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"The fruit of righteousness..."

Text: James 3:18

FRUIT-BEARING

The fruit that one bears in life is the natural outcome of what one sows. This is a strong Biblical truth that James espouses.

“Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
by those who make peace.”
James 3:18

1. “The fruit of righteousness”

a) Righteousness that is true.

i) It is first imputed by God to the one who exercises faith.

ii) It will then manifest itself in righteous and good deeds.

iii) True righteousness will manifest itself in suitable and appropriate fruits.

b) Righteousness that is false.

i) It will end up in pretence or hypocrisy.

ii) It cannot yield good fruits.

iii) It will result in bad and wicked deeds.

2. “Sown”

a) Righteousness is first sown in the heart by the Lord Himself (imputed righteousness).

b) True righteousness must be checked out.

3. “Sown in peace”

a) The person who possesses true righteousness will be a man of peace.

b) Jesus calls “Blessed”- the person who is a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9).

c) These are true sons of God.

d) Righteousness and peace go well together.

4. “By those who make peace”

a) The true children of God will never sow discord.

b) They will seek to make peace.

i) Firstly, pointing people to make peace with God through salvation in Christ.

ii) Secondly, helping people to be at peace with each other (where possible).

SEEKING TO BEAR GOOD FRUIT ALWAYS

The truly righteous man will always seek to bear fruit for the Lord, even to his old age. He will be fresh, flourishing and fruitful by the blessing of the Lord (Psalm 92:12-15).