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I. Introduction - Fruit of the Spirit
John 15:8; "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples.
Galatians 5:22-23; "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
A. Born of Water and the Spirit
In John 3:5, Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." Water in the scriptures is symbolic of the word of God and the Holy Spirit. In John 3:5, it speaks of the word of God. Read also I Peter 1:23 and Ephesians 5:26
Since our entrance into God's Kingdom is through the word of God and the Holy Spirit, our growth in God's Kingdom will come through our continuance in God's word and Spirit.
B. God Expects us to Bear Fruit
Read John 15:8. When the Holy Spirit comes to live in us, he gives each of us gifts, (I Cor. 12:1). But far more important than the gifts of the Spirit is the fruit (note: not fruits) of the Spirit, mentioned only in this text. It describes a holistic lifestyle that God wants developed within all Christians. First on the list is love a Christian virtue mentioned more often in the Bible than any other. Love is more excellent than any single gift; gifts will eventually disappear, but love lasts forever.
1. The new birth gives us God's nature, but it does not guarantee that God's nature will be worked out in our lives.
2. The out working of God's nature is called the fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:16-26.
3. Many Christians have come alive in the Spirit but do not walk in the Spirit, Galatians 5:25.
a. We find ourselves still ruled by our lusts, and we seem powerless to change.
b. As much as we will to change, we cannot change, Romans 7:13-25. The power of sin in our flesh is too strong to be overcome by our will.
C. The Fruit of the Spirit Comes by Walking in the Spirit
By the Spirit indwelling us, and by our lining up our desires with Him, and putting our faith to work on it, we actually grow fruit... or the attitude which manifests itself in our lives. We love, we have joy and peace, we are longsuffering, gentle, and good. We believe God, we are meek, and temperate (or balanced) in what we do for Christ. By these attitudes, what Paul calls "fruit of the Spirit", men shall see the very nature of Christ in our nature. He is living again in us. This takes dedication to Jesus, to His words, to the way He thinks and does things in His Spirit in order to have a deep enough desire to grow the nine-fold fruit of the Spirit. It takes time, it takes faith, it takes willpower. It is not easy, except we know Jesus' way is easier than the devil's. Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light", Matt. 11:29-30. What we want is to grow the fruit of the Spirit in order for the Spirit to manifest as He wills the power gifts through us to meet the needs of people.
1. Walking in the Spirit is demonstrated by fruit, not necessarily by a manifestation of great power.
2. The power of the Holy Spirit is to destroy the works of the devil, while the fruit of the Spirit is to demonstrate the life of God in the believer.
3. The fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit are not in opposition to one another. The reason they seem to oppose one another is because we desire to have one without the other.
a. We push power, and excuse away our self-centeredness, self-ambition, and selfishness.
b. We say fruit, and excuse away our powerlessness to destroy Satan's kingdom.
4. Being born again does not guarantee that fruit will be abounding.
a. Just as being a member of a family does not mean all family members walk with the same standard as their parents.
b. The same is true that being born into a family does not mean a 6-month old baby can show the same amount of patience, kindness, diligence, etc..., as his or her father.
5. Fruit comes by pressing on into maturity. This comes by 3 ways:
a. The word of God
b. Prayer
c. Obedience
D. Becoming Fruitful
1. We gain dominion over the flesh by walking in the Spirit.
2. This comes by:
a. Setting our mind on the "things of the Spirit" through Bible study, Bible meditation, and Bible memorization, Romans 8:5
- We cannot set our mind on things we don't know, John 5:19, 14:9. In other words, as we behold Jesus in the bible, we partake of His nature through imitation. What we see Jesus to be, we become. I Cor. 10:33
- The word of God is the Father's way of cleansing and pruning us, John 15:2-3 & II Timothy 3:16.
b. Pray in the Holy Spirit, Jude: 20. As we pray in the Spirit we enable God, through the Holy Spirit, to maneuver us into His will, and build us up on our faith. Romans 8:26
3. Obedience
a. To walk in the Spirit, we will have to obey what the Holy Spirit reveals in the word and through prayer.
b. As we do this, God's nature is going to come out in every area of our lives.
E. Bearing Fruit Where I Am
1. God's design is that wherever we are, we will manifest his fruit.
2. Therefore the fruit of the Spirit is to be in our work, marriage, family, church, and all other areas of our lives.
3. This forces our Christianity to be practical. What better place to show love than at home, or to exercise self-control than at work, or to show faithfulness in a relationship?
F. The Acts of the Sinful Nature and the Fruit of the Spirit
No passage in the Bible draws a clearer contrast between the lifestyle of the Spirit-filled believer and that of the person controlled by the sinful human nature than Gal. 5:16-26. Paul not only discusses general lifestyle differences by emphasizing that the Spirit and the sinful nature are at war with each other, but he also includes a specific list of both the acts of the sinful nature and the fruit of the Spirit.
