Exposition
From our main text, we are given clear guidance about becoming fruitful Christians. The argument which Peter places before us is this: God has done His part by giving us the gift of faith, in bringing us to the knowledge of Himself, and in making us partakers of His divine nature. We must therefore do our part so that we will become fruitful as Christians. We shall consider what it entails to bear fruit as Christians in today’s devotion.
What kind of fruit are you supposed to bear as a Christian? You are called to bear the fruit of godly character and conduct. In Galatians 5:22-23, we see the qualities of the Christian or Christ-like character, which comprises godly virtues the Christian must possess. The Christian character in effect will produce the Christian conduct. The conduct of the Christian will set him apart from the ungodly fellows in a corrupt society, which places him in a position to bear the fruit of Christian converts. People should convert to the Christian faith in part because of the character and conduct they see in you. On several occasions in the New Testament, Christian converts are described as fruit. For example, in Romans 16:5, Epaenetus is referred to as the first convert to Christ in Asia. The Greek says he’s the first fruit in Asia. Yes, Christian converts are fruits we can harvest for God as Christian leaders.
The usefulness of a tree is to bear fruits. A tree would be of no essence to the farmer if it exists without bearing fruit. Such an unproductive and unfruitful tree would be good for nothing only to be cut down and burnt with fire. God wants us to bear fruits of godly character and conduct. We glorify God by bearing fruits. We are challenged as Christians not to settle for anything less than fruits. Strive on with hard work, perseverance and diligence to yield many fruits.