Parable Of The Fig Tree Pt. 2
Jim discusses a parable from Luke 13 about a fig tree that bears no fruit, highlighting God's expectation for believers to produce the life of Christ within them. He explains that the Holy Spirit acts as the vine dresser, cultivating and nurturing believers to bear fruit. Jim uses gardening analogies to illustrate how the Holy Spirit works in our lives, employing tools like the Word of God and the support of fellow believers to remove obstacles to spiritual growth. He stresses the need for cooperation with the Holy Spirit, who seeks to dig deep into our hearts to remove sin and promote growth. Jim concludes by encouraging believers to respond to God's work in their lives, likening it to plants that flourish when properly cared for. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to bring glory to God.
Outline of Main Points
Parable of the fig tree and God's expectations for believers.
Role of the Holy Spirit as the vine dresser.
Gardening analogies to illustrate spiritual growth.
Tools used by the Holy Spirit: Word of God and community support.
Need for cooperation with the Holy Spirit.
Encouragement to respond to God's work in our lives.
Call to bring glory to God through spiritual fruitfulness.
6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? 8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: 9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
