God loves fruitfulness, as the fruits we produce in our lives will show if we are truly of Christ. God, especially, expects us to produce the fruits of righteousness in our lives. This is not the righteousness inputted by justification, which is a free gift. This is righteousness obtained by sanctification; this is practical righteousness or righteousness by practice.
Philippians 1:11 TPT
“And you will be filled completely with the fruits of righteousness that are found in Jesus, the Anointed One—bringing great praise and glory to God!”
The fruits of righteousness are those works which the Christian does or performs according to the instructions of the Word of God. In other words, they are acts of obedience to the word of the Lord.
1 John 2:29 NKJV
“If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.”
The fruits of righteousness, therefore, show that we are born of Christ and belong to Him. Therefore, bringing forth and abounding in the fruits of righteousness should be the sincere and daily concern of every believer and Christian. The fruits of righteousness must show in our WALK (lifestyle) and WORKS.
1. WALK (LIFESTYLE)
The Christian’s entire life must produce the fruits of righteousness.
Psalm 1:1-3 NKJV
“[1] Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; [2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. [3] He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”
The way a Christian lives, speaks, acts, interacts with others must demonstrate righteousness. In the sermon on the Mount in Matthew Chapters 5 to 7, Jesus taught us how to live the kingdom lifestyle, as He discussed various aspects of life and relationship.
Matthew 5:43-45 NKJV
“[43] You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
The fruits of righteousness must be seen in our every day lives. This is what will bring us peace and assurance in our relationship with the Lord and others.
2. OUR WORKS
Colossians 1:10 NKJV
“That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
We must demonstrate the fruits of righteousness in all our works and deeds – what we do, at home, work, leisure, church; in ministry, whether it is praying for the sick, sharing the Gospel with someone, encouraging a friend or praying for others. We must always bear good fruit that will bring glory to Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:3-4 NLT
“[3] We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. [4] In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God…” AMEN!!
For Further Reading: Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7; Isaiah 32:17
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)