Lord’s Day 24
Q64. Doesn't this teaching make people lazy and careless about doing good?
No. It is impossible for anyone who is truly joined to Christ by faith not to produce fruits of thankfulness.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Luke 6:43–45
“For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
John 15:5
“I am the vine, ye the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Does the teaching of grace make people lazy about doing good?
- 2
What does the catechism mean by "fruits of thankfulness"?
- 3
What is one fruit of thankfulness you have seen in your own life or in someone you know?
Illustration
An apple tree does not strain to produce apples. Apples grow naturally because of what the tree is. When you are joined to Christ by faith, good works grow from that connection. They are not forced. They are the natural fruit of belonging to him.
Application
Look for one way to serve someone this week without being asked. Do it quietly, not to prove anything, but because Christ's grace in you produces fruit. Notice how gratitude, not guilt, is the engine behind it.