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Fruitful is described as “having the ability to thrive, be luxuriant, have a free flow of growth and increase without really trying hard.” A fruitful life, therefore, is one that is filled with God’s grace and favor. It wouldn’t matter what season you’d find yourself in because wherever you are, you’ll be surrounded by God’s presence. The prerequisite to having a fruitful life? Remaining in Jesus’ presence always. Here is what this involves:
Complete Surrender and Dependence on Jesus
John 15:4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
To remain in Jesus means that you have to fully depend on Him, and not on your own strengths, your own skills, or your own achievements. It’s similar to the fruit illustration. Yes, the fruit grows naturally, but it needs to be directly connected to the branch in order to get all of the nutrients required for growth. Likewise, we need to hold on to Jesus because He is our source for a full and fruitful life.
Constant Communication with Jesus
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
To remain in Jesus is to communicate with Him daily. Notice the verse above says,“Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” This means having a relationship with him. Relationships require mutual devotion on both partners, which translates to communication despite the demands of the day. How could you have a relationship with someone if you don’t speak to them?
Confident Faith and Trust in Jesus
John 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
It’s one thing to speak with Jesus privately, and another to actually walk with Him daily. To be with him wherever we go, and in whatever we do. This is what the Holy Spirit is for—to be our accessible help and guide in every move that we make. Faith is important in remaining in Jesus. Without faith, we can’t please God or see how God can work in and through our lives. Faith is what connects God’s promises to our destiny.
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What kind of conversations do you have with someone you care deeply about? What do you often talk to them about?
- Do you share the same kind of conversations and moments with Jesus? If yes, discuss how you can commit to deepening your moments with Jesus. If no, discuss one practical thing you can do in order to jump-start more consistent and meaningful encounters with Jesus.
- How is the image of fruit and a vine helpful in describing your relationship with God?
- What are the things you still haven’t surrendered to Jesus?
- What is one situation that you wish you had more faith in?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
