The Consequences Of Not Bearing Fruit

Introduction: Scripture Reading- John 15:1-6

Bearing fruit is a key sign of a true Christian.
Jesus emphasized the importance of fruit-bearing in John 15.
What happens to Christians who do not bear fruit?

I. The Command to Bear Fruit

John 15:1-2 – "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."

Jesus is the Vine; obedient believers are the branches.
God expects every Christian to bear fruit.
Fruit represents righteousness, good works, and spiritual growth (Galatians 5:22-25).

II. The Consequences of Not Bearing Fruit

1. Removal from the Vine

John 15:2 – "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away."

A fruitless believer risks being cut off.
Without fruit, there is no evidence of life.

2. Withering Spiritually

John 15:6 – "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered."

Disconnection from Christ leads to spiritual dryness.
A believer who does not remain in Christ weakens over time.

3. Facing God's Judgment

John 15:6 – "Men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned."

This symbolizes divine judgment.
Compare with Matthew 7:19 – "Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."

4. Loss of Eternal Rewards

1 Corinthians 3:9-15 – Works will be tested by fire.

Fruitlessness leads to loss, though salvation may still be secure, only if we respond to the fire (or trying) in this life and obey God’s commands. If we harden our hearts and do not obey, then there is no hope if that fire is hell.
Only faithful, obedient believers will receive eternal rewards (Matthew 25:14-30).

III. How to Bear Fruit

1. Abide in Christ

John 15:4 – "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me."

Stay connected through prayer, worship, and obedience.

2. Walk in the Spirit

Galatians 5:16, 22-25 – The fruit of the Spirit grows in a surrendered life.

3. Obey God's Word

James 1:22 – "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only."

Obedience leads to spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
Grace or Faith only are not options in the Word of God, James 2:14-24; obedience is a must.

4. Patience is important- harvest of souls

Just as a farmer must wait for the right season to plant or to harvest, so must we as Christians be patient for the harvest.
There is work to be done now, even if the harvest you are looking for is not yet ready.
- John 4:35 “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”
- Just like a farmer must harvest the fruit of his labor before it spoils, so must we as Christians be ready for a ripe harvest.
- I Corinthians 3:6 “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

Conclusion

A fruitless Christian is in danger of removal, judgment, and loss of rewards.
- John 15:7-27
- We will produce fruit; it will either be good fruit or evil fruit. Matt. 7:17-18 “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”
  - Matt. 12:33 “ Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.”
Jesus calls us to abide in Him and bear good fruit.
Invitation- Will you choose to be a fruitful Christian today, producing good fruit?