fruit – Ministry of Grace Church

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Romans 7:4 – Free to Bear Fruit

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Will

So, my brothers, you also were made dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may belong to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, so that we might bear fruit to God.

Truth to Learn

We have been set free so that we can bear fruit for God.

Behind the Words

Just as in the previous verse the word for “married” does not appear in the Greek text. A literal translation of that portion of the verse would be “for you to become another's,” or as we have translated it, “that you may belong to another …” More than implying the marriage relationship, it implies ownership. We belong to Him who was raised from the dead.

“Bear fruit” is translated from karpophoreō, which is made up of karpos, meaning “fruit” and a form of pherō, meaning “to bring” or “to bear.”

Meaning Explained

There are some who believe Paul is saying that the husband in this imagery is really the Law which is now dead. Because the Law is dead, we as Christians are free to marry another, which is Christ. Whereas that would parallel the previous verse and would demonstrate that we are no longer under obligation to the Law since it is now dead, that is not what Paul is saying.

In the current verse we see that Paul says we have become dead to the Law, not that the Law has become dead. His reason for using this imagery is to show that death causes a cessation of the bonds of law. If you re-read the first 11 verses of the previous chapter, you will see that it is our death to sin that Paul is talking about.

Romans 6:1-11 What shall we say then? Should we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Or do you not know that all who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we should walk in newness of life. For if we have been joined together in the likeness of His death, so also will we be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been set free from sin. And if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has lordship over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. In this way you also, reckon yourselves to be truly dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

When we were saved we were made dead to sin, being released from bondage to it. That bondage came from the Law to which all belonged (i.e. we were married to it). Now that we have been made dead to sin, we are no longer bound to try to obtain righteousness through the Law. Instead, as Paul has already said, we have received the gift of righteousness, not because we earned it but because it has been given to us by God.

Application

We are no longer under the Law. We do not have to obey all the rules to be acceptable to God. We are acceptable to God because of the blood of Christ. Therefore our works (fruit) are not the source of our righteousness, but are to be the result of our having been declared righteous.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 6:21 – Grace for Shame

Posted on February 1, 2018 by Will

Therefore, what fruit did you have in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.

Truth to Learn

Our sinfulness separates us from fellowship with God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “fruit” is karpos, which can refer to the fruit of a tree (or other crop) or that which results from our actions. It is this latter meaning of “fruit” that is implied in today’s verse.

“Ashamed” is from the Greek word epaischunomai, which is made up of epi, meaning “upon” or “on account of” and a form of aischunō, which means “to be ashamed.” Hence epaischunomai refers to the shame that someone has brought upon himself or herself.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told us that when we were slaves to sin (before we were saved) we were free from (not in bondage to) righteousness. The clear implication is, now that we are slaves to righteousness we are free from sin and should not obey it like a master. Remember also, back in verse fifteen Paul asked the rhetorical question, “What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace?” Since that verse he has been arguing that we certainly should not continue in sin because we now have a new master and we are not under the obligation to sin like we previously were.

In the current verse Paul is making another point in reference to his rhetorical question. Since we once were in bondage to sin we know its effects, we’ve tasted its bitterness, and we’ve reaped its fruit. He is implying here that having once experienced these effects and knowing our tendency to sin, we should not indulge in it now. We can look back at the sinful life we used to live and see that not only are the “pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:25) not lasting, but the consequences of these sins are lasting and we are ashamed of them. Therefore, why would we even consider going back to a state where we were controlled by our sinful impulses?

We are very aware of the end result of our sinful past, and a life characterized by sin, produces death. “But,” you may say, “I’m now saved so I have eternal life and will never die again spiritually.” This is absolutely true, but the definition of death is separation. To die physically is to be separated from this mortal world. To die spiritually is to be spiritually separated from God (that’s the worst part of the punishment of Hell, eternal separation from God). If you are truly saved, then you will never, ever, ever, ever be spiritually separated from God because He has adopted you into His family and has promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you. But – when we sin (after we have been saved) we are separated from fellowship with God and that type of separation (death) can only be overcome by humbling ourselves and confessing our sin to God.

