WED JAN 11 2023
MANIFESTING FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS – Pastor Chris
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:11).
Jesus said, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20). You can’t have fruits of something you’re not. An orange tree can only produce orange fruits. So, our theme verse is letting you know that if you’re righteous, you’ll have fruits of righteousness. In John 15:5, Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches….” And as common knowledge, the beauty of a tree is in its branches.
Being the “branch” of Jesus Christ means you carry the beauty of the Son of God. Hallelujah! You’re the fruit-bearing part of the vine, and you bear fruits of righteousness. That’s what your life is about: the manifestation of His righteousness.
You’ve been established as a tree of righteousness, to produce fruits and works of righteousness. Meaning that the things that come out of your life—your words and your actions—bring praise and glory to God. Isaiah 61:3 calls us trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord of hosts that He might be glorified. God’s glory and excellence are expressed through you.
The people of the world should see you and recognize the excellence and elegance of the Spirit. When Jesus restored sight to the blind, unstopped deaf ears, healed the crippled, raised the dead, fed the hungry, comforted the afflicted, and spoke divine words to encourage and bless people, He was manifesting fruits of righteousness. And as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17). Glory to His Name forever!
PRAYER / CONFESSION
I am the righteous; I flourish like the palm tree and grow like the cedar in Lebanon. I’m planted in the house of the Lord, and I flourish in the courts of our God. I produce fruits and works of righteousness; my life is the testimony of God’s glory and grace. His beauty is expressed through me; this is my heritage in Christ. Hallelujah!
FURTHER STUDY
2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 1:9-11 NIV; Proverbs 11:30 ESV
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Matthew 8:28-34; Matthew 9:1-17; Genesis 27-28