1. The Principle Stated: Jn. 15:1-8 (Jesus taught the necessity of bearing fruit. Without bearing much fruit, you cannot be his disciple.)
2. Two Kinds Of Fruit: 2 Cor. 9:10 (You can bear fruit by doing good deeds and by leading souls to Christ. Inside each fruit [good work] is a seed that brings more fruit and multiplies the spreading of God's word.)
A. The Deed Done: 2 Cor. 9:6-8 (Their good work was generous giving to those in need. These good works planted seed that would result in some coming to Christ.)
B. The Result: 2 Cor. 9:12-13 (The result of these deeds was that people glorified God [obeyed] because of the benevolent work being done.)
C. Glorifying God: Mt. 5:13-16 (Again, your good works can cause others to glorify God. To glorify God means to submit to his will.)
3. Good Works: Col. 1:10 (God considers living a life of good works the same as bearing fruit.)
A. Fruits Of The Spirit: Gal. 5:22-23 (These godly characteristics are considered fruit in God's eyes. These are the kinds of fruits that will help you be a part of leading others to Christ.)
B. Christian Graces: 2 Pet. 1:5-8 (By adding these attributes to your life and abounding in them, you have the assurance that you will not be unfruitful.)
4. Saving Souls: Mt. 28:19-20 (Jesus commissioned his disciples to teach all nations and to instruct those who obey the gospel to keep his commands.)
A. Called Fruit: Rom. 16:5 (A saved soul is referred to as the first fruit to Christ in the region of Achaia.)
B. Erring Christians Also: Jas. 5:19-20 (If a disciple errs from the right way, we are encouraged to seek to restore them. This is a kind of fruit you can bear for God.)
C. Doesn't Have To Remain: 1 Cor. 3:9-15 (This passage talks about our works [converts] being tried by fire. Even if your work [converts] does not stand the test of time, you still have your reward.)
D. Expect Rejection: Ezek. 3:4-9 (God warned Ezekiel that some were stubborn people who would likely not listen. He said a great deal to prepare Ezekiel to be rejected.) Ezek. 3:17-21 (As long as Ezekiel did his job of warning others, God was pleased with him. The same is true with you. Your effort to lead others to Christ fulfills your part in bearing this kind of fruit. Whether or not others respond and remain faithful is their concern.)
E. Teach: Acts 20:20 (Paul effectively taught publicly and from house to house. You may not be able to teach publicly but perhaps you can teach house to house. If you are not able to teach at all, your good life will help influence people so they will be willing to listen to other capable teachers.)
F. Set Up Someone Else: Jn. 1:40-42 (Not much is said about Andrew as far as him converting thousands of people. However, he introduced his brother, Peter, to Jesus who taught Peter. In this way, through Peter's work, Andrew touched many lives.)
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