From Barren to Bountiful: How to Cultivate Fruitfulness

Feb 5

Discover the keys to a fulfilling and fruitful life with insights from the Parable of the Fig Tree. Explore the concept of fruitfulness, the role of God’s Word, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, and practical tips for bearing fruit in every aspect of your life.

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”

The Parable of the Fig Tree

Bearing fruit is God’s desired will for our lives.

We can also attest to that statement in the first person. You don’t want to live an unfruitful life. We all want to be fruitful, and Jesus used something in the natural to illustrate that reality of our lives.

JESUS: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.” Luke 13:6b-c

The fig tree had advantages because it was planted in a vineyard, which meant it had fertile soils to grow. It wasn’t like a fig tree that grew randomly in the wild.

Additionally, this fig tree belonged to a certain man. As the owner, he had certain expectations of it, which was for it to be fruitful. Since it didn’t bear fruit, the gardener in the parable decides to cut it down; however, he’s grieved to do so.

In the light of reality, this should pose some questions for us. As Christians, we should be fruitful. So, what does that mean? What is a fruitful life? Well, fortunately, the Scriptures answer that question, so to start, let’s address what is fruitfulness.

What is Fruitfulness?

The Application of God’s Word

JESUS: “As for that (sown) in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart and bear fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15

We don’t want to follow Jesus with just our lips [READ MORE: Why Does Repentance Matter to God]. As Christians, we aim to follow Jesus with our hearts and minds.

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Scripture declares God’s will and desire that He cultivates in us is known as the fruit of the Spirit [Read More: The Fruits of the Spirit Explained]

We can become preoccupied with our to-do lists and achievements. However, we should put greater focus on being in Christ. Through our relationship with Jesus, we naturally manifest more of the Holy Spirit’s fruit in our relationships. Thus increasing our sanctification.

The Fruit of Making & Multiplying Disciples

This first verse is not the point but serves as a bridge for the point I want to make. In Genesis 1, God tells Adam and Eve to “Be fruitful and multiply.”

That’s a biological command, but it also points to something deeper. It’s natural for parents to choose to have children or not. However, it’s unnatural for a Christian not to have spiritual children. Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations.

This promise of an invitation into fruitfulness is unique because there’s a greater power in Christ than any presenting challenge. Jesus came so that He could dwell within us. He came so that He can be with us. We can get in our heads about being fearful for stepping up to be fruitful and producing spiritual children for God, but when you are in Christ, there is a greater power behind you.

Fruit in Relationships & Every Good Work

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:9-10 (emphasis added)

That’s a picture of people blooming in God, and as they bloom, there’s a fruitfulness evident in their lives. As we relate to people, we honor them and produce the fruit of the spirit in our relationships.

It is the desired will of God to bear fruit in every area/relationship of life:

People
- Of all walks of life
- Those living below the poverty line.
- Those facing challenges, such as addictions or human trafficking
Business Relationships
Marriage (You will not properly relate to your spouse unless you first properly relate to God)
Children & Grand-Children
Neighbor (Near-one)

When we allow these fruits in our lives, God’s Word is applied to our hearts and understanding. That is the fruit of the Holy Spirit building the character of Jesus in our life.

A Warning for Believers

You’ve been planted in a vineyard you didn’t create. You were also planted in a universe you didn’t create. However, according to Acts 17:26, we’ve been informed that from one man, God made every nation of mankind to live on the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods.

We live in a divine appointment by the simple virtue we are alive. This wasn’t our idea, but God designed us to be alive in this hour of history for a reason. Scripture also says God determined the boundaries of your dwelling place, which means where you live wasn’t your idea either.

JESUS: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” John 15:16 (emphasis added).

This fig tree belonged to a certain man, which means he owned it—as the owner, he had certain expectations of it, which was that it would be fruitful. Because the tree didn’t bear fruit, the gardener decided to cut it down. However, the owner is grieved when he realizes there is no fruit.

“Some of you are extremely talented. But you are like a basketball player who never misses a shot, only to discover one day you’ve been shooting at the wrong goal.” Francis Chan, pastor and author

Even though there was no fruit, the vineyard keeper asked that they keep the tree for one more year. JESUS: “…and he answered him. Sir, let it alone this year also until I dig around it and put on manure. Then, if it should bear fruit next year, well and good, but if not, you can cut it down.” Luke 13:8-9

This passage tells us many things, but let’s narrow it down to three things.

1) It’s Possible to Run Out of Time

The Enemy loves when we believe that prioritizing everything in our lives ahead of God is okay.

There is nothing more inevitable and obvious than death for each of us. People are dying who have never died before. The American publishing tycoon William Randolph Hurst would not allow anyone to talk about death in his presence, yet he still died.

It is easier to talk about other people’s deaths than to face our death. Coming to grips with that reality reinforces the truth that we only have so much time.

2) God Gives More Time

In the context of our passage, this parable reinforces God’s mercy because instead of judgment, He gives more time. He provides another opportunity to repent, turn, and change our lives. God’s mercy is magnified for the sake of knowing Jesus and being fruitful.

3) Where There is No Fruit, There is Judgment

This may be the most sobering of the three points, and I share it with tender compassion. If fruit doesn’t come from a life, God’s judgment comes. One day, we will all stand before God in the judgment seat.

God has the right to cut the tree down; however, He gives it more time to bear fruit in His mercy. You must not presume on the kindness and mercy of the Lord, for His day of judgment will finally come.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Be aware that you’re given more time to bear fruit.

How Do I Produce Fruit?

As you read this parable, you might ask, what happened to the tree? When we apply this parable to our lives, we should ask, “What will happen to me?”

Apply this question in the first person because the parable teaches that God seeks fruitfulness. It also illustrates that if we’re not fruitful, we’re in a season to repent. It’s God’s mercy towards you that allows you to change.

Did you ever notice as a kid that trips seemed to take forever? You’d ask your parent, “How much longer?” It seemed like you’d never arrive. However, you’d realize how quickly things had passed when you got home. It’s the same way with God.

It’s possible that your heart can drift two degrees at a time, but coming home is much quicker because our God is merciful, gracious, and loving. Because of this quality of mercy, we don’t get what we deserve. We can repent our way into fruitfulness quickly. That’s why John the Baptist said, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”

You don’t want to live a life of being unfruitful. God doesn’t desire to cut you down, but repentance is only available for a limited time. We all must produce fruit or face judgment.

JESUS: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.” John 15:4

Jesus came to be with you. He wants to dwell within you. When you turn to Him in faith, confess and turn the areas of your life to Him that are not in line with Him.

TL;DR

We don’t want to live unfruitful lives.
The Parable of the Fig Tree makes us question the fruitfulness of a believer’s life.
What is fruitfulness?

The Application of God’s Word into my heart and life.
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Character and Life of Jesus).
The Fruit of Making and Multiplying Disciples.
Fruit in Relationships and Every Good Work

We live in a divine appointment by the simple virtue that we are alive right now. This wasn’t your idea, but God designed you to be alive in this hour of history for a reason.
However, where a believer is not producing fruit, Jesus offers some insight through the parable.

It’s possible to run out of time.
God gives more time.
Where there is no fruit, there is judgment

Through repentance and confession of unfruitful areas of our life, we can allow Jesus to dwell within us, which will quickly move us to produce fruit.