Title: Tree of the Gospel
Contents When many clusters of grapes open on the vine, it shows that the vine is alive. When an apple tree bears many apples, it shows that the apple tree has life. Likewise, the gospel bears fruit that testifies that there is spiritual life like a tree. The Colossians, who are saints and faithful brothers in Christ, were like the gospel tree. The gospel bore fruit among them.
Paul, who is in a Roman prison, is thankful when he hears the report about the church in Colossae, which Epaphras preached (verse 8). This is because the seeds of the gospel were planted in the Colossians and bearing fruit. I hope that this gospel will bear abundant fruit in us too.
1. The gospel must bear fruit (vv. 5b-6; vv. 8)
The Colossian church heard and learned the gospel from Epaphra. This gospel was bearing fruit among them. The gospel was bearing the same fruit all over the world. Those who have accepted the gospel in this way will bear the fruit of the gospel. Are you bearing the fruit of the gospel?
Why must the gospel bear fruit?
1) Because the gospel is the word of truth in Christ Jesus (verse 5b).
2) Because the gospel is the grace of God (verse 6)
Calvin called the grace of God ‘irresistible grace’.
3) The gospel has the work of the Holy Spirit (verse 8)
2. In order to bear fruit, we must hear the gospel, learn it, understand it, and believe in Christ.
1) You must not only believe in the gospel of truth, but also trust in Christ who is in you (v. 4).
“Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
“I toil with all my might, according to the work of him who works in me with power” (Colossians 1:29).
2) You must know that the gospel has already been fulfilled, but it still remains as a promise of hope (verse 5).
Although we have already been saved, the completion of salvation still remains as hope. Therefore, we hope for the blessed and glorious completion of salvation. “Not only this, but also we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:23). We need to know the balance and conflict between “already” and “not yet” of the gospel.
3. The gospel bears the fruit of love (vv. 4-5a; vv. 8)
The fruits of love are manifested by those who have heard, understood, and believed the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Conversely, the believer's faith that bears the fruit of love is true faith, and the Holy Spirit is working in it. “In Christ Jesus… only faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6).
Dear saints, I hope that you will be interested in learning and understanding the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only the gospel changes people.