Application

We’ve all done things in the past that we are not very proud of, haven’t we? So the real question is, “Do you have anything that you need to confess to God right now?” He’s ready to forgive you and restore fellowship with you if you do. That’s grace!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:9 – Goodness, Righteousness, and Truth

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Will

for the fruit of the light is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth,

Truth to Learn

We should always exhibit goodness, righteousness, and truth.

Behind the Words

The word “fruit” is translated from the Greek word karpos, which is derived from the same base as harpadzō, meaning “to pluck” or “to take by force.” Karpos can refer to fruit taken from a tree or any edible thing taken from plants. Paul uses this word metaphorically, referring to the effects of, or result of, a force or an action.

The word “light” is phōs, which we learned in the previous verse, refers either to physically perceived light or to spiritual enlightenment. In some later manuscripts, this word is replaced by pneumatos, which is based on the verb pneō, meaning “to breathe” or “to blow.” Pneumatos literally refers to “a current of air.” Figuratively, it refers to “a spirit” or “a ghost.”

“Goodness” is from agathōsunē, based on agathos (good or useful). The sunē ending indicates an abstraction from the base noun. Thus, agathōsunē refers to the general characteristic of goodness or usefulness.

“Righteousness” is from dikaiosunē, which is based on the noun dikaios, meaning “just” or “righteous.” As with agathōsunē, t he sunē ending indicates an abstraction from the base noun. Therefore, dikaiosunē refers to “justice” or “righteousness.”

“Truth” is from alētheia, which refers to “truth” or “reality.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is one that exhibits a minor variation between the two most often used Greek texts. In this verse the Received Text (from which the KJV and NKJV are taken) reads “fruit of the Spirit” and the Wescott-Hort text (from which the NASB, NIV, ESV, and others are taken) reads “fruit of the light.” Nowhere else in the New Testament does “fruit of the light” appear, but only one other place has “fruit of the spirit” (Galatians 5:22). Both versions make sense and contain teaching that is profitable for all Christians. So to me, it really doesn’t matter which one is the “right” text.

I use my own translation in these studies because I prefer a more literal translation of the Greek, whereas others contain more interpretation and paraphrasing in their translations. Having said all that, I find that the phrase “fruit of the light” makes more sense in today’s verse. Here’s why: In the previous verse Paul said we previously were darkness but now are light and he said that we are to walk as “children of light.” It makes perfect sense that he would now tell us something about walking as children of light.

The fruit that we are to exhibit in our lives is to be characterized by goodness, righteousness, and truth. That which is bad is obviously not from God. That which is unjust or unfair is obviously not from God. That which is false or which is based on falsehood is obviously not from God.

Application

What we have to ask ourselves today is not whether the fruit of our thoughts and actions are fruit of the Spirit or fruit of the light. What we have to ask ourselves is, “Do our thoughts and actions demonstrate that God is our Father?” As God’s children we are to exhibit goodness, righteousness, and truth! Do you?

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:18 – Sow in Peace

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Will

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who are making peace.

Truth to Learn

Those who teach with earthly wisdom reap a harvest of contention and discord. Those who humbly teach through the Spirit of God reap a harvest of peaceful righteousness.

Behind the Words

“Fruit” is from the Greek word karpos, It refers to the fruit or produce of trees and other plants. Metaphorically, it refers to the results produced from any action or deed.

The word translated “righteousness” is dikaiosunē, which is a form of dikaios, meaning “righteous” or “just.” The sunē ending makes this an abstraction and thus refers to the characteristic of being righteous or just.

“Sown” is translated from the verb speirō, meaning “to scatter seed” or “to sow.”

The Greek word poieō is translated here as “making.” It means, “to make” or “to do,” indicating action that is either completed or on-going. It is expressed here as a present participle, which places emphasis on the continuing nature of the action.

