Lesson 5: The Tree by the Riverside

(a) Abundant supplies of water
(b) Nothing to worry about even in dry seasons
(c) It will always be gloriously green
(d) It will produce plenty of fruits
(e) It will in turn provide shade for animals, birds and the river itself.

1. Do you think comparison between a blessed saint and a tree by the riverside is an
appropriate one? If yes, in what ways?

The comparison is appropriate in the following ways
(a) The saint will have abundant supply of all his needs, Phil.4:19.
(b) The saint has nothing to worry about – Matt. 6:25-33
(c) The saint will always be glorious – Col. 1:27
(d) The saint will always be fruitful – Ps. 128:1-6
(e) The saint is blessing to others around him – Matt. 5:13-16 and a source of blessing to God too – I Cor. 3:9.
2. In how many ways can we obtain fruits? How does this apply to a saint?
(a) By planting our own trees
(b) By inheriting trees planted by others – Deut. 6:10-12, and
(c) By grafting – Rom. 11:17-18
Now a saint is grafted by the Lord Jesus Christ – Ps 52:8-9 that is why He is able to
stand – Matt. 15:13

3. What does “River” stand for in spiritual terms? “River” is a symbol of spiritual
blessings. Can you think of other interpretations? Ps. 36:8, Ps. 46:1-4, Rev. 22:1-2.

4. What are the conditions for obtaining these blessings and bearing fruits?
(a) Obedience – Isa 1:19, Isa. 48:17-19,
(b) Continuous contact with the ‘river’ John 15:5
(c) Understanding of things spiritual – Matt. 13:23
(d) Death of the old life – John 12:24
(e) Constant correction (trimming) by God – John 15:2.

5. Is it possible to remain fruitful till the end of one’s life? Jere. 17:7-8, Ps. 92:12-14,
Deut. 34:7. All these passages confirm that the answer is yes.

6. What are the conditions for remaining forever fruitful?
a) Compare severance from sin and idols – Hosea 14:8
b) Continuous waiting on the Lord – Isaiah 40:31, II Corinthians 5.