THIS IS TABLE ROCK FELLOWSHIP – PASTOR RYAN LADEN
| Fruitfulness In our study of the Sermon on the Mount we were challenged by Jesus Christ to evaluate the direction of our lives as he described the narrow and wide roads. The wide road was described as the “normal” path in life. This way of believing and living was described as being easy and therefore more attractive to the majority of people in life. This path might not have any opposition, but its destination was described by Jesus as that of destruction. The other way to travel in this life was that of the narrow way. Jesus was honest in describing this path as being more challenging and much less popular. But the destination of those who chose this path was that of real, abundant, and eternal life in Christ. Wonder For those who hear this challenging teaching from Jesus Christ and are left wondering about which path they are personally travelling, Jesus pointed to the fruit of their lives as evidence. Listen to how Jesus Christ spoke of the importance of seeing the fruit of your life in the following: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”Matthew 7:15-20 NIV11 Both Ways Jesus Christ called his followers to discern the true nature of those who were pretending to be his followers but who were not genuine in their claims of faith. We are encouraged to see the fruit of their words, actions, and attitudes as evidence that leads us to the right conclusion. In the same way that we are called to examine the fruit of others, we should be ready and willing to examine our own produce. In the teaching that follows, Jesus Christ teaches us the necessity of producing good fruit in this life, and he makes it clear that the Lord is at work in all of his children, helping them be more and more productive. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”John 15:1-8 NIV11 Reflect As you go throughout your day today, reflect on the images presented by Jesus, and consider their importance in your life as you continue down the narrow path of life. True vine – Jesus ChristGardner – The Heavenly FatherBranches – Those who are “In Christ”Remain in the vine – You draw near to Christ as he draws you nearer to himself.Clean – The Word of God cleans us, and makes us more fruitful.Bear much fruit – Show yourself to be his disciple. In Christ,Ryan Laden |
OUR MISSION AS A CHURCH
“TO ENCOURAGE AND EQUIP EACH OTHER IN LOVE TO KNOW JESUS AND MAKE HIM KNOWN”
CONTACT INFO
- (541) 245-2612
- Answers@TableRockFellowship.com
- 3610 N Pacific Hwy
Medford Oregon 97501
DINING WITH JESUS PRODUCTIONS 
You must be logged in to post a comment.