“Peace” is translated from the Greek word eirēnē. In a civil or political application it refers to the opposite of war and dissention. In a personal application, it refers to harmony and tranquility.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse, James told us that heavenly wisdom makes peace and is full of good fruit. He now picks up on that idea, showing that the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace.

The result of proper teaching from God’s word is that it bears much fruit. It is the fruit of righteousness which is sown peaceably by godly teachers of the Word, not by selfish, contentious teachers who create strife. The effective preaching and teaching of God’s word is done with conviction (sometimes fervent conviction), but it is not done to produce strife. It is done to produce peace, peace within each heart that is submitted to God and to His Word, and peace within the body of Christ.

When Christ told his disciples that he was going away, He told them that He would send a helper (the Holy Spirit) to teach them. He also said the helper would give them peace.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:26, 27)

Proper teaching of the Word of God is only accomplished through the Spirit of God. Its end result is to produce peace. Improper teaching of the Word of God, teaching with earthly wisdom from a self-serving attitude, does not produce peace. It produces confusion and every evil thing, as James has just taught us. And, the final result of this type of teaching is conflict and self-serving attitudes among the people.

In the next chapter of this letter, James will talk about just such conflicts and fighting within the church. He will explain why these things come about and how to resolve all these issues. I’ll give you a hint: resolution involves humbling ourselves before Almighty God.

Application

Do you desire to teach the Word to others? If so, study hard and prepare diligently, seek the Spirit fervently, then deliver humbly as a fellow sinner saved by the grace of God! Remember, when you teach God’s Word, you do it for Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:9 – Goodness, Righteousness, and Truth

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Will

(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),

Truth to Learn

We should always exhibit goodness, righteousness, and truth.

Behind the Words

The word “spirit” is from pneumatos, which is based on the verb pneō, meaning “to breathe” or “to blow.” Pneumatos literally refers to “a current of air.” Figuratively, it refers to “a spirit” or “a ghost.” The problem that we have in today’s verse is that some manuscripts do not have the word pneumatos, but phōs, which we learned in the previous verse, refers either to physically perceived light or to spiritual enlightenment.

“Righteousness” is from dikaiosunē, which is based on the noun dikaios, meaning “just” or “righteous.” Therefore, dikaiosunē refers to “justice” or “righteousness.”

“Truth” is from alētheia, which refers to “truth” or “reality.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is one that exhibits a minor variation between the two most often used Greek texts. In this verse the Received Text (from which the KJV and NKJV are taken) reads “ fruit of the Spirit ” and the Wescott-Hort text (from which the NASB, NIV, ESV, and others are taken) reads “fruit of the light.” Nowhere else in the New Testament does “ fruit of the light ” appear, but only one other place has “fruit of the spirit” ( Galatians 5:22). Both versions make sense and contain teaching that is profitable for all Christians. So to me, it really doesn’t matter which one is the “right” text.

I use the NKJV translation in these studies because I find it to be a more literal translation of the Greek, whereas others contain more interpretation and paraphrasing in their translations. Having said all that, I find that the phrase “fruit of the light” makes more sense in today’s verse. Here’s why: In the previous verse Paul said we previously were darkness but now are light and he said that we are to walk as “children of light.” It makes perfect sense that he would now tell us something about walking as children of light.

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 7:5 – Fruit of Death

Posted on April 11, 2010 by Will

Romans 7:5

For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death.

Truth to Learn

Trying to live by a set of laws or rules produces spiritual death, not life.

Behind the Words

The word translated “flesh” in this verse is sarx, which means “the flesh, or muscle, of a living animal.” This is a contrasting word to kreas, which refers to “the flesh of a dead animal,” also sometimes translated as “meat.” Paul is using the word “flesh” here as a metonym, that is, a word used to represent something else. An example of a metonym is the use of the word “Washington” to refer to the U.S. Government.

“Passions” is from pathēma, which is a form of paschō, meaning “to experience strong feelings.” It is often translated “suffer,” although it can refer to strong feelings no matter whether they are good or bad (or somewhere in between). The ending “ma” gives it the meaning “that which is felt strongly.”

