The Gospel Bears Fruit
You have already heard about this hope in the word of truth, the gospel 6 that has come to you. It is bearing fruit and growing all over the world,
Colossians 1:5b-6a(CSB)
The apostle Paul urged the church in Colossae to be diligent in gospel work because it yields fruit. Sharing the gospel is akin to planting a seed: it sproutes into a plant, and eventually, it bears fruit. The gospel acts as the seed that takes root at salvation, and a life of obedience continues to produce fruit through sharing the gospel. Reflecting on the truth and promise that the gospel bears fruit, we might ask ourselves: how can our lives become more evangelistic?
The Message of Hope (The Gospel). The apostle Paul reminded the church in Colossae that they had already received the message of hope, which is the gospel. The gospel is the good news that offers us escape from the bad news of sin that corrupts and controls our lives. This good news includes Christ's work on the cross to pay the penalty we deserve, His victory over death in the resurrection, and the offer of eternal life through a relationship with Jesus. The message of hope is not temporary but holds eternal significance. The gospel remains the only true message of hope.
The Gospel Bears Fruit. The response to the gospel often spreads rapidly, like wildfire. Once one person embraces the gospel, it begins to influence others around them. People hear the message from friends and family who have experienced salvation and the work of the Lord in their lives. As a result, they become more receptive to the gospel, and the Lord works through His followers to share it further. The gospel produces fruit in the form of individual salvation, which is visible in lives that are radically transformed. This fruit, in turn, opens new opportunities for planting more seeds and witnessing more fruit.
A Spark Can Ignite a Fire. We often await a large event or movement to ignite spiritual renewal. However, the gospel movement usually begins with a small spark that ignites prepared material. Just as a wildfire often starts from a tiny spark that rapidly becomes destructive, even today, I heard about thousands of acres burning uncontrollably due to a spark from a flat tire. The gospel only requires a small spark or ember. Let us pray that this spark lands on prepared hearts and ignites a fire that spreads uncontrollably as the gospel reaches the world.
QUESTIONS
How does the promise that the gospel will bear fruit propel you to practice evangelism and share the gospel?
How would you explain the gospel message to someone who needs to hear it?
