Bitter FruitStage
#1. My Life Without Jesus
- Produces Punishment is explained by
Galatians 5:19-21 - The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:
sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft;
hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissension,
factions and envy; drunkenness ,orgies, and the like. These spell
out some of the acts of the sinful nature. Our fruit will be bitter
if we submit to anything or anyone ahead of Jesus. We are isolated because
we reject Jesus and go our own way. We are living only in our power.
Therefore, our fruit is the bitter variety and leads to punishment,
an eternal punishment, if we have not known Jesus as our Savior.
Better Fruit
Stage #2.. My New Life with Jesus
- Salvation through Jesus' finished work produces eternal
life. Jesus says, It is Finished. God offers
us an opportunity to put Jesus first by faith. This produce
better fruit in our lives. However, there is more to come.
Best FruitStage #3. Jesus'
Life Through Me
- Yielding to the Lordship of Jesus produces the abundant
life in us. As we realize that we are striving in the Spirit,
seeking and living a consistent faithful life, the Holy Spirit helps
us to understand that true freedom is already ours. In John's
gospel, Jesus provides believers with a charge and a command.
John 15:16-17 says, You did not choose me, but I chose you and
appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the
Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command:
Love each other. This helps us to understand that the best, lasting
fruit is to love each other.