Lesson 3

TEXT: Leviticus 19:23-25 - And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised: three years shall It be as uncircumcised unto you: It shall not be eaten of. But in the fourth year all the fruit thereof shall be holy to praise the Lord withal. And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit thereof, that it may yield unto you the increase thereof: I am the Lord your God.

Before we even get into each fruit the Spirit produces in our lives, we must first fully understand the time element in the harvest of the Spirit. To have “gifts” does not require any maturity. I know some may disagree with that but a gift is just that – a gift. You don’t have to take time to cultivate a gift in the strictest sense of that word. Fruit on the other hand will take TIME to cultivate. There is a unique principle outlined for us in the Old Covenant that gives us insight to the mind of God on fruit bearing. It is called the “three-year” law. Upon further inspection this principle not only applies toward fruit trees but for us as believers as well.

A. The Three-Year Law

Genesis 1:11-12 - And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. [12] And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

Leviticus 19:23-24 - And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised: three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of. [24] But in the fourth year all the fruit thereof shall be holy to praise the Lord withal.

When Ye Shall Come Into the Land

This law not only provides a physical law, but it also provides us insight into the dealings of God with newborn saints and the time it usually takes for them to start developing fruit. Let me just say right off the bat here that there are NO FORMULAS for sainthood! No matter how much you read into this principle it is imperative that you understand that developing the Fruit of the Spirit is a time-consuming process. For some it takes more than just three years to start producing fruit.[1] Some it takes less time because their hearts are sensitive to the Spirit of God. So as you read this lesson don’t get discouraged if you’ve been saved for more than three years and you’re not changing. This is a long-term contract! God is not into quick fixes!

Having said that, it is worth discussing the direct context of the scripture concerned Israel and their conquest of Canaan. In spiritual typology, it refers to Christians who have received, or ‘entered into Christ? Canaan is not a type of heaven, for in Canaan, there were still battles to fight and giants to conquer. As we attempt to grow and mature in the Lord, there will also be many giants and battles to conquer in the world of the Spirit. Canaan is also a type of the rest one experiences when one gives the Spirit total control.

Isaiah 28:11-12 - For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. [12] To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

When the children of Israel entered into the land of Canaan they would have planted a number of different species of trees. At the same time, God has planted in his Kingdom, “all manner of trees.”

Romans 12:4 - For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

Being as diverse as we are we could never fill the same office or fill the same positions of authority in the Body of Christ. The office or position of authority we fill in the body will be directly determined by the Spirit’s will. Every kingdom, whether heaven, hell or earth, has always been built upon a chain of authority. God has established the church under the same principle.

1 Cor. 12:27-28 - Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. [28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Even in the plant kingdom there is authority. In the book of Judges, we find a prophetic parable, which was spoken by Jothan, the son of Jerubbaal. Even the trees have a rank structure.[2]

Judges 9:8-15 - The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us. [9] But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honor God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? [10] And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us. [11] But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees? [12] Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us. [13] And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? [14] Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us. [15] And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

Through this prophecy, the order and authority among trees is evident. First, there is the cedar (because the bramble wanted to destroy the greatest of the trees). Secondly, the olive, then the fig and after that the vine. The bramble was the lowest ranked tree around.

Jesus built his church upon a similar type of authority and order. It is God who ‘plants’ whatever manner of trees we are to be in his kingdom. We must strive to fulfill and serve in whatever position or office we have been given. Using this principle of authority, the church is built upon a rock, a sure foundation.

Ephes. 2:20-22 - And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; [21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: [22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

1 Cor. 12:29-31 - Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? [30] Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? [31] But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.

Even the trees knew the frivolity of trying to pursue a position they were not intended for, or an office they were not chosen to fill. Christians need to establish the same attitude. Too many have a ‘BRAMBLE’ bush attitude, trying to destroy those in leadership in order to fill that same position.

“Then Ye Shall Count The Fruit Thereof As Uncircumcised: Three Years Shall It Be Uncircumcised Unto You: It Shall Not Be Eaten.”

This passage of the scripture in Leviticus explains more in detail the element of time in respect to our growth in maturing in the Spirit. After being planted by God, the fruit of our tree is considered ‘uncircumcised’ for three years. This circumcision is not the one mentioned in Gen. 17:10-13 or the one mentioned in Col 2:1 1-12. This circumcision is referring to the disposition or attitude of our hearts. Uncircumcised is defined in the Random House College Dictionary as: not renewed in heart and mind, unreconstructed, obstinate, unconverted, stubbornly maintaining earlier positions and beliefs, adhering firmly or perversely to one’s purpose, opinion, etc.... unyielding... not included to surrender or submit.

Stephen used this form of the word ‘uncircumcised’ in Acts 7:51 when he addressed the Jewish high council. Being they were Jews they were circumcised in the flesh, but in their hearts, they were stubbornly rejecting the counsel of God.[3]

Acts 7:51 - Ye stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

But In The Fourth Year, All The Fruit Thereof Shall Be Holy To Praise The Lord With!

As the Fruit of the Spirit is cultivated within us during the first years of our conversion, the outgrowth of a total and completed reconstruction process begins. With the trees it was about the fourth year. Unfortunately for many of us at times, it takes longer than four years. No matter how long it takes, the end result is the fruit of holiness. The word ‘HOLY’ in Lev. 19:24 is the Hebrew word Qodesh’ which means consecrated, dedicated, hallowed, most holy and holiness.’

