isa 5:4). They were not "fruitful in every good work."
THIS IS NOT A COMMANDMENT
Being "fruitful in every good work" is not a commandment. It must not be approached as though it was spoken from Mount Sinai. Fruit bearing is necessary, but necessities are not always fulfilled by means of a commandment. Notice how the Holy Spirit approaches the matter of bearing fruit – good fruit. It is not from the standpoint of Divine demand.
1. Good fruit invariably comes from a good tree (Matt 7:17).
2. The quality of a "tree" is known by the fruit it produces (Matt 12:33).
3. When the "good seed" of the kingdom is heard and understood, it does bring forth fruit (Matt 13:23).
4. When the Word of God is kept in an honest and good heart, the individual will "bring forth fruit with patience" (Luke 8:15).
5. The one who abides in Christ, and in whom Christ Himself abides, "bringeth forth much fruit" (John 15:5).
6. Being made "free from sin," we have our "fruit unto holiness" (Rom 6:22).
7 . We are "married" to Christ in order to "bring forth fruit unto God" (Rom 7:4).
8 . Fruit is the result of the Spirit's own work (Gal 5:22; Eph 5:9).
9. When the chastening of God is received, it produces the "peaceable fruit of righteousness" (Heb 12:11).
Being "fruitful in every good work" is an outcome, not a commandment. It simply is what happens when Christ lives within and the Spirit is not quenched. Although our effort is required, that effort is not expended on bearing fruit itself. Rather, our efforts focus on drawing near to the Lord, remaining in the heavenly places where He has put us, resisting the devil and living by faith. When these things are accomplished, fruit will be produced, and God will be glorified.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus name strengthen me to rid myself of all influences that prohibit bearing fruit to You.