• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"Sealed to them this fruit..."

Text: Romans 15:28

BEARING FRUIT FOR THE LORD

It was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who taught His disciples about leading a fruitful Christian life (Cf. John 15). The apostle Paul also devoted time to write on the subject of fruitfulness (Cf. Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 1:11). He commended the Macedonian and Achaian believers for bearing fruit with reference to ministering to the poor.

“Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed
to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.”
Romans 15:28

1. The imagery of “fruit”

a) It must begin with the seed of the Gospel planted in the heart.

b) The seed is tended carefully until it is fully grown.

c) The fruit may be expressed in a number of ways:-

i) It may be service given to the Lord (Cf. Romans 12:1-2).

ii) It may be a life that has been touched by the Lord (Cf. Galatians 5:22-25).

iii) It may also be expressed in the form of giving to meet special needs.

2. When I have performed this

a) The Gentile churches from Macedonia and Achaia asked Paul to be their emissary of good will.

b) Paul thought of this ministry to the poor in Jerusalem as a deed to be performed faithfully.

3. And sealed to them this fruit

a) Paul would merely deliver the contributions of the Gentile Christians to the Jewish believers.

b) He would inform the Jewish brethren that the gift he bore came from the churches of Macedonia and Achaia.

c) This fruit would thus be considered “sealed” (as belonging to the Gentile churches of Macedonia and Achaia).