The Greek word translated “fruit” is karpos. It means

• fruit, generally vegetable, sometimes animal,
• metaphorically: fruit, deed, action, result,
• profit, gain.

The NASB translates karpos as: benefit (2), crop (5), crops (2), descendants (1), fruit (43), fruitful (1), fruits (4), grain (1), harvest (1), proceeds (1), produce (4), profit (1).

Every time the New Testament mentions fruit, it’s really clear that it’s expected of us. There is no wiggle room. Disciples of Jesus live fruitful lives.

• 6x Bear Fruit
  • I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit
• 7x Or Be Discarded
  • every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire (5x)
  • therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits (2x)
• 9x Judged by Fruit
  • you will recognize them by their fruits
• 6x Don’t be Unfruitful
  • they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful
• 13x Natural to Bear Fruit
  • Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit
• 5x Demanded
  • when the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit

If you’re like me, sometimes that’s hard to reconcile with my reality. Then what? Stop believing the scriptures? Or start believing them, live by faith, and see God fulfill his promises in our lives.

“Oh God, make me fruitful! You appointed me for this so it must be possible. I cannot bear fruit without you. I give you my life again. Make me fruitful!”