Anchor Verses:
Galatians 5:22–23, John 15:2, John 15:5
Focus Statement:
Because God lovingly lifts, sustains, and positions us to bear spiritual fruit, our role is to abide in Him, participate in His work, and faithfully tend the life He is growing within us.
Introduction
- Humanity was created to cultivate life, guard holiness, steward God’s gifts
- We’ve discussed removing weeds of sin — now we shift to growing fruit
- Fruit of the Spirit = visible evidence of God’s life in us (Galatians 5:22–23)
- Tending fruit requires constant connection to the Vine
You Have a Good Gardener
- “He takes away” can also mean “He lifts up” — God doesn’t toss you aside
- He plants with love, tends with patience, prunes with purpose
- His warning is protection, not punishment
- The vinedresser is for your fruitfulness, not waiting to hack you off
Lifted and Positioned to Flourish
- Abiding = remaining, clinging, staying attached to His life
- Like a vine trained on a trellis, God lifts us to the light
- He puts us where growth becomes possible, not painful guessing
- Apart from Him, we don’t bear fruit — we bear frustration
Our Part: Seek, Ask, Knock
- Growth is collaborative: God empowers, but we participate
- Abiding shows up in prayer, presence, and obedience
- We can’t complain about the lack of fruit if we never knock on the door
- God always keeps His side of the relationship
Walking it Out – Tend Your Garden Daily
- Check the “vine connection”: Scripture + prayer + obedience
- Celebrate the fruit God is already producing
- Invite pruning — Even when it’s uncomfortable
- Trust His timing: fruit grows slower than weeds
- Encouragement: You are not a failed plant — you are a work in progress that God refuses to give up on
