1. Christians are a special people with a special purpose 1Pet 2:9 Yet they can become unfaithful Gal 5:4 Scripture reveals several different pictures of those who have by choice become ineffective in God’s kingdom They are “good for nothing” in glorifying God and influencing others for good.

2. AN UNFRUITFUL BRANCH Jhn 15:1-7 – God created and demands fruit Gen 1:11, 12, 22, 28 – The responsibility of every branch to bear fruit Jhn 15:2; but branch can’t bear fruit of itself Jhn 15:4 – Fruit = any product of plant growth useful to man of animal such as: grain, vegetables, etc. The product of or the result of work, training, idleness, etc. Also a reward, outcome or consequences

3. AN UNFRUITFUL BRANCH Jhn 15:1-7 – Christians bear fruit by: Winning others to Christ Rom 1:13 Living holy lives Rom 6:22 Praising God Heb 13:15 Sharing what we have Rom 15:26-28 Good works Col 1:10

4. AN UNFRUITFUL BRANCH Jhn 15:1-7 – Jesus said “bear MUCH fruit” (v.5) Unfruitful branch not fulfilling its purpose Becomes detrimental to other branches Good for nothing but to be cast out and burned – Christians can, with God’s help, become fruitful again Rev 2:4-5

5. A SOLDIER DERELICT IN HIS DUTY 2Tim 2:4 – “Enlist” in the army through obedience 1Tim 2:4; 2Thess 2:14 – A soldier is subject completely to the rule, training and discipline of the army Matt 28:19-20; 2Jhn 1:9 – Must fight the good fight of faith 1Tim 6:12; Eph 6:12 Will be persecuted 2Tim 3:12 Must endure hardships 2Tim 2:4

6. A SOLDIER DERELICT IN HIS DUTY 2Tim 2:4 – Good soldier does not fraternize with the enemy 2Tim 2:4 Can’t be a “soldier” and “civilian” at same the time Phil 3:18-20; Jas 4:4; 1Jhn 2:15-17 Can’t be cowardly, must stand Eph 6:10-18 An insubordinate or coward is good for nothing – The unfaithful soldier of the Lord, with God’s help, can regain his effectiveness Gal 2:11-14; 2Pet 3:15

7. It becomes obvious that one can become “good for nothing” as a child of God At that point, God will “spue us out” Rev 3:16 It takes work to be of use to God – To bear fruit – To fight against the devil

8. ARE YOU AND AM I “GOOD FOR NOTHING”? 2Cor 13:5