John 15:8

In this and the two following verses, Christ doth presse fruitfulness upon his disciples, which formerly he had recommended as the effect of keeping of communion, and as a strong motive to it. So that by these arguments he doth not only presse fruitfulnesse in it selfe, but also doth more strongly urge them to keep communion with him, since fruitfulnesse (which is so commendable) cannot be attained without it. The arguments pressing fruitfulnesse are three; whereof the first, is, that it honoureth God, and the second (also in this verse) that it evidenceth unto them, and confirmeth them in their good estate and high priviledge, of being his disciples. Whence learn, 1. Christ abhorreth all pretences of keeping communion with him, which doth not appear in effects; for this end it is, that he is not content to presse abiding in him, unlesse he presse fruitfulness also, as the true evidence thereof. 2. Such as would prove themselves to hold communion with Christ, ought not to rest satisfied with flowers and leaves of a profession and external shewes, but must study for solid fruit and good works; for, he requireth fruit. 3. True members of Christ ought to abound with fruit, even all the fruits of the Spirit, Gal. 5.22, 23, 24. (Not pleasing themselves with some few that they would cull out, neglecting others, 2 Cor. 8.7. nor seeking most after what may please or adorne themselves, neglecting the really best things, 1 Cor. 12.31) And studying chiefly to abound in these fruits, which the dispensations of the time and their own stations, in their several relations, call for, Rom. 12.15 1 Pet. 3.1, 2, 3, 4 5. Therefore it is required that there be much fruit. And albeit truely fruitful souls, as sometime they finde no fruits of Gods dispensations toward them, so they finde not themselves abounding in fruits of duty Yet if they be sensible of their barrennesse, and it be matter of lamentation and humility that they are so, and that they do not keep communion with Christ to make it otherwise; if they seriously desire fruitfulnesse in duty and under dispensations,; and do not rest on any measure they have Christ will look on them as having much fruit, and they are bound to beleeve fruit, when they do not see it. 4 As Christ sought his Fathers glory in all he did, so true beleevers, who keep communion with him, will be tender of, and dearly affected with Gods honour, and what may promove it; And will be ashamed of selfe-seeking, or want of zeal for God, who by many favours hath proven himselfe a Father, and purchased them that they may be for his glory; for, as this prevailed with Christ, so he propounds it as a strong argument to move his followers to study fruitfulnesse, Herein is my Father glorified. 5. Fruitfulnesse, especially when we abound in it, (otherwise men may get through, who do not honour him as they ought) doth indeed honour God; As evidencing his fulnesse and fidelity to his own, Psal. 92.13, 14, 15. As begetting high thoughts of him in their hearts, who participate of this his bounty, Joh. 16.14. And, as drawing in others to glorifie him, Matth. 5.16. 1 Pet. 2.12. for, however, some think they glorifie him by a naked profession, and others are so presumptuous, as to pretend to glorifie him by persecuting his servants, Isa. 66.5. yet saith Christ, Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; So that they have need to look to it, who by their barrennesse would reproach him, as if he were a wilderness, Jer. 2.31. 6. How contemptibly soever men think of a relation to Christ, Joh 9.27, 28. Yet it is the high dignity of sinful men to be disciples to him; Therefore it is held out, as a sweet encouragement, to be my disciples. 7. Such as are disciples indeed, will need dayly confirmations that they are so; And will look on it as a priviledge whereof they ought dayly to assure themselves, and make evident to others that they have right to it, by submitting to be taught by him, and following his directions daily: for this is the force also of the argument pressing them to their duty, ye shall be my disciples, that is, not made disciples, for that goeth before fruitfulnesse, but confirmed that they are such indeed, Joh. 8.31. and the world convinced of it, Joh. 13.35. Which is in its own kinde as needful as to be a disciple; for, they who are admitted to that priviledge cannot but daily feed upon it, and need daily confirmations of it; their good condition not permitting them to sleep, but cherishing tendernesse in them. 8. Albeit our fruitfulnesse do not merit heaven, nor be any cause of our good condition; Yet it is the way to happinesse, and the infallible evidence of our good condition and estate; for, So (by bearing fruit) shall ye be my disciples.