Hebrews 12:14 - Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Ephes. 5:27 - That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

1 Thes. 3:13 - To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

2 Cor. 7:1 - Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Romans 6:22 - But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

B. The Three-Year Principle Illustrated

Through the law of the fruit bearing tree, we can see it usually takes about three years for a new Christian to start producing fruit, become substantially rooted and grounded in truth and thus, become steadfast and unmovable. In strict obedience to the law, the children of Israel not only would refuse to eat fruit from the newly planted tree; they would not permit the tree to bear fruit during the time of its uncircumcision.

In Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible, the author, Finis Jennings Dake, said this about the law stated in Leviticus 19:24:

Plucking the blossoms was no doubt what was meant to regarding the fruit, as being uncircumcised or unclean and unacceptable for eating in the first years the law concerning fruit trees was a wise one. For it is said that if the blossoms are plucked in the early years trees will bear more abundantly afterward.”[4]

According to Dake, plucking the blossoms caused the tree to be able to stand against the rough winter and be internally strengthened. By preventing the fruit to grow the first three years, an abundant harvest of fruit of exceptional quality was expected and usually produced during the fourth year. [5]

According to the laws of nature, a tree permitted to bear fruit during its first years is depleted of its vital nutrients and is seldom able to accumulate a storehouse of strength within itself. A tree that is pruned each year however, will be healthy, abundantly fruitful, and will be able to stand even through the harshness of inclement seasons or weather.

John 15:2 - Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he takes away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Restraining a tree from bearing fruit during its first years and continuing to annually prune the tree is the best guarantee to insure that it will remain fertile, even when it’s aged.

Psalm 92:12-14 - The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. [13] Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. [14] They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

1. Moses - (Exodus 2:6-9) He was cared for and nursed by his mother up to the time of his weaning.

2. Samuel - (1 Sam. 1:22). Was cared for by his mother for three years before she took him to Eli.

3. King Hezekiah (II Chr. 31:16) established that the priests from ‘three years old and upward “would receive their daily portion for their service in the house of the Lord.

4. Daniel and the Three Hebrew Children were age three before they stood before the King (Dan. 1:5)

5. Jesus chose 12 men and trained them for 3 1/2 years before sending them out on their mission.

6. Paul spent three years in Jerusalem after his conversion before going out to preach.[6]

The Weaning Process

Even though the Lord does not expect us to go from babyhood to adulthood overnight, we must be desirous of changing our hearts before Him. This growing time is not a sinning time. It’s development time!

The Church must also understand that a baby is not an adult in the spiritual realm, no more than a baby is an adult in the physical realm. We have condemned many a new convert by our ‘piety and literally committed spiritual abortion among us. The Spirit of God will convict the newborn babe of sin if we are discipiling them through the Word of God.

C. Stages of Spiritual Growth

No one is born a full-grown person in the natural, spiritual or physical realms.

1 Peter 2:2 - As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby:

You are born a spiritual babe and then you grow up. People are born babies. They need to be taken care of. They need to be followed up, prayed with, talked to and dealt with. We are responsible for babies in our fold. Babies don’t know how to take care of themselves, nor can they do it for themselves. All a baby can do is eat and drink milk. If a newborn babe in Christ gets the sincere milk of the Word,’ they will grow.

Proverbs 10:19 - In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Eccles. 5:3 - For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of word

3. Evil Speaking —talking about and discussing the faults and failures of people not present.

Eph. 5:4 - Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

Hebrews 11:24-26 - By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; [25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; [26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.

One characteristic of growing up spiritually is losing your love for earthly things and pursuing spiritual things. You cannot put earthly things above spiritual things and grow. Esteeming spiritual things includes finding a fellowship of like-minded believers in a local church and committing yourself to it.

Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

We see the day approaching! We need one another. We need to grow up and put God first in our lives. We don’t need to go to a church because we like the pastor or his wife of even the Sunday school teacher. We should go to worship God because we love God. To be blessed spiritually, you must feed your spirit spiritual things. Put God before your own self-life and you will grow spiritually.

1 Cor. 4:3-4 - But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. [4] For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judges me is the Lord.

The law of love governed Paul. He was not easily puffed up, nor was he touchy or resentful. The Love of God was truly shed abroad in his heart. Immature Christians usually feel slighted or puffed up if they are criticized or even imagine they are. They become restless, uneasy and full of self-pity. On the other hand, if they are noticed and appreciated, they feel lifted up and full of self-importance. Baby Christians are self-conscious and ever conscious of what others are thinking about them. Therefore, they are tossed TO AND FRO childishly trying to be popular.

The mature believer is God-conscious. He is only conscious of what God’s Word says about him and to him. As Paul or any other mature believer would say, “it’s a very small thing that I should be judged of you or man’s judgment.” (1 Cor. 6) Paul fulfilled his own description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:5 when he wrote love is not conceited, arrogant and inflated with pride. It is not touchy or fretful or resentful. It takes no account of the evil done to one and it pays no attention to a suffered wrong.”

Genesis 45:5-7 - Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. [6] For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. [7] And God sent me before you to preserve you posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

Immature Christians quit at the first sign of trouble. Those who have reached manhood are always conscious of God’s ability to work in a situation no matter what the external circumstances may look like. The life of Joseph (Gen. 37-50) illustrates this in a graphic way. No matter what Joseph’s plight was in Egypt or with his brothers, he always was aware that God was always in control.[7]

[1] Zoschak, Ibid.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Dake, Finis, Dake’s Annotated Bible, Dake Publishing, Marietta, Ga., 1970.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Zoschak, Ibid.

[7] Hagin, Kenneth, Growing Up Spiritually, Rhema Press, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1984.