Text: Colossians 1:10
Appreciation
We begin by extending our heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Obinna Ohanugo, the vicar of this parish, and his wonderful wife for their support and leadership. Special thanks also go to the Vestry and the Harvest Committee for their dedicated service and contributions to this event.
OKAKA! Eze idi ebube, aha gi juru n’olu!
Introduction to the Book of Colossians
The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Colossians to believers in the small city of Colossae around A.D. 62 during his imprisonment in Rome (Acts 27–28). This letter, sent alongside Ephesians and Philemon, was delivered by Tychicus and Onesimus.
Colossae, near modern-day Honaz in Turkey, was facing a dangerous heresy that undermined the supremacy of Christ and the identity of believers. Paul’s message was clear: Christ is Lord over all creation—visible and invisible—and believers are united with Him in power, resurrection, and glory.
Theme: Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work
Paul exhorts the Colossians in Colossians 1:10 to “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
Defining “Good” Fruit
Scripture often compares believers to trees or vines, and God as the Master Gardener. Just as a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 12:33), so are we recognized by our spiritual productivity.
God desires that our fruit be righteous (James 3:18), and warns, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19).
True goodness is defined not by culture or feelings, but by God’s will as revealed in His Word—summed up in the Two Great Commandments and the Ten Commandments (Matthew 22:36–40; Matthew 19:17).
God Wants Us to Be Fruitful
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” —John 15:8
Abundant fruitfulness is a mark of true discipleship. Jesus also said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” (John 15:16).
Even when growth is slow, God’s patience is seen in the parable of the fig tree (Luke 13:6–9). However, fruitlessness cannot be tolerated forever.
Growth Is Required
God expects not just belief—but spiritual growth and productivity (Matthew 25:14–30). Fear, laziness, or excuses are unacceptable. Like the faithful servants in the parable, we must invest and multiply the gifts entrusted to us.
To the fruitful, the Master will say:
“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” —Matthew 25:21
We Cannot Bear Fruit Without God
Jesus said, “I am the true vine… apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:1-5).
Even Christ said, “The Son can do nothing of Himself” (John 5:19).
Fruitfulness comes only through abiding in Christ and yielding to God’s pruning and correction (Hebrews 12:5–11).
Practical Applications: Examine Your Fruit
- What kind of fruit are you bearing in the church?
- Are you sowing love, peace, and unity—or gossip, strife, and division?
- Are you faithful in your home, or planning to destroy what God has built?
- Fathers, are you neglecting your role? Mothers, are you raising children in godly wisdom?
- God is looking for responsible parents and fruitful leaders in this season of harvest.
- I am a living testimony—along with Bishop Oti—to prove God’s faithfulness.
- Every member—child, youth, father, mother—must bear good fruit.
- We must show love, forgive each other, and support one another’s growth.
- Above all, love your priest and his wife.
- Be fruitful in career, business, education, and every area of life.
Conclusion: Be the Good Soil
There are many ways to be fruitful, but it all begins within the heart, through the fruit of the Spirit. This inner transformation influences our outward actions, glorifies God, and draws others to Christ.
Let us be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29) through:
- Good works (Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:10)
- Humility (Ephesians 4:2)
- Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13)
- Bold witness (1 Peter 3:15)
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:16
May we bear lasting fruit that glorifies God and transforms lives!
