2012 JUNE WEEK ONE LESSON

LESSON 4: MARKS OF A DISCIPLE 3

                   (Bearing Fruit)

Main Text: John 15:1-8

Memory Verse: John 15:16

Introduction

The third mark of the disciple of Jesus is the mark of bearing much fruit. God expects us to bear much fruit in our lives. Fruit bearing is natural to any healthy fruit tree, they bear fruit is their season. If they don't, it is a sign of ‘diseased’ and they're cut down to make room for trees that will. God, the Father, intends for us to be like healthy fruit trees - bursting with fruit. If  you  expect  to  be  a  disciple  of  Jesus,  then  you  must be producing fruit. The fact is that God called you to it, and He's set you up for it. He has instilled in your spiritual make-up the ability to bear good and lasting fruit. There  are  really  several  ways  that  the  disciple  of  Jesus  bears  fruit. These include;

·         The disciple bears fruit in character development. As the character of Christ begins to form in him, he will begin to demonstrate fruit from his growth. He will demonstrate consistency in love, joy, peace, faithfulness, diligence, faith, patience, self-control and virtue. Gal 5:22, 23, 2 Peter 1:5-8).

·         Winning souls into the kingdom of God. A disciple is to share the good news of the kingdom at ALL time- John 4:35,36   

Points of Discussion

·         To ensure that you bear much fruit, the Father prunes you. In your view what does this pruning involve?

·         A tree/branch that bears no fruit is cut off. What does this mean?

·         To continually bear fruit the disciple must remain in Christ. How can you remain in Christ?