Discipleship Series: Bear Much Fruit
Scripture: John 15:8
What would it look like to become more intentional about our spiritual growth and the growth of others? In John 15:8, Jesus connects bearing much fruit with glorifying the Father and showing ourselves to be His disciples. This message challenged us to consider whether our desire to grow has become a practical commitment. We explored four keys that help us act on that calling: vision, passion, strategy, and commitment.
Vision: Where are we going?
If someone asked what you are seeking to become as a disciple, could you answer clearly? We can spend years hoping for spiritual growth without giving much thought to what needs to change. Vision begins by bringing our direction before God and considering what faithful obedience would look like in the life we are living now.
That includes looking beyond ourselves. Who has God placed in front of us? Perhaps we want our children to know Jesus, a friend to return to faith, or a newer believer to become stronger in Scripture. Naming those people helps us pray and invest intentionally. We cannot control their response, but we can take responsibility for the care and example we offer.
Passion: Why does this matter?
The people we love should matter enough for us to remain involved in their growth. Passion gives weight to the assignment. It asks whether we genuinely desire to know Christ more deeply and whether we care about helping others know Him. Those desires should influence what receives our attention and time.
Sometimes our enthusiasm weakens because growth takes longer than we expected. We may need to return to the reason we started: Jesus has changed our lives, and we want others to experience a growing relationship with Him. Pray for renewed desire, both for your own walk with Christ and for the people you are investing in.
Strategy: What will we actually do?
A good intention needs a practical expression. Wanting our children to know Scripture can become reading and discussing a passage together. Wanting a friend to grow can become a regular conversation, praying with them, or inviting them to study the Bible alongside us. The step needs to fit the person and the relationship.
The same applies to our own discipleship. What are we doing consistently to learn, pray, obey, and participate in Christian community? If our current habits leave little room for growth, something needs to change. Choose a clear action that can become part of everyday life, then consider how you can help someone else take a similar step.
Commitment: Will we stay with it?
Discipleship involves people, and people grow at different paces. Someone may struggle again in an area where we hoped to see lasting change. We may become discouraged by our own inconsistency. Commitment means continuing to show up, receive correction, and invest with patience as we depend on Jesus.
Growth takes more than an occasional encouraging word. It involves faithful relationship over time. Pray for one another’s spiritual growth as well as for the people each person is seeking to reach. Ask what support or accountability would help you remain consistent. The aim is to become disciples whose lives bear fruit and who faithfully help other people follow Christ.
Key Takeaways:
A disciple’s life should produce fruit that honors the Father.
Vision, passion, strategy, and commitment help turn good intentions into action.
Growing personally and helping others grow belong together.
Reflection:
What specific step are you taking to grow as a disciple?
Who could be closer to Jesus because you consistently invest in them?
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Grow with us at Cross Pointe Church in Laurinburg as we learn to follow Jesus and live out His Word. View our service times and plan your visit.