Introduction
Jesus declared in John 15:1-8:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser… Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
As believers, we are called to bear fruit—not just any fruit, but eternal fruit. The fruit of a life connected to Jesus is souls won for the kingdom of God. Yet, too many churches and Christians settle for a fruitless faith, content with programs, comfort, and routine while neglecting the urgent call to win the lost.
Are we truly abiding in Christ if we are not engaged in His greatest mission—bringing others to Him? If the branches are not bearing fruit, what will the Vinedresser do?
This message is not optional. It is a divine calling to every believer: Are you bearing the fruit of soul-winning?
1. Pruning – Removing What Hinders the Harvest
Physical Practice:
Farmers prune their vines, cutting away unproductive branches so that the vine can bear more fruit.
Spiritual Application:
In many churches today, fruitless branches remain. We can be so consumed with tradition, comfort, or self-preservation that we forget our mission.
John 15:2 – “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
God will prune His church—not to harm it, but to remove distractions, complacency, and anything that keeps us from winning souls.
Are you willing to let God prune away what is hindering your fruitfulness?
2. Lifting and Cleaning – Restoring the Church’s Passion
Physical Practice:
When vines droop into the dirt, vinedressers lift them up and clean them, restoring them so they can thrive.
Spiritual Application:
Many believers today have lost their passion for the lost. They have grown lukewarm. But Jesus is ready to lift us up and restore us.
Revelation 2:4-5 – “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.”
The church must return to its first love—the passion for the gospel, the urgency for souls, the burden for the lost.
Have you grown cold toward evangelism? It’s time to be lifted up and revived.
3. Removing Suckers – Cutting Off What Drains Our Mission
Physical Practice:
Farmers remove small shoots (“suckers”) that steal nutrients but produce no fruit.
Spiritual Application:
Many churches and believers are busy, but are they bearing eternal fruit? Programs, meetings, and church activities are good—but they must not replace soul-winning.
Luke 14:23 – “Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.”
The Great Commission is not a suggestion—it is the heartbeat of a fruitful church.
What is draining your time and energy that should be redirected toward winning souls?
4. Thinning the Fruit – Are We Focused on Eternal Impact?
Physical Practice:
Vinedressers remove excess grape clusters so that the remaining fruit grows stronger and healthier.
Spiritual Application:
Churches often focus on numbers, events, or entertainment, but are we making true disciples?
Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Soul-winning is not just about bringing people to church—it’s about making disciples who will go out and win others.
Are we prioritizing true discipleship, or are we just filling seats?
5. Digging and Loosening Soil – Breaking Up Hard Hearts
Physical Practice:
Farmers dig up and loosen hard soil so that water and nutrients can reach the roots.
Spiritual Application:
There are hard hearts in the church and in the world—hardened by sin, doubt, fear, or complacency. But God calls us to break the ground through prayer and preaching.
Hosea 10:12 – “Break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.”
Are we breaking ground through fervent prayer and bold evangelism?
6. Fertilization – Nourishing the Soul-Winners
Physical Practice:
Farmers fertilize their crops to provide essential nutrients for growth.
Spiritual Application:
The church needs strong nourishment through God’s Word, prayer, and Spirit-filled preaching to stay effective in the mission.
Romans 10:17 – “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Are you feeding yourself with God’s Word so you can be strong in soul-winning?
7. Irrigation – Relying on the Holy Spirit
Physical Practice:
Vines need constant watering to stay healthy.
Spiritual Application:
We cannot win souls in our own strength. We need the power of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Are you relying on the Spirit’s power to boldly share the gospel?
Conclusion: Are You Bearing the Fruit of Souls?
Jesus is clear:
- If we are not bearing eternal fruit, we are failing our mission.
- If we are connected to Him, we will win souls for His kingdom.
- If we refuse to bear fruit, we risk being cut off (John 15:6).
The time is urgent. The harvest is ready. Will you step out in obedience and become a soul-winner for Christ?
Proverbs 11:30 – “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.”
Are you ready to bear the fruit of souls for Jesus?
Commit today to sharing the gospel—because eternity is at stake.