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THE FRUIT OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS A TREE OF LIFE

Text: Proverbs 11:28-31
17 February 2008

(I) THE IMAGERY OF A TREE

1. Applied to the man who is blessed by God (Psalm 1)

2. Applied to a man who trusts in the Lord (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

3. Applied to a righteous man (Psalm 92:12-15; Proverbs 11:8)

(II) THE PROMISE OF A FRUITFUL TREE

1. The promise of flourishing foliage

“…the righteous will flourish like foliage.” Proverbs 11:28

2. The promise of fruit

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,And he who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

3. Fruit in old age

“They shall still bear fruit in old age…” Psalm 92:14a

4. Freshness in old age

“…They shall be fresh and flourishing.” Psalm 92:14b

(III) THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FRUIT-BEARING

“By their fruits you will know them” Matthew 7:20

1. Proof of a good tree

“Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Matthew 7:17

2. Inescapable proof

“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.” Matthew 7:18

3. A solemn word of warning

“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 7:19

(IV) THE CHALLENGE TO BE FRUITFUL

1. Abiding in Christ as the Vine

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4

2. Endure Pruning by the Lord

“…every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2

3. A word of warning concerning unfruitfulness

“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6