The Value of Understanding in Bearing Fruit
One of the surest way to be fruitless as a Christian is to be void of understanding. Without understanding, we give satan free access to steal the word sown in our heart so that it does not profit: “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road” (Matthew 13:19). But when we have understanding, we do not only deny the devil access to the word in our hearts but we also turn our hearts into the good soil which brings forth fruit: “And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty” (Matthew 13:23).
We saw from the previous study that obedience to God and His Word constitutes abiding in Christ, and consequently bearing fruit (John 15:10, John 15:4-5). Even so, without understanding, how are we able to obey the Word we hear as we ought? If knowledge is light (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:6), understanding is the eyes with which we see (cf. Ephesians 1:18). But when we have no eyes to see, the abundance of light is no good; we are unable to find our way and become fruitless in our walk. Therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Proverbs 4:7).
The first way to get understanding is to know God. We read in Scripture that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). Having the knowledge of God constitutes understanding. God and His Word are one (John 1:1). Therefore, to know God as we ought we must know Him according to the revelation He has given of Himself and His ways in His Word. This is how to practically walk with the mind of Christ. When we open our ears to hear and open our eyes to read God’s word it results in our hearts being enabled to understand: “For the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes, otherwise they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart…” (Matthew 13:15). This is the true understanding with which we are able to bear fruits that remain and thereby receive whatever we ask from God (cf. John 15:16).
To grow deeper in understanding, develop the habit of not just reading but meditating on the Word of God. As we meditate (think over, deeply and carefully; consider; reflect) on God’s Word, God Himself gives us depths of understanding: “Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will enable you to understand it all” (2 Timothy 2:7, GNB). Meditating on God’s word comes with revelation and understanding of the Word, and by this you shall make your way prosperous and have good success in all you do (cf. Joshua 1:8).
It is absolutely biblical to pray for understanding (e.g., Ephesians 1:17-18, Psalm 119:34, Psalm 119:18). But when God gives you grace and opens your mind to understand, it is also for the purpose of understanding the Scriptures so that you may obey it and bring forth fruit. We read these in Luke 24:45, “Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” and Psalm 119:34, “Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law and keep it with all my heart”. Fruits are borne out of the seed, the word of God, you sow into your heart (Matthew 13:18-23). That is why prayer alone won’t get the job done. So, get into the Scriptures and get them into your heart while being prayerful. And with the resultant understanding, you will be able to keep the Word as you ought, and bring forth fruit, even up to a hundredfold (cf. Matthew 23:13).
Kwadwo Omari
September 7, 2022
A Very Important Message
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). Therefore, If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, I invite you to put your faith in Him. Pray the prayer below to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour: “I come to you God in Jesus’ name and surrender my life unto you. I repent of my sins and I ask You to forgive me all my sins. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, and I believe with my heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead. I thank you God for saving me, in Jesus name, Amen”. If you sincerely prayed this prayer, believe and be assured that you are saved, for the Bible says that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 16:31). Find a Bible believing church to attend so that you can be discipled to grow in the ways of God. You can also email me ([email protected]) and I will be happy to grow together with you in Christ.