The Parable Of The Fig Tree Pt 1
In his message, Jim emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit in the life of a believer, drawing from biblical passages such as Psalm 92 and the parable of the barren fig tree in Luke 13. He reflects on what God desires from His people, highlighting that it is not merely about actions or tasks, but about the manifestation of a Christ-like life within us. Jim explains that true fruitfulness is not a checklist of behaviors but a holistic expression of the divine life that God has implanted in every believer. He identifies three key marks of this life: a deep love for God, a genuine love for others, and a commitment to doing God's will. Jim encourages believers to draw near to God, to cultivate a relationship with Him, and to allow His life to flow through them. He also discusses the role of Jesus as the intercessor who nurtures and cultivates this life within us, urging the congregation to recognize the seriousness of God's expectations and the grace available through Christ. Ultimately, Jim calls for a response to God's grace, emphasizing that while there are consequences for unfruitfulness, there is also hope for renewal and growth through Christ.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction and Prayer
- Scriptural Basis
- Psalm 92: Righteousness and Fruitfulness
- Luke 13: The Barren Fig Tree
- God's Desire for Fruitfulness
- Understanding Fruit vs. Actions
- Holistic Nature of Fruit
- Three Marks of a Fruitful Life
- Love for God
- Love for Others
- Commitment to God's Will
- Role of Jesus as Intercessor
- Intercession for God's Will
- Hope for Renewal and Growth
- Conclusion: Response to God's Grace
12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; 15 To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
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.
10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
