The Fruitfulness of Abiding Believers in Christ — A Transformative Bible Study with Pastor W.F. Kumuyi

Bible References: John 15:1-6; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 2:21; Ezekiel 19:10; Hosea 10:1-2; Luke 13:5-8

In this enlightening Monday Bible Study, Pastor (Dr) W.F Kumuyi takes believers deep into the essential subject of fruitfulness in Christ. Drawing from John 15, Pastor Kumuyi emphasizes the necessity of abiding in Christ and the spiritual consequences of fruitlessness. Jesus Christ, as the True Vine, expects every connected believer to bear fruits that reflect righteousness, holiness, and grace. This message speaks to both individual believers and the church, calling for a life of purpose and productivity in Christ.

Point 1: The Purging and Pruning of Attached Branches for More Fruitfulness

John 15:1-2

Jesus identifies Himself as the True Vine, with God the Father as the Husbandman who tends the vineyard. Believers are branches, and every fruit-bearing branch is purged so that it may bear more fruit. This process involves divine cleansing and character refinement.

1. The Production of Moral Fruits

• Matthew 3:7-8; Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:22-24 – These fruits include love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
• Believers must show visible evidence of repentance and spiritual transformation.

2. The Purging for More Fruits

• Isaiah 6:5-8; Malachi 3:3-4; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 – Purging leads to a deeper cleansing of the heart, mind, and spirit for more impactful service.
• The aim is spiritual growth, purity, and greater usefulness in God’s kingdom.

3. The Pruning for Marvelous Fruits

• Deuteronomy 30:6; 2 Timothy 2:21-22; Philippians 3:7-8 – God removes unproductive habits or attitudes that hinder spiritual growth, even if they are not sinful.
• Consecration and sanctification enable believers to become vessels of honor.

Point 2: The Peril and Perdition of Apostate Backsliders for Their Fruitlessness

John 15:2,6

Fruitless branches are removed and cast away. This applies to those once connected to Christ but now spiritually barren. Apostasy results in judgment unless there is genuine repentance.

1. The Profession of False Believers

• Titus 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:5-7; James 2:17,20,26 – Many profess Christ with their mouths but deny Him with their lives.

2. The Peril of Fruitless Branches

• Jeremiah 6:16-19; Luke 6:46-49; Hebrews 6:7-8 – God calls us back to the old paths of holiness and obedience.

3. The Perdition of Forsaken Backsliders

• Matthew 7:16-19; Hebrews 10:26-31; Revelation 20:10-15 – Persistent sin and unfruitfulness lead to eternal separation from God.

Point 3: The Preparation and Preservation of Abiding Believers for Much Fruitfulness

John 15:3-5

Jesus assures His disciples that they are clean through the Word. Abiding in Him is the key to continual fruitfulness and spiritual strength.

1. Purity through Cleansing by Christ

• Psalms 24:3-4; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 John 1:5-7 – True purity is required to ascend to the presence of God and maintain spiritual vitality.

2. The Priority of Continuing in Christ

• John 8:31; Acts 27:31 – Believers must remain in Christ and continue in His Word to access divine promises and protection.

3. The Proof of Consecration to Christ

• John 15:5 – Without Christ, we can do nothing. True consecration results in visible, lasting fruit.

In conclusion, believers are called to abide in Christ, grow in grace, and be fruitful. As we remain connected to the True Vine, God purges and prepares us for greater usefulness. May we never fall into apostasy but instead live consecrated, fruitful lives unto the glory of God.

Ponder on This

“Are there some irrelevant, worthless and useless things that you do habitually that hinder your progress in the Lord?” – Pastor (Dr) W.F Kumuyi

Reflection

“The Lord is talking about bearing fruits; we have come to Christ, are converted by Christ, connected with Christ, continuing in Christ, and consecrated to Christ, and thank God, we shall be fruit-bearing branches all through our life in Jesus Name.” – Pastor (Dr) W.F Kumuyi.