Ice Breaker: Share what makes you laugh.
What do you know about a tree’s fruit? (write down answers)
1) A tree is judged by its fruit. Look up: Matt. 7: 16 Often as Christians we judge each other by what we do or have done. This is not always an accurate measure of a person’s life in Christ. At the same time, like the verse says, if we love the Lord our life WILL show it.
2) The fruit of a tree is how it reproduces. The fruit itself does
not guarantee it will reproduce not every seed lands in fertile ground. Look up: Matt. 13: 4. Our fruit will produce more of our same kind. Christians share in order to bring others into God’s kingdom. Our ultimate desire is to share the love of Jesus with the whole world. Look up: Gen. 1: 12.
3) In order to bear fruit the fruit is dependent on the overall health of the tree. Fruit is a product coming out of the tree being healthy, as well as the tree being in a healthy environment. In order for us to bear the fruit of the Spirit that lives in us, we must be in touch with the spirit, as well as controlling our environment. In order for the fruit of the Spirit to develop in our life, it requires both sensitivity to God’s leading and obedience to His commands. Look up: I Peter 1: 2, II John 1: 6, Romans 8:6, Gal. 5: 22, Romans 11:16
4) The fruit of a tree is not the only proof of the health of a tree. There are normally three out of four seasons that a tree does not bear fruit. The overall tree is healthy and rebuilding for the next fruit bearing season. We too may have seasons of much fruit and seasons of rebuilding.
5) Fruit does not show on a tree until it matures. Actually, a tree may bear a little fruit right away, but the real harvest comes with maturity. Look up: Eph. 4: 13-15
6) The fruit of a tree does not benefit the tree. Fruit is a gift, it is given freely. Unlike the tree, God often allows us to benefit from the privilege of bearing fruit. Yet, our goal is not to benefit. God wants us to freely give of the gifts He has given us. Whatever God wants to do with the fruit He has developed in us is up to Him. He
is the source of anything good in our lives.
7) Read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and discuss it.
Lastly, ask, “What is the most important part of a tree? (roots
and trunk) It is the more hidden parts that are most important. Just as with a Christian, being well rooted is the most important. The beauty of the crown and fruit will come out of the roots and trunk being healthy.
In the alone time read: Romans 12: 14-21 (handout verses in The Message too)
After 10-15 min. come back together and discuss how these verses spoke to each person and how the verses relate to bearing fruit?
Take prayer requests and pray for the person on your left.