That is who we are

The imagery of standing apart, like a tree bearing spiritual fruit in a grove surrounded by trees that do not, emphasizes our uniqueness as followers of Christ in a world that is increasingly turning away from God. As children of light, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith and produce fruit that reflects God’s goodness, even if it means standing out in contrast to those around us. Let’s break this down:

Standing Apart as a Tree in a Grove

We read in Matthew 7:13-14

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

The Narrow Path vs. the Broad Path

Jesus contrasts the broad path, which many choose, with the narrow path that leads to life. The broad path represents the world’s way—a way of living apart from God, filled with selfishness, sin, and rebellion. The narrow path, however, represents the way of obedience to God, faith in Christ, and following His commands, which may lead to standing out and even experiencing opposition.

The Tree in the Grove

In a world that often follows the broad path, the believer is called to be the one tree in the grove that bears fruit. The surrounding trees, like the many people on the broad path, may look similar or blend in with the crowd, but the tree planted by streams of water stands apart because it bears fruit—spiritual fruit that reflects God’s Kingdom. This tree doesn’t conform to the surrounding environment but grows in a way that displays the unique character and glory of God.

Called to Bear Spiritual Fruit

In Galatians 5:22-23 we read:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”

The Fruit of the Spirit

As believers, we are called to bear fruit that is not of this world. Spiritual fruit—such as love, joy, peace, kindness, and self-control—sets us apart from the world around us. These qualities shine as the light of Christ in a world that is often filled with anger, chaos, and selfishness.

Standing Apart in a Dark World

Just as a healthy tree in a grove stands out because of the fruit it bears, Christians stand apart in a world that often rejects God’s ways. Our lives should reflect the fruit of the Spirit, showing the world around us that there is a different way—a way that leads to life and hope in Christ.

The imagery of a tree planted by streams of water is a powerful and meaningful metaphor used in Scripture to describe the believer’s relationship with God and their spiritual growth. This metaphor is rooted in Psalm 1, which highlights the importance of being firmly rooted in God’s Word and bearing spiritual fruit. Let’s break down this concept and look at the biblical references that will guide us in our study.

Being Planted Firmly in Good Soil

We read in Psalm 1:1-3

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”

Planted by Streams of Water

The tree is planted in a place of abundance, where it receives nourishment, sustenance, and the water it needs to thrive. In the same way, believers who are rooted in God’s Word are like that tree—well-nourished spiritually and able to grow in faith and obedience. The streams of water represent God’s life-giving presence and truth.

Good Soil

The “good soil” is a metaphor for the heart that receives the Word of God. Jesus uses this analogy in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23) to show that when the Word is received in good soil (a heart that is receptive, humble, and obedient), it will bear fruit. To grow firm in God’s Word, our hearts must be softened and cultivated to receive and reflect His truth.

Delight in God’s Word

The key to being firmly planted is delighting in the law of the Lord—His Word. Meditation on God’s Word day and night means consistently reflecting on it, and letting it shape our thoughts, desires, and actions. When we continually seek God through Scripture, we grow spiritually and bear good fruit.

Our Roots Are to Grow Firmly in the Word

Colossians 2:6-7 says this

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Rooted in Christ

Just like a tree’s roots are what anchor it to the ground, our spiritual roots need to be deep in the Word of God and in our relationship with Christ. Being rooted means that our foundation is strong and secure in Him, and from this secure base, we can grow and bear fruit.

Built Up in Him

Not only are we to be rooted in Christ, but we are also to be built up in Him. This speaks to our ongoing spiritual growth—strengthening our faith through constant study of Scripture, prayer, and application of God’s truth in our daily lives.

Overflowing with Thankfulness

A tree planted by streams of water doesn’t just survive; it thrives. Likewise, when we are rooted in Christ, we don’t just exist as believers—we flourish with gratitude, worship, and a heart full of joy for all that God has done for us.

Bearing Good Spiritual Fruit

In John 15:1-8 Jesus says this

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the words I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

The Vine and the Branches

In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to show the relationship between Himself and His followers. Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches. Just as branches must remain connected to the vine to bear fruit, we must remain connected to Christ through His Word and His Spirit in order to bear good spiritual fruit.

Bearing Fruit

A tree that is well-watered and well-rooted produces fruit. Similarly, when we are rooted in the Word and connected to Christ, the natural outcome is spiritual fruit. This includes the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities grow in us as we stay rooted in Christ and live out His Word.

Pruning for Greater Fruitfulness

God, as the gardener, prunes the branches to ensure that they produce even more fruit. Pruning can be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for growth. It’s a process where God removes distractions, sin, and anything that hinders our spiritual fruitfulness so that we can become more like Christ.

Fruitfulness in Life

Let us turn to Jeremiah 17:7-8 and we read

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Trusting in the Lord

The tree planted by water symbolizes a person who trusts in the Lord. Trusting in God enables us to remain rooted in Him, even in difficult circumstances. When we trust God, we will not be shaken by the challenges we face in life, but our roots will continue to grow deep in His Word.

Not Fearful in Adversity

Just as a tree planted by water doesn’t fear the heat or drought, believers rooted in God’s Word can endure hardship without fear. The foundation of God’s promises gives us strength to persevere, and we continue to bear fruit even in tough times.

Application for this Bible Study

• Examine Your Root System:

Ask yourself: Where are my roots planted? Am I deeply rooted in the Word of God? Do I spend time in Scripture, allowing it to shape my thoughts, actions, and life choices?

• Commit to Daily Meditation:

Just as a tree depends on water, our spiritual health depends on constant nourishment from God’s Word. Set aside time daily to read and meditate on Scripture.

• Bear Good Fruit:

Reflect on the fruit you are producing in your life. Is it reflecting the character of Christ—love, joy, peace, etc.? If not, what areas of your life may need pruning or further alignment with God’s Word?

• Endure with Confidence:

Even in times of trial or difficulty, trust that as you remain rooted in Christ, you will continue to grow and bear fruit. God is faithful, and His Word will sustain you.

Closing Thought:

Being a tree planted firmly by streams of water is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving in God’s presence. By rooting ourselves deeply in His Word, trusting Him completely, and remaining connected to Christ, we will bear much fruit for His glory. Let this imagery guide us to reflect on how deeply our roots are planted and how we can grow more fully in our relationship with God, all while standing apart from the world surrounding us.