Discipleship ultimately is not about what you know but about how you live. Christianity is a way of life. Jesus calls us to be holy like God (1 Peter 1:15-16). As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we grow in our holiness. The Bible explains holiness as the nine “fruit of the Spirit.”

 

This article helps explain the fruit of the Spirit. 

 

Why should we bear Spiritual Fruit? 

“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 15:4-5).

This article discusses the why and the importance of bearing fruit. 

Billy Graham explains in this article why you want to bear fruit. 

 

Here are some resources to help you bear spiritual fruit: 

Listen to our past sermon series on Cultivating Spiritual Fruit. 

Our church library has books on the the fruit of the Spirit such as; Fruit of the Spirit Learn It, Live It Bible Study Series and Bearing Fruit: Ministry with Real Results by Lovett H. Weems Jr. and Tom Berlin (our church leadership read this book together not to long ago).

This article talks about the fine art of bearing fruit. Another article talks more of the “how” to bearing fruit. 

Philip Kenneson combines in this book, Life on the Vine: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit is rich, theologically grounded reflection on Christian life and practice with stunning analysis of contemporary culture. After a probing introductory chapter on the necessity and complexity of cultural analysis, Kenneson takes up each of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

 

Classic resources for growing in your Christian character: 

Oswald Chambers’ daily devotional My Utmost for His Highest has been used by Christians seeking to become more godlike for decades. 

Thomas à Kempis’ spiritual classic The Imitation of Christ was first recommended to all Methodists by John Wesley. This book was written in the 1400’s so be sure to choose a modern translation. 

Christians have been inspired by its call to deeper discipleship. As a society, we are still obsessed with the immediate; new technologies have only intensified our quest for the quick fix. Peterson’s book A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society time-tested prescription for discipleship remains the same―a long obedience in the same direction.