Parable of The Unfruitful Fig Tree

Day: 27

Text: Luke 13: 6-9

Introduction- The Word of the Lord remains from everlasting to everlasting. The doctrine is live and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrew 4:12).  The parable of our Lord Jesus Christ, spoken over two thousand years, is as versatile as the modern age.

In John 15:1-8; the Lord Jesus spoke that HE is the true vine and every branch in HIM must bear fruit. In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul states, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Then, what is the parable of the unfruitful fig tree as we read from the Bible passage above. The unfruitful fig tree represents a life that is not bearing fruit or lived in a way that brings glory to the creator. We are created for a purpose and our existence in the community where we found ourselves, lives, play, and work is not an accident of creation. We are created to fulfill purpose and live according to God’s will. God expect us to be fruitful so that our lives can affect others in a positive way. In Revelation 3:16, it is written that we cannot be lukewarm in the kingdom of God. Our lives must always be a shining bright light and as the Bible describes us – we must be the light of the world (Mat 5:14-16).

A life is not fruitful when it fails to bear positive outcomes or impacts that align with God’s will and purpose. From the parable of the unfruitful fig tree, a life that is not fruitful is one that does not bring glory to the Creator, such as living without purpose, lacking in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as described in Galatians 5:22-23. It is also characterized by a lack of intentional living, where there is no clear direction, goals, or alignment with core values and beliefs. Essentially, a life that is not fruitful is one that is lukewarm, purposeless, and fails to positively influence others or fulfill its divine purpose.

Life Lessons:

1. As Christians, we must live an intentional life. Intentional living is about making conscious choices that align with God’s purpose. It means actively deciding how we spend our time, energy, and resources rather than passively serving God. Just as the parable of the unfruitful fig tree teaches us the importance of bearing fruit, intentional living encourages us to lead lives that are productive and meaningful through the Word of God.

In John 15:1-8, Jesus emphasizes the importance of being connected to the true vine to bear fruit. Similarly, intentional living requires us to stay connected to our beliefs, ensuring that our actions and decisions reflect our true selves. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These principles guide us in creating a life that not only fulfills our purpose but also brings glory to our Creator.

Living intentionally involves setting clear goals and priorities. It requires us to be mindful of our daily choices and to evaluate whether they contribute to our long-term vision. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of a purposeless existence and instead cultivate a life that is rich in meaning and significance.

Moreover, intentional living is about being present in the moment and appreciating the journey, not just the destination. It encourages us to embrace life’s challenges and opportunities with through God’s Word, knowing that each experience shapes us into who we are meant to be in Christ.

In essence, intentional living is about fulfilling our God-given purpose and making a positive impact in the communities where we live, work, and play. It is a commitment to living authentically and purposefully, allowing us to bear fruit and live according to God’s will.

2. The expectation of God for our lives. God expects us to bear fruit that aligns with His will and purpose. This expectation is rooted in His desire for us to lead lives that are meaningful, productive, and reflective of His love and grace. By living according to God’s principles, we become beacons of light in the world, demonstrating His goodness through our actions and interactions.

God’s expectation is not just about individual fulfillment but also about the collective growth and well-being of the community. As we align our lives with His teachings, we inspire others to do the same, fostering an environment where love, kindness, and faithfulness thrive. This ripple effect of intentional living creates a community that reflects the values of God’s kingdom.

Moreover, God’s expectation is that we remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of challenges and adversities. He calls us to trust in His plan and to rely on His strength, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. By staying connected to Him, like branches to the true vine, we can overcome obstacles and continue to bear fruit that glorifies Him.

In essence, God’s expectation is for us to live lives that are purposeful, impactful, and aligned with His divine will. He desires that we use our gifts and talents to make a positive difference in the world, leaving a legacy of faith and love that honors Him.

3. We must live a life of purpose. Living a purposeful life means having a clear sense of direction and intention in everything we do through God’s doctrine. Romans 12:2 – continuously transforming and the renewal of our minds. It’s about setting meaningful goals and pursuing them with passion and determination. This involves being mindful of our actions and making choices that align with our values and beliefs. By living purposefully, we can prioritize what truly matters and focus our energy on making a positive impact in the vineyard of God.

