APRIL 5, 2025 – FRUITS

READ: 1 Cor. 3:10-15

… that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. – Phil. 1:10b,11

Love for God and His church and the fight against sin are not opposed to each other; rather, they belong together. The Lord wants us to be sincere and pure, as well as blameless and without offense, in view of the coming Day of Judgment. True love and good discernment should lead believers toward this goal (compare 1 Thess. 3:12-13).

This does not mean that they will be sinless, but they will continually strive for holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit. They will seek what is good and avoid what is evil.

By doing so, they will not bring themselves into disrepute due to improper behavior. Nor will they be a stumbling block that prevents others from coming to faith. All of this must flow from love for Christ, His Word, and His church. This requires continuous discernment and sensitivity in thinking and acting.

The life of a Christian should clearly show that they are connected to Christ, just as a branch is connected to the vine (John 15). This imagery illustrates that the fruits believers bear stem from their loving relationship with Christ: “Fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ” (Gal.5:22; Eph. 5:9; James 3:18).

The Lord desires to see abundant fruit in His work: “filled with fruits.” But He is also the One who provides for this, through His atoning sacrifice and the Holy Spirit.

Ultimately, the purpose of this loving relationship that produces these fruits is the glory and praise of God. That was the purpose of humanity’s creation in paradise by the Triune God. It is also the purpose of the renewal of humanity through Christ and His Spirit.

Thus, through His Son, God works love and righteousness in us for the honor of His great name. Let us remain constantly aware of this.

How are you personally striving for sincerity?               

Sing: Ps. 92:6