Fruit Bearing

We know groaning, as associated with pain. We all have, at some time or other, been a groaner, for we have all experienced the kinds of pains which bring such responses. The majority of us can testify to knowing that pains are physically, emotionally, spiritually and even mentally charged. We tend to groan when they weigh very heavily upon us and we can do nothing about our situation, but groan and bear it.

However, this verse which Paul writes to the Roman believers, tells us that all of us who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, are inward groaners. Here is a reminder of the verse.

Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8: 23

What are the firstfruits of the Spirit, or the Spirit’s firstfruits? You tell me to go to Luke 12: 32. Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. The Spirit’s firstfruits will be our receiving of the Kingdom or Rule of Father God. Firstfruits are what you receive first from the blossoming and blooming tree. They are what you reap or harvest first, the first crop, so to speak.

Are we learning that if we have the firstfruits of the Spirit, it means that we are in the season of bearing and reaping the Spirit’s firstfruits? In reality, if we are branches of the One, True Vine, we do not just have His firstfruits, but we are His firstfruits. What does this mean and say to us and for us?

Three facts of bearing are revealed

1. Bearing is a fruit tree’s must. Have a look at the fruit tree. Is it not true that the tree has branches which bear its fruit? We are the branches in the Spirit, who bear His fruit.

2. Bearing is a fruit tree’s multiplier. Have another look at the bearing fruit tree. When the first fruits or first crop is picked, does the fruit tree just dry up and die? No, it keeps multiplying. It bears until the season is over. In like manner, as the Spirit’s firstfruits, we continue to keep multiplying, bearing much fruit, until the time we are taken and given another body.

3. Bearing is a fruit tree’s mission. If a tree is made or created as a fruit tree, then fruit must be born on it. It is customary, expected and looked upon that the fruit be seen on the tree’s branches. As ridiculous and absolutely ludicrous as this may sound, it needs to be said. The tree has branches so that its fruit are displayed by the branches. That is the paramount and first mission of the branch. Additionally, no branch that is set apart from the tree, or stands on its own can bear any fruit. We are as branches in Jesus. Has Jesus not told us so? I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15: 5. It means then that we have been placed in the Spirit to bear His fruit, much fruit. It’s our mission.

We will continue more about fruit bearing, as we are reminded of what Jesus has said about this.