One of my friends came to faith as an older adult and over time his life began to change and became kinder, happier, and gentler person. If he was a fruit tree, he was bearing good fruit. Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [1]
Fruit of Faith
In our story of the jailer his entire world had been turned upside down because of the Lord. Paul and Silas were in his jail and although they were severely beaten, they sang hymns and praised the Lord. Other prisoners were listening. God sent an earthquake and all the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off. But the prisoners never left.
Acts 16:7 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. [2]
What was the fruit of the jailer’s conversion?
- He was humbly moved to place his faith in Jesus as his Savior.
- The Jailer wanted his entire family to learn about Jesus in the middle of the night. He had a sense of urgency.
- He cared for Paul and Silas washing their wounds. They had been beaten before they were locked in their cell.
- His entire household was baptized. The jailer became a person of peace opening the door for God to his entire family. He and his entire family had hope!
- He set a meal before Paul and Silas.
- His entire household rejoiced because they believed in God!
If you were to examine your life is their fruit that you are a believer in Jesus? If not, God in His patience is calling you repent of your sins and turn to Him and be healed. God has not given up on you! To hear more about the jailer and Paul, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/hope-in-prison
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.