Walking in Divine Partnership: How to Bear Much Fruit with Jesus of Nazareth After God Opens the Door for Spiritual Growth and Fruitfulness, According to Biblical Principles.
This study explores the profound partnership available to believers with the one true God, Jesus Christ, and outlines the biblical steps to enter into and maintain a fruitful spiritual life, emphasizing the transformative power of God's Spirit and obedience to His Word.
1. Understanding the Divine Partner: The Revelation of God in Jesus Christ
1.1 The One True God Revealed
Verses: Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 45:5; Deuteronomy 6:4
- God is one and there is no other; He is the first and the last.
- This singular God is the source of all life and salvation.
- There is no God beside Him, nor any other Savior.
1.2 Jesus as the Fullness of the Godhead
Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 14:9; 1 Timothy 3:16
- In Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
- Seeing Jesus is seeing the Father, for He is the express image of God.
- God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
1.3 God's Initiative in Partnership
Verses: John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:19
- God loved us first and initiated the plan of salvation for humanity.
- While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, demonstrating His great love.
- Our partnership begins with His divine invitation and grace.
2. Entering the Partnership: God's Plan for Spiritual Birth
2.1 Repentance: Turning to God
Verses: Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30
- Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of action and direction in life.
- It involves turning away from sin and towards God's righteousness.
- God commands all people everywhere to repent and acknowledge His sovereignty.
2.2 Water Baptism: Identification with Christ's Death and Resurrection
Verses: Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12
- Water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is for the remission of sins.
- It symbolizes our death to sin and resurrection to new life with Christ.
- We are buried with Him in baptism and raised through faith in the working of God.
2.3 Spirit Baptism: The Indwelling Power for Fruitfulness
Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 1:8; John 7:38-39
- Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit is essential for spiritual power and guidance.
- The Spirit empowers us to be effective witnesses for Christ to the world.
- Out of our innermost being shall flow rivers of living water, as the Spirit indwells us.
3. Cultivating the Partnership: Abiding in Christ for Fruitfulness
3.1 The Vine and the Branches: Our Connection to Jesus
Verses: John 15:4-5; John 15:7; Philippians 4:13
- We must remain in Christ, the true vine, to bear spiritual fruit.
- Apart from Him, we can do nothing of lasting spiritual value.
- Our strength and ability to live a fruitful life come directly from Him.
3.2 Prayer: Communicating with Our Partner
Verses: Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:16
- Prayer is vital for maintaining our intimate relationship and communication with God.
- We are encouraged to pray without ceasing, making our requests known to Him.
- The fervent prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
3.3 The Word: Receiving Guidance and Nourishment
Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12
- The Bible is God's inspired and authoritative guide for our lives, teaching us truth.
- It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, illuminating our way.
- The Word of God is living and active, discerning our thoughts and intentions.
3.4 Obedience: Demonstrating Our Love and Trust
Verses: John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-4; James 1:22
- Our love for God is demonstrated through our willing obedience to His commands.
- Knowing God involves keeping His commandments, proving our relationship.
- We must be doers of the Word, not merely hearers who deceive themselves.
4. Bearing Much Fruit: Manifesting God's Character and Purpose
4.1 The Fruit of the Spirit: Internal Transformation
Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:22-24
- The Spirit produces character traits like love, joy, peace, and self-control within us.
- We are transformed by the renewing of our minds, aligning with God's will.
- We put off the old self and put on the new self, created in righteousness and holiness.
4.2 Righteous Living: External Expression of God's Nature
Verses: Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Titus 2:11-12
- Our good works should shine before others, glorifying our Father in heaven.
- We are called to be holy in all our conduct, just as God is holy.
- God's grace teaches us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age.
4.3 Witnessing and Discipleship: Extending the Partnership
Verses: Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
- We are empowered by the Spirit to be effective witnesses of Jesus Christ.
- We are commanded to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all things.
- We are ambassadors for Christ, pleading with others to be reconciled to God.
5. Sustaining the Partnership: Perseverance and Growth
5.1 Overcoming Obstacles: Faith in Times of Trial
Verses: James 1:2-4; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 10:13
- Trials and tribulations develop perseverance, character, and hope within us.
- God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
- God is faithful and will provide a way of escape from every temptation.
5.2 Continuous Growth: Pressing Towards the Mark
Verses: Philippians 3:13-14; 2 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 12:1-2
- We are to forget what is behind and press on towards the goal of Christlikeness.
- We should grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
- We run the race with perseverance, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
5.3 The Promise of His Return: Our Ultimate Hope
Verses: John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 22:12
- Jesus promised to come again to take us to be with Him where He is.
- At His coming, the dead in Christ will rise, and we who are alive will be caught up to meet Him.
- He is coming quickly, and His reward is with Him for those who have walked in partnership.