A Good Tree Bears Fruit

A Good Tree Bears Good Fruit

Lesson objective:

This lesson will show the pastor’s role in cultivating the character of Christ in their congregation.

I have noticed that in today's climate, discipleship is rarely mentioned. It seems as if discipleship is no longer considered necessary, but in reality, it remains an essential component of nurturing God's people. Discipleship encompasses various aspects, and while we won't cover them all in this lesson, we will lay the foundation by focusing on the role of the pastor in discipleship.

Discipleship is the process of becoming a follower of Christ, which involves denying self, undergoing tests, trials, and offenses, and not holding onto anger or resentment. Discipleship is about manifesting Christ in one's life, so that others can see what they ought to be. It involves responding to situations in a way that glorifies God, and being steadfast in truth. Discipleship also involves confronting sin wherever it is found. The ultimate goal of discipleship is to win souls and train them to be "soul winners" themselves, following the example of Jesus who didn't just make converts, but disciples.

Source: The Bible Teacher App, (“What is discipleship?”).

Did you know that the apostles should disciple the bishopric, and the bishopric should disciple the pastors, who in turn should disciple the congregation under their care? However, discipleship needs to be clearly understood in order to be intentionally implemented within the church.

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A Pure Word

In St. John 15:3, Jesus tells his disciples,

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

This passage reveals that the true Word of God, when faithfully imparted to the hearts and minds of the congregation, can cleanse and remove sin from their souls. Within any congregation, there may be various mindsets, backgrounds, and life experiences that require the Word's transformative work. It is crucial that we let the Word address these issues without making them personal attacks.

The Word operates impartially and straightforwardly; it tears down strongholds, as Paul noted when he spoke of 'the weapons of our warfare' being 'mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds' (2 Corinthians 10:4). In essence, he referred to the Word of God. Therefore, we must allow the Word to cleanse the soul of the congregation from any hindrance or spiritual impediment. It's not productive to harbor personal vendettas against spiritual matters.

There are spiritual matters within God's people that God entrusts His Word to address. That's why Jesus made the statement, 'You are clean through the word which I (Jesus) have spoken unto you.'

When you minister the Word to someone's life through discipleship, give that Word a chance to take root in their heart and change their mindsets and ways. Over time, you will witness the manifestation of what you've been teaching. However, pastors often make the mistake of expecting an immediate, observable response to know the Word's effectiveness. Sometimes, you won't see an immediate physical change, but you must trust the Word.

You may attest to the fact that there were moments in your life when you were off course, but you heard the Word of God. Initially, there might not have been an immediate physical change, but there was an inner working of the Holy Spirit, accompanied by the truth – the Word of God – working beneath the surface. Eventually, you came around to manifesting that change. You had a leader who was patient with your transformation, one who trusted the process of the Word. This trust in the Word is crucial for potential pastors and established pastors. The Word of God doesn't need any additional help, charisma, or manipulation.

I can admit that I have been on the wrong side of this issue. In the early stages of my ministry, I was overly passionate. I had a clear understanding of holiness and expected everyone, especially leaders, to understand and practice it. God had to rebuke me sternly. He used an analogy involving a golf course to show me the error of my ways. He said, 'If I instruct you to cross that golf course to reach the other side, you'll make it, but along the way, you'll cause significant damage.' This served as a lesson similar to how God showed Peter various animals in a vision and rebuked his erroneous mindset.

God’s point was clear: my passionate approach, though well-intentioned in the name of the Lord, wasn't aligned with God's character. My rebukes lacked the gentleness and meekness of the Spirit of God. As I teach and disciple the word, God is the one who does the chastening. He causes His word to bring the conviction that is required for change; the congregation’s change should not be based on a pastor’s message that was emotionally driven or done out of frustration. Just as God’s word transformed me, it will do the same for others.

My advice to ministers is to address their own emotions about the congregation’s negative spiritual disposition privately before trying to disciple them. This will ensure that their ministry remains pure and untainted by personal frustrations. This way, people can focus on receiving the Word rather than navigating our emotional responses. This takes a love for the flock. Without genuine love for God's people, we might not care about coming across as abrasive or abusive.

To be effective in ministry, we must commit to God's purpose in a person's life. This commitment requires self-denial, where we set aside personal passions and frustrations. Instead, we should minister the Word of God with purity, devoid of bias, emotionalism, or any personal agenda. While there may be times when the Holy Spirit leads us to address issues with righteous indignation, we must remember that the Spirit never resorts to carnality or unrighteousness, even when vexed. This discernment is key in determining when the Holy Spirit is speaking.

