Faithful Steps: Walking in the Way of the Kingdom “No More Excuses: Bearing Fruit for the Kingdom” THE PARABLE OF THE BARREN FIG At some point, you have to stop watering the dead tree and start planting something that will actually grow. This parable is a wake-up call. It speaks of God’s patience, our responsibility, and the urgency of producing spiritual fruit. Are you bearing fruit in your life, or are you just taking up space? Luke 13:6 6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. Luke 13:7 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ Luke 13:8-9 8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” God Didn’t You to Sit Still — He Planted You to 6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. (Luke 13:6) God’s mercy is great, but it’s not a free pass to stay unproductive. God doesn’t just want us to ‘show up’ in church—He wants us to bear fruit! The longer you stay fruitless, the closer you get to being cut down. God’s Has a Limit — Don’t Your Second Chance 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ (Luke 13:7) You don’t have forever to start growing — use your time wisely. True Bears Fruit — It’s Time to 8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” (Luke 13:8-9) Second chances aren’t guaranteed—respond while you still can. What will you do? Examine the Fruit of Your Life. Repent and Change. Use Your Time Wisely. No More Excuses: Bearing Fruit for the Kingdom