The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree #2417

6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down’” (Luke 13:6–9, NKJV).

Jesus had just commanded repentance instead of rationalizing degrees of sin to escape personal accountability (Luke 13:1-5). The parable of the barren fig tree adds divine longsuffering and compassion to the necessity of repentance. (1) God expects us to bear fruit (v. 6). Disciples of Christ will bear fruit (John 15:1-8). (2) God is longsuffering, wanting sinners to repent (v. 7). The owner did not immediately cut down the fruitless tree. He searched three years for fruit. God seeks sinners’ repentance, not their demise (2 Pet. 3:9). So must we. (3) The compassionate mercy of God teaches us not to give up on sinners (vv. 8-9). The vinedresser asked for another year to tend the tree to stimulate fruit. Like Jesus, let us not quickly dismiss and forget those overtaken by sin (Gal. 6:1-2; James 5:19-20). They need our help, even as Christ helps us when we sin (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 4:14-16). (4) God will punish unrepented sin (v. 9). The owner would cut down the fruitless tree if it did not become productive (John 15:6). We will not escape accountability and punishment for our sins if we refuse to repent (Luke 13:3, 5). Redeem your time. Repent and be faithful to the Lord. God is compassionate, patient, and merciful; A jealous God who punishes sin yet shows mercy to those who love Him and keep His commandments (cf. Exod. 20:5-6).

Fruitful Faith #619

8  For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9  For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” (2 Peter 1:8–9, NKJV)

A fully-developed faith produces a fruitful life. Equipped with “the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”, such a faith is able to confidently face every circumstance of life. Virtuous faith is bold in the face of the enemy. Knowledgeable faith is grounded in the truth of God, not the fables of men. Such a faith will not be led astray. Faith governed by self-control chooses good and abhors evil. Persevering faith vigilantly endures every adversity. Godly faith is always directed toward God and never toward self. Brotherly kindness is an essential part of living one’s faith so as to benefit fellow Christians. Love is the crowning jewel of faith, since mature faith loves its enemies just as Christ loved us when we were His enemies. If we choose not to develop our faith we have become spiritually blind. We have already forgotten that God in Christ cleansed us of our sins. We were not saved so we can simply be unfruitful Christians. Devote yourself to increasing your faith by daily obedience to the will of Christ.