The word “aroused” is energeō, from which we get our English word “energy.” It refers to “that which is active, effectual, or mighty.” We could easily translate the opening phrase of this verse as, “For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were energized by the law …”

Meaning Explained

What does the Apostle Paul mean by the opening part of this verse, “For when we were in the flesh”? Aren’t we always in our flesh, at least until we die? Yes, but that’s not the kind of flesh Paul is talking about. In order to understand what he’s talking about we need to look at a verse in the next chapter of this letter where Paul says,

And those being in the flesh are not able to please God. But you are not in flesh, but in Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone has not the Spirit of Christ, this one is not His. (Romans 8:8-9)

In these verses Paul is contrasting being “in the flesh” and “in the Spirit.’ What he means is being controlled by the flesh, the sin nature, versus being controlled by the Spirit of God. Paul has already told us that before we were saved, we were in bondage to sin, or controlled by our sin nature. Now, in the current verse he is telling us that when we were controlled by our sin nature the passions, or overwhelming desires, of sin were not subdued but energized through the Law to bring forth fruit that resulted in death. I think Paul is talking about spiritual death or separation from fellowship with God, not physical death. And in the previous verse Paul told us that we should bring forth fruit to God by being married to Christ.

So, when we were controlled by our sin nature we produced fruit that resulted in spiritual death, but now that we have been saved and freed from the Law, we have become the bride of Christ, and the fruit that we produce should be fruit that is worthy of being brought to God.

Application

Now, the question is, what kind of fruit are you bringing to God? Are you allowing the desires of your flesh to control your actions? Or are you so tuned-in to God and walking so close to Him that your fleshly desires are easily resisted? The type of fruit that you produce will answer these questions for you.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Romans 7:4 – Free to Bear Fruit

Posted on April 8, 2010 by Will

Romans 7:4

Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.

Truth to Learn

We have been set free so that we can bear fruit for God.

Behind the Words

Just as in the previous verse the word for “married” does not appear in the Greek text. A literal translation of that portion of the verse would be “for you to become another’s.” More than implying the marriage relationship, it implies ownership. We belong to Him who was raised from the dead.

“Bear fruit” is translated from karpophoreō, which is made up of karpos, meaning “fruit” and a form of pherō, meaning “to bring” or “to bear.”

Meaning Explained

Romans 6:1-11 What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Let it not be! We who died to sin, how shall we still live in it? Or are you ignorant that all who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we should walk in newness of life. For if we have been joined together in the likeness of His death, so also shall we be in the resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be nullified, so that we no longer serve sin. For the one that died has been justified from sin. But if we died with Christ, we believe that also we shall live with Him, knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dies no more; death no longer lords it over Him. For in that He died, He died to sin once for all; but in that He lives, He lives to God. So also you count yourselves to be truly dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

When we were saved we were made dead to sin, being released from bondage to it. That bondage came from the Law to which all belonged (i.e. married to it). Now that we have been made dead to sin, we are no longer bound to try to obtain righteousness through the Law. Instead, as Paul has already said, we have received the gift of righteousness, not because we earned it but because it has been given to us by God.

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Romans 6:22 – Set-apart to Him

Posted on March 29, 2010 by Will

Romans 6:22

But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

Truth to Learn

God has set Christians apart and has given them eternal life.

Behind the Words

Throughout this chapter Paul has been making a play on words between “death” and “holiness.” Have you noticed? It’s not so obvious in English, but it is in Greek. The Greek word for “death” is thanatos, which, as we’ve mentioned before, carries with it the idea of separation. Separation of our soul from our mortal body is physical death, whereas separation of our soul from God is spiritual death.

The Greek word for “holiness” is hagios, which means “to be set apart from common use to or for a special purpose.” This is the same word that is also translated “sanctified.” Do you see the subtle difference? Death is separation from something while holiness is being set apart to something. Spiritual death is separation from God; holiness is being set apart to God.

Meaning Explained

This verse is Paul’s answer to the previous two verses and all three taken together are a summary of what Paul has been saying for this entire chapter. In verse twenty Paul said:

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.

