September 17, 2012

Paul’s prayer petition was that these believers would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will for the purpose of pleasing God in every way by walking worthy.  Paul then begins to outline four practices characteristic of walking worthy and pleasing God in all things.  This is not an exhaustive list but are simply some of the characteristics of a maturing Christian life.

The first practice found in verse 10 is that we might bear fruit in every good work.  What does it mean to bear fruit?

Bear fruit in this verse is actually one word in the original Greek, karpophoreo meaning to bring forth.  It is from two root words, karpo meaning an effect or result and is used of praises presented to God as a thank offering.  Phero means to be moved inwardly.  Karpophoreo was a word used of those who show their knowledge of God by their conduct.

John 15:1-11 also speaks of bearing fruit in our lives.  Read through these verses and list what you learn about bearing fruit.  What is the key to bearing fruit?  We find it in a repeated key word in this passage, abide.

Abide is the Greek word, meno which means to stay in a given place, state, relation or expectancy, to dwell or to remain.  We will bear fruit as we stay connected to the vine, Christ Jesus.

The fruit we bear is the outward expression of God’s inward impression upon our hearts and souls.  It’s all about our relationship with Christ Jesus and abiding in Him.  We are called to please God by walking worthy and bearing fruit wherever and however He has called us.  It is a thank offering we present to God.

So ask yourself the following questions as you ponder these verses this week:

Remember that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is not walking worthy of the Lord.

Let’s commit to pray for one another this week that we show our knowledge of God through our actions.

Join us next week as we explore another characteristic of this worthy walk.

Blessings,

Women of Warren