NOTHING BUT LEAVES

TITLE: NOTHING BUT LEAVES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Mark 11:12-14

Supporting Texts: John 15:5-6, Matthew 7:16-20, Luke 13:6-9

INTRODUCTION:
In the story of the fig tree in Mark 11, Jesus approached a fig tree looking for fruit but found nothing but leaves. The tree looked promising from afar, but upon closer inspection, it was barren. Jesus used this moment to teach a powerful lesson on spiritual fruitfulness and the dangers of appearing to be spiritually alive but lacking the fruit that proves true faith. Today, we will examine the implications of "nothing but leaves" in our lives and the importance of bearing spiritual fruit.

1. THE DANGER OF OUTWARD APPEARANCE WITHOUT INWARD FRUIT

a) The fig tree had leaves, a sign that it should have fruit, but it was barren.

b) Many people may appear to be spiritually active, going through the motions of religion, but lack true spiritual fruit.

c) Outward signs of religiosity (church attendance, service, giving) do not necessarily mean there is genuine spiritual growth.

d) God desires inward transformation that leads to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

e) Biblical Example: The Pharisees had an outward form of righteousness, but Jesus condemned their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27-28).

2. GOD EXPECTS FRUITFULNESS IN OUR LIVES

a) Jesus cursed the fig tree because it failed to produce fruit, showing that fruitfulness is expected from us as believers.

b) Fruitfulness is a sign of a healthy relationship with God. Jesus said, "By their fruit you will know them" (Matthew 7:16).

c) Our fruitfulness is tied to abiding in Christ, the true vine (John 15:5).

d) Fruit-bearing is not optional for believers; it is the evidence of a transformed life.

e) Biblical Example: The parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9) shows God's expectation of fruitfulness and the consequences of fruitlessness.

3. WHAT DOES SPIRITUAL FRUIT LOOK LIKE?

a) Spiritual fruit includes the development of Christlike character, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

b) It also includes good works, obedience to God's Word, and a heart of service to others.

c) Fruitfulness is reflected in the impact we have on others—leading souls to Christ, discipling others, and living out the gospel.

d) Fruitful Christians are not only hearers of the Word but doers (James 1:22).

e) Biblical Example: The early church in Acts bore much fruit through their faith, leading to the growth of the church (Acts 2:42-47).

4. THE DANGER OF BEING FRUITLESS

a) Jesus’ reaction to the barren fig tree shows that spiritual barrenness is unacceptable to God.

b) A life that is full of outward religious activity but lacking true spiritual fruit will eventually face judgment.

c) God gives us opportunities to bear fruit, but continuous refusal or failure to do so can result in being cut off (John 15:2, Matthew 7:19).

d) Fruitlessness can be a sign of disconnection from God or a life not fully surrendered to His will.

e) Biblical Example: In the parable of the talents, the servant who did nothing with what he was given was cast out (Matthew 25:26-30).

5. HOW TO AVOID SPIRITUAL BARRENNESS

a) Abide in Christ: We can only bear fruit by remaining connected to Jesus, the true vine (John 15:5).

b) Be filled with the Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live fruitful lives that please God.

c) Examine your life regularly: Are you growing in Christlike character and good works, or are you merely going through religious motions?

d) Repent of fruitlessness: If you have been spiritually barren, God gives opportunities to repent and start bearing fruit.

e) Biblical Example: The vineyard owner in Luke 13:6-9 gave the barren fig tree another chance to bear fruit.

CONCLUSION:
"Nothing but leaves" is a tragic description of a life that looks promising but produces no lasting fruit for God's kingdom. We are called not just to appear righteous but to bear the spiritual fruit that reflects a life truly transformed by Christ. Jesus is seeking fruit in our lives—are we producing it, or do we have only leaves? May we be fruitful Christians, bringing glory to God and advancing His kingdom.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to bear spiritual fruit that pleases You.

2. Father, prune away everything in my life that hinders fruitfulness.

3. Lord, forgive me for any areas of barrenness in my walk with You.

4. Father, fill me with Your Spirit so that I may live a fruitful and impactful life.

5. Lord, help me to abide in You daily and grow in Christlike character.

6. Father, let my life reflect Your love and power in every area.

7. Lord, make me a doer of Your Word and not just a hearer.

8. Father, give me the grace to lead others to Christ and disciple them.

9. Lord, keep me from spiritual hypocrisy and outward religiosity without true transformation.

10. Father, may my life be a testimony of Your faithfulness and grace.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that you will bear much fruit in every season of your life.

2. Your connection to Christ will result in abundant spiritual growth and impact.

3. Every spirit of barrenness in your life is broken in Jesus' name.

4. You will not only look righteous but will produce lasting fruit for God's kingdom.

5. The Lord will prune you for greater fruitfulness in this season.

6. I declare that your life will be a testimony of God's grace and power.

7. No area of your life will be barren; you will flourish like a well-watered garden.

8. The fruits of the Spirit will manifest in your character and conduct.

9. You will lead many to Christ and disciple them into spiritual maturity.

10. I declare that you will finish strong, bearing fruit that remains for eternity.