Before we were saved we had no choice but to obey sin because we were its slaves. In answer to that he now says:

But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God …

As born again Christians we are free from the bondage of sin and have become the slaves (the personal property) of God himself. We are no longer owned by sin, but we’re not free to just do as we please either because we are now owned by God; He is our master and we are to submit to His will.

In verse twenty-one Paul said:

What fruit did you have … For the end of those things is death.

The fruit of the sin of our former way of life was death (separation from God.) In this verse he says:

But now … you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

The fruit of our salvation now is holiness (being set apart to God for His use), which results in eternal life.

Now let me tie this all together. Throughout this chapter Paul has been saying that before we were saved, we were slaves to sin and we were separated from God (we were spiritually dead.) Now that we have received His gracious gift of salvation we are set apart to God (we are spiritually alive for eternity).

Application

When we fully comprehend what Paul is saying in these verses. it should produce in us the greatest praise for Him because of what He has done. Hallelujah!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Romans 6:21 – Grace for Shame

Posted on March 28, 2010 by Will

Romans 6:21

What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.

Truth to Learn

Our sinfulness separates us from fellowship with God.

Behind the Words

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told us that when we were slaves to sin (before we were saved) we were free from (not in bondage to) righteousness. The clear implication is, now that we are slaves to righteousness we are free from sin and should not obey it like a master. Remember also, back in verse fifteen Paul asked the rhetorical question, “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?” Since that verse he has been arguing that we certainly should not continue in sin because we now have a new master and we are not under the obligation to sin like we previously were.

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Romans 1:13 – Focused Zeal

Posted on July 28, 2009 by admin

Romans 1:13

Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.

Truth to Learn

Paul had intended to visit Rome several times, but it wasn’t yet part of God’s plan for Paul.

Behind the Words

The word “unaware” is translated from agnoeō, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and noeō, meaning “to perceive” or “to understand.” Therefore, we can see that agnoeō means “ignorant or unaware.”

“Planned” is from the Greek word protithēmi, composed of pro, meaning “before, in time or location” and tithēmi, meaning “to place.” It means “to place before, in the mind.” In other words, it means “to give thought to ahead of time, to intend, or to plan ahead of time.”

The word “hindered” is from kōluō, meaning “to hinder, weaken, prevent, or restrain.”

Meaning Explained

I really enjoy the tenderness that Paul shows toward other believers. He could easily have started off this verse with, “You, brothers and sisters, are ignorant of the fact that I have often intended to come visit you …” but in such matters he is much kinder. He says, “I do not want you to be unaware.” The implication is very clear, they were unaware, and he didn’t want that to be the case.

Paul had wanted to visit Rome for some time, and apparently had made plans to do so on numerous other occasions, but he was prevented from doing so. We don’t know specifically what hindered Paul. It is likely that it simply wasn’t God’s timing.

His reason for wanting to be with the Roman Christians, as we said earlier, was to share a spiritual gift, probably a message of strengthening and encouragement. He elaborates a little more on his reason for wanting to come in today’s verse, “that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other nations.” Paul was not looking to share a plate of dried figs with them, that’s not the type of fruit that he is talking about. He’s talking about the fruit that comes about as a result of the Spirit of God working in people’s hearts.

You will notice that Paul’s objective is to do that which will ultimately bring praise to God, not what will ultimately bring praise to Paul. This Paul is dramatically different from Saul of Tarsus, who persecuted Christians for personal gain and because of personal zeal. He is still a zealot, but now that zeal is focused on the work of God rather than on the work of Paul.

Application

Are you a zealot today? Is there something that you are so totally committed to that you place it above all else in your life? If so, what is it? Is it your children? Is it your business? Is it your husband or your wife? Is it your health? Is it your retirement? These are all good things to be zealous about, but they are all the wrong things if you’re not first zealous about serving God, and doing so His way.

It’s good to be committed to a cause but don’t let that commitment take you in a direction other than where God wants you to go!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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