Our love for God's people and commitment to His purpose should guide our actions as ministers. We must refrain from being domineering over God's heritage and remember that we are co-workers with God, working alongside Him to lead His people to righteousness. As leaders, we must treat the flock with love and respect, not abusing our authority, manipulating, or misusing the platform God has given us. People can discern our motives, and we must ensure our actions align with our mission to grow them in Christ, teaching them patience and the character of Christ.

1 Kings 3 tells the story of King Solomon's request for wisdom from God. In verses 5-14, Solomon had a dream where God appeared to him and said, "Ask what I shall give thee." Solomon humbly asked for wisdom and discernment to govern God's people. In verse 10, Solomon said, "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?" God was pleased with Solomon's request and granted him not only wisdom but also riches and honor. Verse 12 says, "Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee." As pastors, we should seek wisdom and a discerning heart to be effective leaders for God's people.

Bearing Good Fruit

Teaching the Word is only one aspect of discipleship, and it's crucial to recognize its limitations. This brings us to the next aspect of discipleship - bearing fruit . Without getting this right, all our teaching and speaking mean nothing.

Matthew 7:15-20

15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

This scripture applies not only to false prophets but also to pastors, and the key is knowing them by their fruit. When we speak of knowing them by their fruit, it means assessing the people they produce. The fruit in this context refers to the congregation they lead. A good pastor will bring forth good character in his or her members, and this principle is absolute. Every good tree brings forth good fruit. The culture of a church reflects the pastor's spirituality. If the pastor walks in the Spirit, the church's culture will reveal that.

The tree mentioned here represents who you are and the spiritual impartation you provide to your congregation. People don't just go to church; they become connected to the tree (the pastor). A spiritual impartation takes place that goes beyond preaching and influences the lives of the members. You produce what you are, not just what you preach. Embrace this reality, as it prevents you from having a double life as a leader, and remember that your private life impacts your congregation because you are the one who will feed your congregation whether it be good or evil.

In John 17:19, Jesus is praying to the Father for the sake of his disciples. He says, 'And for their sakes, I sanctify myself.'

Jesus emphasizes the importance of sanctifying himself for the sake of his disciples. This illustrates that the source, the leader, must begin with sanctification. Leaders are called to sanctify themselves for their congregation, those whom God has selected for them to disciple. In discipleship, we have a unique role, similar to Jesus' relationship with his twelve apostles. These individuals are given over to our guidance and instruction. It's crucial to understand that not everyone who is a part of our congregation is considered our fruit. Only those that God has given to be discipled and instructed by us fall into this category.

A key point here is that leaders are co-workers with God, but God is also working with them. Leaders are called to sanctify themselves continually for the sake of their disciples. This sanctification is more than preaching; it's about living a holy life as an example. The truth must always be accompanied by sanctification. People deserve to see the truth manifested through the leader's life.

1 Thessalonians 2:10 - 12

10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

John 15:5

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

This scripture emphasizes that only Christ can produce Christ, and it reveals that good fruit is a result of abiding in Christ. Thus, if one walks in darkness, they can't be used by Christ. Abiding in Christ allows Him to work through us, ensuring that we produce the fruit He desires. If we are not in Christ, we are not producing good fruit but rather reflecting the character of self.

Job 4:8

8 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.

This concept of reaping what you sow applies to ministry as well. If a pastor is sowing negative traits or corruption into their congregation, that is what they will reap. A good pastor has a shepherd's heart and a genuine desire to see God's people walking in holiness. If a pastor is satisfied with a congregation not walking in the Spirit, it raises questions about their motive for leadership and their own lack of fellowship with God. The reality is that if I don't walk in righteousness, then I don't intend to foster it in anyone else. My ambition will be to secure a platform to preach. Every pastor must ask himself this question, does it matter to me what I generate in people? Do I genuinely want them to stand before God without fear of damnation? If I'm indifferent to these questions, then I am a false prophet.

I pray with all my heart that we will follow the example of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. He gave his life for the sheep. He remained faithful to God’s purpose in the lives of everyone who He encountered. He sanctified Himself. All of this He did because of His great love for us. Now it is our turn to shepherd the flock that He has placed in our care.