Bear Much Fruit

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples (John 15:8).

What is the character and nature of the fruit which Christ would have us bear and that brings glory to the Father? Is it as the Apostle Paul states (Galatians 5:22-23) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law? It is certainly these, but the true character and nature of the fruit is more than the outward manifestation of the 'graces' of the Holy Spirit in us. It is the inner spiritual life itself resulting from the indwelling Christ through the Person of the Holy Spirit. If limited to the visible outworking of the person alone, it could: (1) be a discouragement to those who, by reason of limitations, restrictions, or circumstances (i.e. sickness, age, etc.), may not be able to express such graces, and (2) be a source of deception in those who may do many things in the will and energy of the flesh, which would be dead works.

It would be better for us to understand that the fruit that is spoken of here is Jesus Christ living His life in every believer without limitation or restriction. It would include those mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, but would not be limited to them. Ultimately, it is full conformity to Christ, which is the goal of being a Christian in the earth. (Romans 8:29) For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. It is Christ-likeness in every aspect of our being and life - His affections, dispositions, graces, attitudes, etc. 

It is important for the Christian to realize that the fruit that Christ would have us produce and that brings glory to the Father is the complete spiritual union with Christ. As such, these graces do not bring recognition or praise to the believer, but to Christ who lives in the believer. (Matthew 5:16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Hosea 14:8, Ephraim shall say, “What have I to do anymore with idols?” I have heard and observed him. I am like a green cypress tree; your fruit is found in Me.

(Philippians 1:9-11) And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. The same is true of our love (2 Corinthians 5:14), joy (John 15:11), peace (John 14:27), and meekness and gentleness (2 Corinthians 10:1). In other words, Christians cannot take the credit for anything good and worthwhile in the work of the Kingdom of God, for it all glorifies God and is produced by Jesus Christ in us. Amen.

G. Martin