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When we Christians bear fruit, God gets the glory out of our lives. (John 15:1-8) Fruit-bearing means 1) walking in the Spirit and not fulfilling the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16) 2) letting our light shine so that men may see our good works and glorify our Heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16) 3) putting our trust in the Lord; making Him our hope (Jeremiah 17:7). The result of fruit-bearing is becoming like a tree planted by the river of water that spreads out its roots by the river. As fruit-bearing Christians we will not fear when heat comes -- our leaves will be green. Nor will we be anxious when drought comes for we will not cease yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:8)
Walking in the Spirit means following the leadership of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit teaches us all things and brings to our remembrance all things Jesus has said. (John 14:26) We who follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit are sons of God. (Romans 8:14) Sonship is different from just being a child of God. All Christians are children of God by virtue of being born again. However, sonship entails maturity not characteristic of newborn Christians. A son of God deliberately and consciously obeys the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This is the definition of righteousness.
Righteousness is doing the will of God. The word righteousness comes from the Greek word dikaiosune. It means "conforming to the revealed will of God in all respects". The Holy Spirit reveals the will of God to us. This is His ministry to us as Guide. (John 16:13) The revealed will of God gives direction to us individually and collectively (as in a local church or assembly). (Proverbs 3:6)
Following the leadership of the Holy Spirit is a means of finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. Doing what is acceptable to the Lord (righteousness) is abiding in the vine. (John 15:4,5) We who abide in the vine bear fruit.
When we follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we let our light shine. We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. (Ephesians 2:10) Goodness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:8-10) Therefore, following the leadership of the Holy Spirit produces goodness. This goodness is the kind that exemplifies itself in what one does. When men see the things we do as a result of following the leadership of the Holy Spirit (see our goodness or light), they glorify God. Therefore, fruit is borne as a result of our active goodness.
We put our trust in the Lord and make Him our hope by exercising our faith. Exercising our faith is acting on the Word of God. (James 2:18) The Word of God is a sanctifying agent. (John 17:17) It sets us apart for service. It is also a means of discernment. Apostle Paul wrote, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God". Romans 12:2 To prove means to distinguish or discern.
Studying the written Word of God enables us to more accurately follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit uses the written Word of God to impart understanding to us. (John 16:13-15; 1 John 5:7) Therefore, it is vitally important for us to study the written Word of God when prompted to do so by the Holy Spirit. Studying the written Word of God under the leadership of the Holy Spirit allows Him to fulfill His ministry to us as Teacher. Acting on the Word of God with the understanding given by the Holy Spirit is exercising faith.
Once we have meditated on the written Word of God and received understanding of how to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit, following those promptings (faith) produces results that benefit others. This is active goodness or proclaiming the praises of God. (1 Peter 2:9) Men then see the goodness of God operating through us and give God glory. This is fruit-bearing.
References
Hayford, Jack W. ed. Spirit-Filled Life Bible. New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991.
Zodhiates, Spiros, ed. The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible. King James Version. Red Letter Edition. World Bible Publishers.
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