Word Nerd Wednesday - (Bear) Fruit

My friend Kristin Funston joins us today to discuss this great word - Abide!

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“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” (John 15:4-6, ESV)

FRUIT, (from Latin fructus fruit, use, from frui to enjoy, have the use of)

1. In a general sense, whatever the earth produces for the nourishment of animals, or for clothing or profit.

2. In a more limited sense, the produce of a tree or other plant; the last production for the propagation or multiplication of its kind; the seed of plants, or the part that contains the seeds; as wheat, rye, oats, apples, quinces, pears, cherries, acorns, melons, &c.

4. Production; that which is produced.

5. The produce of animals; offspring; young; as the fruit of the womb, of the loins, of the body.

6. Effect or consequence.

7. Advantage; profit; good derived.

8. Production, effect or consequence; in an ill sense; as the fruits of sin; the fruits of intemperance.

The new testament gives a couple definitions of what fruit is produced when we abide in Him.

1) Christian character:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)

Galatians 5:22-23 gives the ingredients of what makes up Christian or Spirit-led character. An interesting note about this verse is “fruit” is singular, meaning a fully Spirit-led character has all of these ingredients. In order to bear fruit to to which there is no law, a Christian must possess all of these qualities. Abiding with Christ will naturally lead to a character possessing these qualities.

2) Christian conduct:

“so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10, ESV)

“Tell the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds.” (Isaiah 3:10, ESV)

In every work we do that is pleasing to him, fruit is produced (Colossians 1:10). The only way to understand what is pleasing to Him is to increase in our knowledge of God through abiding in His word. His good Word produces good works and therefore good fruit. Isaiah 3:10 goes on to say that the righteous will eat the fruit of their deeds, and it will be well for them. Bearing fruit comes full circle through abiding in Christ.

In every work we do that is pleasing to him, fruit is produced. @KFun Click To Tweet

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Kristin is a little bit of the South and the Southwest rolled into one. Kristin is a freelance writer who encourages women to experience & embrace God’s Truth amidst the everyday mayhem. She blogs regularly at KristinFunston.com, MemphisMomsBlog.com and is an editor at “Encouragement for Today,” Proverbs 31 Ministries daily devotional.

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Website - www.kristinfunston.com

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