DISCIPLE 

Part 4: More than Leaves  |  August 24, 2025 

• Follow 
• Foundation 
• Formation 
• Fruitfulness 

 

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

 

Mark 11:13–14 (NIV) Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ 

More Than Leaves 

 

• Fruitfulness proves . 

 

Matthew 7:16 (NIV) By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 

 

John 15:8 (NIV) This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 

• Fruitfulness flows from . 

 

John 15:4-5 (ESV) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 

• Fruitfulness is sustained by the . 

 

Psalm 1:1–3 (NIV) 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. 

• Fruitfulness . 

 

John 12:24 (NIV) Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 

4 Seeds of Lasting Fruit 

 

– The Seed of . 

 

2 Corinthians 9:6–7 (NIV) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 

 

Malachi 3:10 (NIV) Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.  

 

Application: Take the next step in sowing generously. 

 

– The Seed of . 

 

Mark 10:45 (NIV) For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. 

 

1 Corinthians 12:4–6 (NASB) Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 

 

Application: Discover your spiritual gift and find a place to serve on a team.   

 

– The Seed of . 

 

Acts 1:8 (NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. 

 

Romans 10:14–15 (NIV) How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ 

 

Application : Share your story with one person this week. 

 

 

– The Seed of . 

 

Matthew 28:19 (NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… 

 

2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV) And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 

 

Application: Pour into someone else.  

John 15:16 (NIV) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last…