Fruitful Faith: Abiding In the Vine
As followers of Christ, we often ask ourselves how to stay on the narrow path that leads to life. The answer lies in diligently seeking God, receiving His gift of grace, and allowing that grace to transform our hearts. God isn’t interested in outward obedience for its own sake; He desires genuine heart transformation. When we do this, we bear good fruit, and the natural result of that transformation is a life aligned with His will
Information Without Discernment
When I first got saved, all I wanted was Him. I hadn’t yet changed many of my habits, like spending too much time on social media or watching TV and YouTube, but I started shifting my focus in those spaces. I began filling my feeds with God-centered content and seeking out Christian creators. I’ve never been a big reader—always more of a movie person—so I leaned into sermons, Christian shows, and encouraging videos.
However, as I consumed all this content, I quickly realized not everyone was preaching the same message or theology. It left me feeling confused.
For example, I joined a group looking for modest clothing ideas, only to find teachings that condemned everything from not covering your hair to wearing makeup. This was far from what anyone in my community modeled. I found another teacher who strongly condemned women in ministry. At the time, I was on the worship team, and I almost let her words silence my voice.
There were other teachings, also —warnings against celebrating holidays like Christmas, advice on disciplining children that ranged from strict to lenient, and even claims that Jesus would be leading a Pride parade today. Jeff and I would show up to Bible study dinners with countless questions, feeling overwhelmed by everything we had seen and heard.
Our pastors always brought us back to this simple question: “Where is the fruit?”
Do They Bear Good Fruit?
Jesus warned us about false prophets in Matthew 7:15-20. He said we would recognize them by their fruit:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.”
– Matthew 7:15-20
In other words, the fruit of someone’s life reveals whether they’re truly walking with God. A good tree can’t bear bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t bear good fruit. And just like a tree doesn’t force itself to produce fruit, we can’t either. Fruit is the natural byproduct of being rooted in Jesus, spending time in His Word, and allowing His grace to transform our hearts. The more we remain connected to Him, the more His love and truth flow through us, producing the kind of fruit that reflects His nature.
If we’re not rooted in Christ, we might look the part on the outside, but eventually, what’s inside will be revealed. Over time, the condition of our heart becomes evident through our actions and choices. True transformation comes only through a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus, where His life and character begin to flow through us naturally.
A Heart Check
This leads us to another sobering passage from Matthew 7:21-23:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
These words can be tough to hear. The idea of Jesus saying, “I never knew you,” is a gut punch. But it’s a reminder that it’s not about performing religious duties or checking off boxes. It’s about relationship. Jesus is looking for people who know His heart, walk with Him, and do His will because they love Him—not because they’re trying to earn something.
This passage isn’t meant to instill fear. It’s an invitation into something deeper—a real, authentic relationship with Jesus. So how do we ensure we know Him and are truly walking with Him? It begins with being in His Word.
Abide in the Word
In John 10:27, Jesus says:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
– John 10:27
If we want to hear His voice and know His heart, we must spend time in His Word. It’s through the Word that He speaks to us, guiding us to discern His voice from our own or from the enemy’s. And as a result, we begin to see the world through His eyes.
We need to be intentional about seeking Him daily. When we do this, we don’t have to strive to produce good fruit—it will come naturally as we stay connected to the vine.
In John 15:4-5, Jesus reminds us:
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
– John 15:4-5
We can’t do it on our own, but when we abide in Him, we’ll bear good fruit and grow in our relationship with Him.
Seeking Him to Bear Good Fruit
So, let’s ask ourselves: Are we diligently seeking Him? Are we spending time in His Word daily? Are we producing the kind of fruit that reflects His love and grace?
We don’t have to be perfect. Jesus isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for hearts that are hungry for Him, willing to grow and surrender.
If you want to live out your call to share the gospel, it starts with knowing Jesus. When you know Him and are in His Word daily, His love will overflow from you to those around you.
Encouragement to Go Deeper
This is your invitation to go deeper. Spend time in His Word every day. And remember, you’re not alone. We’re in this together as a community. As a matter of fact, if you’re not connected in a Life Group, I encourage you to join one. It’s where we grow deeper in His Word, ask real questions, and walk alongside each other.
Are you ready to go deeper in your walk with God? Starting October 1st, I’m leading a daily Proverbs study called Wisdom Walk. We’ll read one chapter of Proverbs each day during October, taking time to reflect on God’s wisdom and how it applies to our lives. It’s an opportunity to grow together in God’s Word and shine His light in a month where darkness often tries to prevail.
I also want to invite you to join our Daily Proverbs Study: Wisdom Walk starting October 1st. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs and 31 days in October—let’s grow in wisdom together as we shine our light in a dark world.
Let’s be people who bear good fruit—not because we’re striving, but because we’re staying connected to the vine.
Join us in this journey and let God’s Word transform your heart. You can sign up through our church app and start your day with His wisdom. Let’s abide in Him, and watch as He produces good fruit in our lives!
