The “Fruit” of a Repentant Heart

(Luke 3:2-3, 7-18)

Repentance (metanoias): a change of mind, a turning

in order to receive forgiveness and the gift of God’s Holy Spirit (the carrot)

(Jesus to Saul) “ … open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the authority of
Satan to God, in order for them to receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those
sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:15-18)

“So he (John) came … preaching baptism [in symbol] of repentance for forgiveness of sins” (Luke
3:3)

“Now when they heard this they were stabbed to the heart … Peter said to them “Repent, and let each
one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive
the free gift of the holy spirit”” (Acts 2:37-38)

Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow!" (Isa. 1:18).

The importance of our “fruit”

We are called to “produce fruits that befit repentance” (Matt. 3:8, Luke 3:8)

As a sign of true, heartfelt repentance

“ … By their fruits will you recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs
from thistles, do they? Likewise every good tree produces fine fruit …” (Matt. 7:15-20)

“Either you people make the tree fine and its fruit fine or make the tree rotten and its fruit
rotten; for by its fruit the tree is known … (Matt. 12:33-37, see also Luke 6:43-45))

Other “fruit” analogies

Trusting in God not man yields long lasting fruit (Jer.17:5-8)

Parable of the sower: The “fine soil” is the heart that listens to, receives, understands and
retains the Word of God, it will produce a great, long lasting yield of fruit (Matt. 13:3-23,
Luke 8:5-15, Mark 4:3-20)

Fruit also carries a seed (John 12:23-28, Rom. 7:4) (Also discuss recent movie about the
cumulative effect of kindness)

A branch must remain in the vine (Jesus) to produce fruit and the fruit produced brings glory to
God (John 15:1-8)

What “fruit” is called for?

 Charity (Luke 3:11)

“ Of what benefit is it, my brothers, if a certain one says he has faith but does not have works?
That faith cannot save him can it? If a brother or sister is naked and lacking of food sufficient
for the day, yet a certain one of you says to them “Go in peace, keep warm and well fed,” but
you do not give them the necessities for their body, of what benefit is it? Thus, too, faith, if it
does not have works, is dead in itself. Nevertheless, a certain one will say “You have faith, and
I have works.” Show me your faith apart from the works, and I shall show you my faith by my
works” (James 2:14-18)

Illustration of the rower, oar of faith, oar or works

Honesty/Integrity (Luke 3:12-14)

Contentment/Satisfaction/Appreciation (Luke 3:14) = anti-covetousness (James 4:1-2)

“Let you manner of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present
things …” (Heb. 13:5)

Our interests, our gifts, our possessions are all God-given

“You did not choose me, I chose you, and I appointed you to go on and keep bearing
fruit and that your fruit should remain; in order that no matter what you ask the Father
in my name he might give it to you.” (John 15:16)

Read 2 Cor.9:8-15, “The Cheerful Giver”, Be thankful for God’s generosity

Consider this: Exploiting others to make money is contrary to reliance on God's mercy

The fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23, Eph. 5:9)

The consequence of not producing good fruit (the stick)

“… every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matt.
3:10, Luke 3:9)

“ …unless you repent, you will be destroyed” (Luke 13:1-9)