Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:11
Fruits of righteousness are impossible from anyone who is not righteous. But Romans 3:10 tells us that there is none righteous, no not one. So how can there be anyone who can produce fruits of righteousness? Romans 5:19 tells us that by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous. So those who are saved are righteous? Yes. So why do some people who are saved produce fruit that is anything but righteous? Because they are not righteous. But how can they be saved and not righteous? Because they fail to allow the righteousness that was given to them at Salvation to be put into practice in their lives. Because they are not filled with the fruits of righteousness.
Disobedient and carnal Christians do not lose the righteousness that was imputed to them when they were saved. They can never lose their Salvation. But their lives do not display that which they profess. Obedient and spiritual Christians on the other hand display the righteousness that they have received. Because they have been grafted into the Vine, which is Christ, they bring forth the fruit that the Vine enables. What type of fruit does the Christian produce?
Firstly, the Christian produces an inward fruit, the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22 tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. When Christians develop this fruit, they have within their own souls the capability of living as the Holy Spirit guides. This inward fruit of righteousness will result in an abundance of outward fruit of righteousness. Such fruit will include speech that is gracious, helpful, and truthful. It will also include good works – being fruitful in every good work (Colossians 1:10). Such a Christian will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season (Psalm 1:3). The Scriptures are overflowing with references to the fruitfulness of those whose lives are in practical righteousness. This obviously something that God appreciates.
Selfishness has no part in the fruits of righteousness. Our text tells us that these fruits are unto the glory and praise of God. That God would receive the glory that is rightfully His should be a primary motive in all that we are and do as Christians. This motivation will prevent us from seeking to please ourselves or from seeking praise for ourselves. It will also cause us to act like our Lord Jesus when He was on earth, as He could say, ‘I do always those things that please the Father (John 8:29).’ In his mission to please the Father, the Lord Jesus poured out His life in devotion and service to others around Him. That would be fruits of righteousness, if we would do the same.
The only fruitful life that really matters is when the production is fruits of righteousness. -Jim MacIntosh