Some people think the fruit referred to here has to do with the gifts of the Spirit-how many people they have won to Christ,how much they have prophesied in His Name and various other good works accomplished through the spiritual gifts.
But Jesus warns that there are many who call Him “Lord Lord” who had many such good works,who manifested the gifts of the Spirit,but nevertheless He never really knew them.Mathew 7:21-23.
When Jesus speaks about bearing fruit by abiding in him.
He is speaking about the fruit of the Spirit that comes forth in the lives of those who walk in the Spirit.
What it means to abide in Him.
The bearing of fruit,the fruit of the Spirit,can only come forth by abiding in Jesus and walking in the Spirit.
To abide in Jesus is a very active lifestyle!
It means to live in such a way that I am always found to be in him,to walk hand in hand with Him,to live according to his word.If you abide in me,and my words abide in you...it is clear that abiding in Jesus has to do with His words abiding in( I.e.dwelling in,having power in) my heart and mind.
When the words of Jesus abide and have power in my heart and mind such that I obey them by the power of the Spirit,then the fruit of the Spirit,the virtues of Jesus,will also come forth in my life.
More to follow on.
What it means to bear fruit.