Scripture to Read: Matthew 7
God has us focused on “multiplication” this week. As we learned last week, God has designed us to invest in others so that His fruit is multiplied in us and through us. God never wants us to reach a point where His fruit is not being multiplied through our lives. As we grow in Christ, we will bear fruit for His glory and honor. Jesus speaks of the fruit that we bear in Matthew 7. Jesus tells us the following in Matthew 7:15–19, Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will know them by their fruits. Jesus lets us know that we are all known by the fruit coming forth from our lives. If we belong to Christ, then we will bear His good fruit. The multiplication of His fruit comes as we serve, give, and live obediently to Him. Like a fruit tree bears fruit, the tree only bears more fruit as the fruit is taken and used to nourish others. Through us, God wants His fruit to be used to nourish others through service to Him.
Challenge & Application
· How are you serving those around you so that God’s fruit is being multiplied in you and through you?
· How would others describe the fruit they see coming from your life as you walk with Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!