Purposeful living also requires us to be proactive and take responsibility for our own growth and development. It encourages us to seek out opportunities for learning and self-improvement, and to continually strive to become the best version of ourselves. This journey of personal growth is not always easy, but it is incredibly rewarding as we discover our strengths and overcome our limitations.

In the context of our faith, living purposefully means seeking to fulfill God’s plan for our lives. It involves spending time in prayer and reflection, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all that we do. By aligning our actions with His will, we can live out our purpose with confidence and conviction, knowing that we are part of a greater plan.

The impact of purposeful living extends beyond our own lives, influencing those around us in profound ways (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrew 10:25, Colossians 2:2). When we live with intention, we inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect that can transform the body of Christ, communities, and even the world. Our commitment to living with purpose can lead to greater unity, compassion, and understanding, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Purposeful living is not just about achieving personal success, but about making a meaningful contribution spiritually. It is about using our gifts and talents to serve others and to make a difference in the lives of those we encounter. By living with purpose, we can leave a legacy that reflects our spirituality and honors our Creator.

Life applications:

In every moment, we are presented with the opportunity to manifest the nature and character of God. By seizing these moments, we can reflect His love, grace, and compassion in our interactions with others. Whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply being present for someone in need, we can demonstrate the qualities that embody our faith.

This intentional approach to living allows us to be vessels of God’s love in the world. It reminds us that each encounter is a chance to show His light and make a positive impact. By being mindful of our actions and seeking to embody HIS character, we become living testimonies of His goodness.

Always abiding in Christ is the foundation upon which we build a focused and fulfilling journey in life and spiritual growth. By maintaining a close and intimate relationship with HIM, we are empowered to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life with grace and confidence. Abiding in Christ involves dedicating time to prayer, studying God’s Word, and seeking HIS presence in all that we do. It is through this continuous connection that we find strength, wisdom, and guidance for our daily lives.

When we remain focused on Christ, our priorities and decisions are aligned with HIS will, allowing us to live a life that honors Him and fruitful. This focus helps us to avoid distractions and stay true to our purpose, even when faced with trials and temptations. By keeping our eyes on Jesus and trusting in His plan, we can experience peace and assurance, knowing that HE is with us every step of the way.

Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey that requires dedication and perseverance. As we abide in Christ, we are transformed by His love and grace, becoming more like Him in character and action. This transformation enables us to bear fruit that glorifies God and blesses those around us. By investing in our spiritual development, we can grow in our faith, deepen our understanding of God’s Word, and strengthen our relationship with Him.

Through intentional living and abiding in Christ, we can experience the fullness of life that HE promises. Our lives become a testament to His goodness, and we are equipped to make a meaningful impact in the world. By staying focused and living a life of repentance, we can navigate life’s challenges with confidence and continue to grow in our faith, ultimately fulfilling our divine purpose and leaving a legacy that reflects His love and grace.

Lesson of the Day

Renewed relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ involves a heartfelt commitment to deepening our connection with Him daily. It calls for sincere devotion to prayer, where we open our hearts to communicate honestly with Him, sharing our joys, struggles, and desires. This intimate dialogue strengthens our trust in His unwavering love and guidance.

Equally important is immersing ourselves in His Word. The Bible serves as a roadmap, offering wisdom and insight into His will for our lives. By diligently studying the scriptures, we gain a clearer understanding of His character and His promises, which fortify our faith and provide direction in times of uncertainty.

Fostering a renewed relationship also means actively participating in a community of believers. Engaging in fellowship allows us to support and be supported by others who share our faith journey. Through collective worship, shared experiences, and mutual encouragement, we grow stronger in our walk with Christ.

Moreover, living out our faith through service to others is paramount. Jesus exemplified a life of selfless love and compassion, and by following His example, we demonstrate our commitment to Him. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, become tangible expressions of His love to those around us.

In essence, a renewed relationship with Jesus Christ is a dynamic and ongoing pursuit. It involves a harmonious blend of prayer, searching the WORD, fellowship, and service. As we earnestly seek Him and strive to embody His teachings, we are continually transformed, reflecting His light more brilliantly in a world that deeply needs it.

Complied by:

Deaconess Kemi Ogunseye