19/05/2026
Chosen for Fruitfulness
Texts: John 15:16 & Matthew 21:18–20
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain…”* — John 15:16
“Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves…”* — Matthew 21:18–19
Introduction
Beloved in Christ, every tree is known by its fruit. A mango tree is expected to bear mangoes. An orange tree is expected to produce oranges. Likewise, every believer who has been called by Christ is expected to bear spiritual fruit.
In John 15:16, Jesus reminds His disciples that they were not chosen by accident. They were chosen with a purpose — to bear fruit that lasts.
In Matthew 21:18–20, Jesus curses the fig tree because it had leaves but no fruit. It looked healthy outwardly, but inwardly it was empty and unproductive.
Today God is calling His Church not merely to look spiritual, but to live fruitful lives.
1. We Are Chosen by Grace
Jesus says:
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you…”*
Salvation begins with God. Before we loved Him, He loved us. Before we sought Him, He sought us.
Holy Bible reminds us that our calling is divine. God chose us:
a). To serve Him
b). To glorify Him
c). To impact others
d). To bear fruit
Being chosen is a privilege, but it is also a responsibility.
Many people want the blessings of being chosen but avoid the demands of discipleship.
God did not save us so that we remain spiritually stagnant. He saved us so that our lives may become fruitful testimonies.
2. God Expects Fruitfulness
The fig tree in Holy Bible had leaves but no fruit.
Leaves represent appearance.
Fruit represents evidence.
The tree looked alive from a distance, but when Jesus came closer, He found emptiness.
Even today, many believers have:
a). The language of Christianity
b). The appearance of holiness
c). The routine of church attendance
But God is looking for fruit.
He is looking for:
a) Love
b) Faithfulness
c) Holiness
d) Obedience
e) Compassion
f) Prayerfulness
g) Soul winning
h) Service
God is not impressed by outward appearance alone. He searches the heart and examines the fruit of our lives.
3. Fruitfulness Requires Connection to Christ
In John 15, Jesus teaches that a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains connected to the vine.
A disconnected believer becomes spiritually dry.
Fruitfulness comes through:
a) Prayer
b) Reading God’s Word
c) Worship
d) Obedience
e) Fellowship with believers
f) Dependence on the Holy Spirit
The more we abide in Christ, the more His character becomes visible in us.
You cannot produce spiritual fruit through human strength alone. Fruit grows naturally when we remain connected to Jesus.
4. God Rejects Fruitless Living
The cursing of the fig tree is a serious warning.
Jesus did not curse the tree because it was small. He cursed it because it was unproductive.
God is patient, loving, and merciful — but He also expects growth.
A fruitless Christian becomes:
a) Spiritually weak
b) Easily discouraged
c) Ineffective in ministry
d) Empty despite religious activity
God desires that every believer grows beyond appearances into genuine spiritual maturity.
Christianity is not merely about looking holy; it is about living transformed lives.
5. Our Fruit Must Remain
Jesus says:
“…that your fruit should remain.”
Temporary excitement is not enough. God desires lasting fruit.
Lasting fruit includes:
a) Lives transformed through your witness
b) Consistent faithfulness
c) A godly character
d) A lasting impact in ministry
e) Raising others in faith
Some fruits are seasonal, but spiritual fruit should endure.
The world needs believers whose faith remains strong even during hardship, delay, temptation, and suffering.
Conclusion
God has chosen each one of us for a purpose. We are not saved merely to occupy church pews or wear the name “Christian.” We are chosen for fruitfulness.
The fig tree teaches us that appearance without fruit disappoints God.
May our lives not merely have leaves of religion, but fruits of righteousness.
Let us remain connected to Christ so that our lives may produce fruit that blesses others and glorifies God.
Call to Commitment
Ask yourself today:
1) Am I truly bearing fruit?
2) Is my Christian life only outward appearance?
3) What evidence of Christ is visible in my life?
4) Am I producing fruit that will remain?
May the Lord help us to become fruitful disciples in His kingdom.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your holy Word and for reminding us that we are chosen for fruitfulness. Thank You for calling us out of darkness into Your marvelous light and appointing us to bear fruit that will last.
Lord Jesus, forgive us for the times we have only displayed leaves without fruit. Forgive us for spiritual laziness, inconsistency, and empty religion. Cleanse our hearts and renew our spirits.
Help us to remain connected to You, the true Vine, so that our lives may produce the fruits of love, faithfulness, obedience, humility, holiness, and compassion.
Holy Spirit, strengthen us to live lives that glorify God. Make us fruitful in our families, churches, workplaces, and communities. Let our words, actions, and character reflect Christ daily.
Father, remove every dryness, fear, distraction, and weakness that hinders our spiritual growth. Teach us to walk faithfully with You and to serve You wholeheartedly.
May our lives become testimonies that lead others closer to Christ. Let the fruit we bear remain for generations and bring honor to Your holy name.
We commit ourselves fully into Your hands, trusting that the good work You began in us You will bring to completion.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
