Got Fruit?
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Rom. 12:10
Throughout the New Testament we read about disciples. To be a disciple means to be a follower of Christ, a learner or apprentice, and a devoted believer. Our ministry has had the privilege of delivering scores of messages and writing several books on the subject.
Our close review of scripture suggests that a disciple must not only accept by faith the promises of Christ but must also be willing to apply the truth he knows. There must be a resulting action from the commitment or conversion experience. As Jesus tells us, “By their fruit you will recognize them.” Matt. 7:16a. There must be a by-product to a Spirit-filled life. “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” John 9:4
The Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Romans prior to his visit to Rome. He begins Romans by surveying the spiritual condition of all mankind, especially as he understood it to be in Rome. If you look at Rome, it was much like America is today. The first eleven chapters in this book explain that sin is a problem we all share, salvation through Christ is the only answer, the Holy Spirit can help sanctify a person, and we serve a grace-filled God who wishes none to perish.
In Romans 12, though, Paul gives us a pretty clear picture of what a disciple of Christ, or Christian, actually looks like:
- Vs. 1 He is surrendered to God.
- Vs. 2 He is not to be of this world, but rather be transformed.
- Vs. 3 He has an accurate picture of himself: “God made me for His glory!”
- Vs. 9 He has loving relationships with others and understands how to treat others.
- Vs. 13 He practices serving God by serving others—allowing God’s love to pass through him.
We cannot walk with God and stand still at the same time. God is on a mission and He asks us to join Him. When we spend time with God, we become more like Him. It’s that simple. Let’s all work on being a Romans 12 disciple.
The Power of Truth:
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matt 22: 37-40
“…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matt. 20:26b-28
Suggestion for Prayer:
Choose a verse from Romans 12 to pray about, asking God to grow and mature you in that area.