Prerequisite For Growth and Fruitfulness
The law of sowing and reaping is both a natural law as well as a spiritual law. In Galatians 6:7-9, the Bible states "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
We reap what we sow. There is no reaping if there is no sowing. Diligence in seeking God yields rewards (Hebrews 11:6) and the converse is true. The student who wants to pass an examination must work hard, attending classes and studying adequately. One who desires a thriving relationship with God must draw near to God so that God can draw near to him or her (James 4:8). There is no quick-fix or shortcut as far as spiritual growth is concerned. The Holy Spirit cannot take one to where he or she is not willing to go simply because the Holy Spirit will not impose Himself on anyone. Basically, we all have a part to play and God has a part to play.
We can be certain that God will never disappoint us; He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) if we hold on tight to Him. The question is not whether God will do what He has promised; the question is whether we will be faithful and stop giving excuses for not doing what He has commanded. Many in Christendom talk about the Great Commission but they rarely get involved, basically offering only lip-service. God is not obligated to helping those who disregard His commands and neglect their God-given responsibilities. In Deuteronomy 28, we discover a simple principle for success and blessings.
Moses reminded the children of Israel of the simple commonsense rules they had to follow in order to be blessed. They were to obey all the commands of God Almighty. The same conditions apply today in the 21st century. Obedience brings forth rewards and blessings, disobedience produces disaster. God cannot bless that which is sinful for disobedience is sin. It is utter folly to walk in disobedience and expect God's blessings.
God wants His children to be fruitful and that is why Jesus said: “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:1-5, NKJV)
Fruitfulness is God's desire for His children but there are prerequisites for it. We must abide in Jesus and submit to God's pruning. The pruning is part of the process of dying to self; it is a necessary condition for a life of fruitfulness. Refusal to submit to pruning adversely affects the ability to be fruitful. Let's take a look at a few commands of God. In James 4:7, we read, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (NKJV). From all indications, God wants us to resist the devil. If we do that, the devil will flee from us but only after we submit ourselves to God. Are you totally submissive to God? Have you surrendered 100% to God? Imagine trying to resist the devil without submitting to God. What a disaster that would be! The seven sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons without having a relationship with Jesus. They ended up beaten so badly by the demon-possessed man (Acts 19:13-16). You cannot give what you don't have and the prerequisites of God cannot be circumvented or avoided. There is no shortcut to fruitfulness; it is either God's way or no way. Period.
My dear brethren, everyday that God gives us presents an opportunity to live for Christ. There is nothing like a partial commitment to Jesus; it's either full commitment or no commitment because partial obedience and/or delayed obedience are still disobedience. Apostle Paul recognised this and wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, NKJV).
He also stated: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21, NKJV). A life of victory is a life hidden in Christ; a life obedient to God's commands; a life of sacrifice; a life of death to self; a life of diligently seeking God and engrossed in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, fellowship, evangelism and discipleship. Such a life overcomes the devil by the blood of the Lamb and the word of its testimony. These are the prerequisites for growth and fruitfulness.
Will you lay down your life for Jesus? The Bible says: "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 10:39, NKJV). The way to experiencing a victorious life in Christ is straight forward. Let go and let God. God bless you as you heed and apply this message.
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