Fruitfulness Part 1 - Unfruitfulness - 9.21.25

Jordon Gilmore

Introduction

• Theme: Fruitfulness in Scripture (Galatians 5 – Fruit of the Spirit, Mark 4 – Parable of the Sower, John 15 – Vine and branches).
• Contrast: Unfruitfulness/Barrenness vs. Fruitfulness.
• Biblical examples of barrenness: Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Elizabeth → God intervenes and brings fruitfulness.

Barrenness in Scripture

• Associated with reproach, emptiness, shame, curse, or lifelessness.
• Painful because it opposes God’s divine command and purpose to be fruitful and multiply.
• God uses barren situations to demonstrate His power and bring forth fruit.

Fruitfulness in Scripture

• Central to God’s design: seed, time, harvest.
• Mark 4 (Parable of the Sower) – Key principle: the seed (Word of God) is meant to produce fruit.
• Purpose of fruit: not just enjoyment, but to carry seed forward (multiplication, not just appearance).

Spiritual Fruitfulness

• Fruit = the things we say and do that carry seed (kingdom value).
• Two main expressions:
  1. Evangelism & Discipleship – making new believers through witness, testimony, and life example.
  2. Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) – demonstrating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
• Dependent on being connected to Christ (John 15).

Key Questions for Self-Examination

• Am I spiritually barren or fruitful?
• Do my words and actions carry God’s truth (seed)?
• Are there spiritual offspring from my witness?
• Am I multiplying or just consuming blessings?

Important Principles

1. Fruitfulness is God’s Expectation
   • John 15:7–8, 16 – God chose us to bear much fruit.
   • Luke 13:6–9 – The barren fig tree shows God’s expectation of fruit and the Spirit’s role in cultivating us.
   • Fruitlessness = disobedience, not optional.
2. The Church as a Vineyard
   • Each believer = a tree; together = the vineyard.
   • God expects His church (locally and universally) to demonstrate fruitfulness.
   • Must evaluate: Are we showing the fruits of the Spirit? Multiplying disciples? Growing in maturity?

Illustration: Seedless Fruit

• Modern fruit (like seedless grapes) looks good but cannot multiply.
• Likewise, Christians and churches can appear vibrant but fail to carry seed (truth, discipleship, spiritual impact).
• True fruit may look less polished but must be full of seed for future growth.

Closing Challenge

• Mark 4:13 – Understanding the parable of the sower is key to understanding the kingdom.
• Blessings, provision, and joy are meant for multiplication of God’s word, not just personal enjoyment.
• Let’s not settle for looking fruitful but being seedless; instead, let’s ensure our lives and church are carrying God’s seed forward.