The key to bearing spiritual fruit

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

September 17th Sermon, Day 5

Throughout this week, we've seen that the fruit of the Spirit isn't produced through our own striving but through our connection to Jesus. The final key to understanding spiritual fruit is surrender.

Just as a branch doesn't decide when or how to produce fruit—it simply receives life from the vine—we cannot force spiritual fruit to appear in our lives through determination alone. No amount of trying harder will produce the love, joy, peace, and other qualities that mark Christ's character.

Instead, bearing fruit comes through surrender. It's about saying "no" to our own desires and "yes" to God's will. It's about turning our eyes away from distractions and fixing them firmly on Jesus. It's about daily submission to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.

The beautiful paradox of the Christian life is that we find freedom through surrender, strength through weakness, and fruitfulness through dependence. When we stop trying to produce fruit on our own and instead focus on remaining connected to Jesus, we discover that His life naturally flows through us.

As we conclude this devotional series, remember that spiritual growth isn't about perfection but direction. Are you becoming more like Jesus? Is His life increasingly evident in yours? That's the miracle of bearing spiritual fruit.

Bible Verse

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8

Reflection Question

What area of your life do you need to surrender more fully to God so that His Spirit can produce more fruit through you?

Quote

It's not about how can I try harder, it's about how can I more fully surrender.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I surrender my striving and control to You today. Forgive me for trying to produce spiritual fruit through my own efforts. I want to remain connected to Jesus, the true vine, and allow Your Spirit to work freely in my life. Help me to turn my eyes upon Jesus daily and to find my identity and purpose in Him alone. May His life shine more brightly through mine. Amen.