The Barren Fig Tree Jesus was a master teacher who skillfully used this parable to teach practical truths. We find a message in this story for those around Jesus who were not willing to repent and come to Him, but we also gain a great appreciation for the importance of bearing fruit. Sometimes it is easy to “look” like a Christian or have a Christian “feeling.” Jesus shows us that walking with Him is so much more. 1) The Barren Fig Tree (Luke 13:1-9) a. God seeks a repentant heart, no matter who you are (Luke 13:1-5) b. Be willing to repent and have it show from your heart (Matt.3:7-8) c. Jesus tells a parable showing God’s plan, His part, and the failings of the chosen people (Luke 13:6-9) d. Bearing fruit is the only way to honor the owner of the vineyard. Anything less is just using up ground (Luke 13:7) 2) The Keys of Bearing Fruit a. _____________________ fruit has eternal benefits (John 15:16) i. God has invested in us (1 Cor. 6:19-20; 7:23; Rom. 8:32) ii. He expects to find good things (Heb.5:12-14; Matt.28:18-20; Ps. 92:13-14) b. To bear fruit, we must be ________________ to the vine. (John 15:4-5) This helps us walk the right way (Gal. 5:16), keep from being tired (Isa.40:31), and stay motivated (Gal.6:9) c. Don’t mistake ________________ _______________ for the real thing. (Matt.7:21; 1 John 2:15-17) d. Our fruit is _____________________ and ____________________ by God. (1 Cor. 3:12-14) He knows all (Heb.4:12-13) and expects His people to use their abilities (Luke 12:48; Matt.25:21) What about your fruit? What would the owner of the vineyard want to do with your tree?