Thursday, February 27’s devotional. “So what fruit was produced then from the things you are now ashamed of?” (Romans 6:21, CSB)
Every life produces fruit. The only question is whether that fruit leads to death or life. Mark Penrith preached, “Sin produces fruit, but its harvest is shame and destruction. Righteousness produces fruit, but its harvest is holiness and life.” The type of fruit in our lives reveals the nature of our hearts.
Paul challenges believers to reflect on their past lives apart from Christ. He asks, “What fruit was produced then from the things you are now ashamed of?” Sin deceives us into thinking that it is satisfying, but in the end, it only brings regret and separation from God. We all have things in our past that we now see for what they are—empty, destructive, and shameful.
By contrast, those who belong to Christ bear a different kind of fruit. Paul writes in Romans 6:22, “But now, since you have been set free from sin and have become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, leading to sanctification—and the outcome is eternal life!” When God transforms a person, their desires change. They no longer want to live for sin; they long to live for righteousness. This is the evidence of true salvation.
Jesus said, “You will recognize them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16, CSB). If sin still dominates a person’s life, it is a sign that they are still enslaved to it. But if a person is growing in holiness, it is a sign that they belong to Christ. Examine the fruit in your life. Does it point to a heart changed by God, or does it still reflect the old life of sin?
True believers will see evidence of God’s work in their lives. They may still struggle with sin, but they will also see increasing love for God, hatred of sin, and a desire for holiness. Mark encouraged, “Sanctification is a process, but if you belong to Jesus, you will see progress.” What kind of fruit is growing in your life today?
Reflection Questions:
What “fruit” in your life reveals whether you are living for sin or for righteousness?
How has God changed your desires since coming to faith?
Challenge: Write down one way you have seen God work in your life and thank Him for His transforming grace.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for setting me free from sin and leading me into righteousness. Continue to produce in me the fruit of holiness, that my life may glorify You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.