It has been said that Hebrews chapter 13 “is a basket of beautiful fruit.” They are the fruit which the Lord looks for in the life of the believer as a result of his growing in grace. The more mature and the healthier the tree, the better quality of the fruit it will produce. As a tree is known by its fruit, so too the progress of the believer will be known. 

The past few weeks at our church we have talked about some of the fruits the Christian should be known for. Today, I want to talk about one of the most important fruits: the “Fruit of our Lips.”

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15 NKJ).

It is defined as the sacrifice of praise to God, giving thanks to His name. It is continual, not sporadic and reserved for certain occasions, such as testimonial services and other special times. We are to continue it when we go to work, when we mingle with people socially and in business. It does not necessarily mean giving an oral testimony, but our lives and conduct is to be one of praise and thanksgiving. We can testify without saying a word.

Refusal to indulge in the questionable practice of the crowd is a testimony without saying a word. A smile when insults come your way, kindness and patience when persecuted, courtesy to people when they are not to you. These are a few of the fruits of sacrifice of praise to God. Bowing your head to ask grace before a meal in a worldly, ungodly place is as much a testimony as getting up to speak. Remember, we are to produce the fruit of our lip continually.

We should notice that the testimony of our lips is called a “sacrifice of praise.” It means a sacrifice and that fruitfulness to Christ may cost us something. It is not always easy to be firm and unyielding in the face of temptation. It may cost a friend, a job or a family member, but no sacrifice is too great when viewed in the light of Calvary. I Peter 4:14 says: “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.”

We need to be sure we suffer for His name sake and not for our own sake. We must always be wise as serpents and harmless as doves when giving our testimony. I was told the story of a man who lost his job for talking about the Lord, giving out tracts. The sad thing about it was his job was neglected and his testimony damaged because of this foolish mistake.

Remember, our every action is a testimony of our lips. Until our words are backed up by works they will convince no one. That is probably why the admonishment to offer the fruit of our lips is mentioned after the other admonishments of Hebrews chapter 13; love, hospitality, sympathy, purity, confidence, submission, stability and separation outside the camp. If we succeed in all these, our testimony will be believed, whether spoken or by action.

In John chapter 15 Jesus said we have the opportunity for fruit, more fruit, or much fruit. Much fruit is always better. Are you producing fruit?

Hugh G. Sherrill

Pastor Philippi Baptist Church

1444 SE County Rd 18

ems-hugh43@comcast.net