"In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace."
Colossians 1:6 (NIV)
We tend to think that the fruit of the gospel is only the initial act of a person surrendering their lives to the Lord Jesus and receiving forgiveness of their sins and eternal life. Paul’s commendation to them for the gospel bearing fruit and growing among them, appears to suggest that the fruit continues past the initial act of salvation.
Paul points out that the Colossians truly understand God’s grace. Do we truly understand God’s grace? Do we understand that God’s grace is not just about preparing a home for us in heaven, but also about real fruit, real spiritual growth happening in our lives each day? Our Lord’s parable of the sower reveals the truth that the Word only bears fruit when the heart receives it. A true Christian has the Holy Spirit living them, who continually works with power to make our hearts receptive to the Word of God. As we hear the Word, surrender to the Holy Spirit and apply the Word to our lives through faith, we grow and grow and grow. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians comes true, and Christ dwells in our hearts through faith.
Friend are you growing? Can you see progress in your spiritual life? Has anyone who knows you, ever told you that you are different then you were 6 months ago? Our Christian life is meant to be a life of never ending growth; becoming more like Christ each and every day, as the gospel bears fruit in our lives. May this song be continually true in our lives:
Paul points out that the Colossians truly understand God’s grace. Do we truly understand God’s grace? Do we understand that God’s grace is not just about preparing a home for us in heaven, but also about real fruit, real spiritual growth happening in our lives each day? Our Lord’s parable of the sower reveals the truth that the Word only bears fruit when the heart receives it. A true Christian has the Holy Spirit living them, who continually works with power to make our hearts receptive to the Word of God. As we hear the Word, surrender to the Holy Spirit and apply the Word to our lives through faith, we grow and grow and grow. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians comes true, and Christ dwells in our hearts through faith.
Friend are you growing? Can you see progress in your spiritual life? Has anyone who knows you, ever told you that you are different then you were 6 months ago? Our Christian life is meant to be a life of never ending growth; becoming more like Christ each and every day, as the gospel bears fruit in our lives. May this song be continually true in our lives:
"Things are different now, something happened to me
Since I gave my heart to Jesus
Things I loved before have passed away
Things I love far more have come to stay
Things are different now, something happened that day
When I gave my heart to Him."
(Words and music: Stanton W.Gavitt)
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