1. "Sinful nature" (Gr. "sarx")
This pictures the human nature with its corrupt desires. The sinful nature remains within Christians after their conversion and is their deadly enemy (Rom. 8:6-8, 13; Gal. 5:17, 21). Those who practice the acts of the sinful nature cannot inherit God's kingdom (Gal. 5:21). Therefore, this sinful nature must be resisted and put to death in a continual warfare that the believer wages through the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:4-14). The acts of the sinful nature (Gal. 5:19-21) include:
a. Sexual immorality (Gr. "porneia") = immoral sexual conduct and intercourse; it includes taking pleasure in pornographic pictures, films or writings (see Ex. 20:14; Matt. 5;31-32; 19:9; Acts 15:20, 29; 21:25; I Cor. 5:1).
b. Impurity (Gr. "akatharsia") = sexual sins, evil deeds and vices, including thoughts and desires of the heart (Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5).
c. Debauchery (Gr. "aselgeia") = sensuality, following one's passions and desires to the point of having no shame or public decency (II Cor. 12:21).
d. Idolatry (Gr. "eidololatria") = worship of spirits, persons or graven images; trust in any person, institution or thing as having equal or greater authority than God and his word (Col. 3:5).
e. Witchcraft (Gr. "pharmakeia") = sorcery, spiritism, black magic, worship of demons and use of drugs to produce spiritual experiences (Ex. 7:11, 22; 8:18; Rev. 9:21; 18:23).
f. Hatred (Gr. "echthra") = intense, hostile intentions and acts; extreme dislike or enmity.
g. Discord (Gr. "eris") = quarreling, antagonism; a struggle for superiority (Rom. 1:29; I Cor. 1:11; 3:3).
h. Jealousy (Gr. "zelos") = resentfulness, envy of another's success (Rom. 13:13; I Cor. 3:3)
i. Fits of rage (Gr. "thumos") = explosive anger that flames into violent words or deeds (Col. 3:8)
j. Selfish ambition (Gr. "eritheia") = seeking of power (II Cor. 1 2:20; Phil. 1:16-17)
k. Dissensions (Gr. "dichostasia") = introducing divisive teachings not supported by God's word (Rom. 16:17)
l. Factions (Gr. "hairesus") = division within the congregation into selfish groups or cliques that destroy the unity of the church (I Cor. 11:19)
m. Envy (Gr. "phthonos") = resentful dislike of another person who has something that one desires
n. Drunkenness (Gr. "methe") = impairing one's mental or physical control by alcoholic drink
o. Orgies (Gr. "komos") = excessive feasting and revelry; a party spirit involving alcohol, drugs, sex, or the like
Paul's final comment on the acts of the sinful nature is stern and forceful: any so-called Christians who engage in these types of activities shut themselves out of the kingdom of God- not possessors of eternal salvation (Gal. 5:21; I Cor. 6:9).
2. The Fruit of the Spirit
This is contrasted to the acts of the sinful nature is a single-minded lifestyle called the fruit of the Spirit. This is produced in god's children as they allow the Spirit to so direct and influence their lives that they destroy sin's power, especially the acts of the sinful nature, and walk in fellowship with God, (Rom. 8:5-14, 8:14, II Cor. 6:6; Eph. 4:2-3; 5:9; Col. 3:12-15; II Peter 1:4-9). The fruit of the Spirit includes:
a. Love (Gr. "agape") = a caring for and seeking the highest good of another person without motive of personal gain (Rom. 5:5; I Cor. 13; Eph. 5:2; Col. 3:14)
b. Joy (Gr. "chara") = the feeling of gladness based on the love, grace, blessings, promises and nearness of God that belong to those who believe in Christ (Ps. 119:16; II Cor. 6:10; 12:9; I Peter 1:8; Phil. 1:14)
c. Peace (Gr. "eriene") = the quietness of heart and mind based on the knowledge that all is well between the believer and his or her heavenly Father (Rom. 15:33; Phil. 4:7; I Th. 5:23; Heb. 13:20)
d. Patience (Gr. "makrothumia") = endurance, longsuffering; being slow to anger or despair (Eph. 4:2; II Tim. 3:10; Heb. 12:1)
e. Kindness (Gr. "chrestotes") = not wanting to hurt anyone or cause them pain (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12; I Pet. 2:3)
f. Goodness (Gr. "agathosune") = zeal for truth and righteousness and a hatred of evil; it can be expressed in acts of kindness (Luke 7:37-50) or in rebuking and correcting evil (Matt. 21:12-13)
g. Faithfulness (Gr. "pistis") = firm and unswerving loyalty to a person to whom one is united by promise, commitment, trustworthiness and honesty (Mt. 23:23; Rom. 3:3; I Tim 6:12; II Tim 2:2; 4:7; Tit. 2:10)
h. Gentleness (Gr. "prautes") = restraint coupled with strength and courage; it describes a person who can be angry when anger is needed and humbly submissive when submission is needed (II Tim. 2:25; I Pet. 3:15; for gentleness in Jesus, compare Mt. 11:29 with Mt 23 and Mark 3:5; in Paul, compare II Cor. 10:1 with 10:4-6 and Gal. 1:9; in Moses, compare Num. 12:3 with Ex. 32:19-20)
i. Self-control (Gr. "egkrateia") = mastering one's own desires and passions, including faithfulness to one's marriage vows; also purity (I Cor. 7:9; 9;25; Titus 1:; 2:5)
Paul's final comment on the fruit of the Spirit indicates that there are no restrictions to the lifestyle indicated here. Christians can, in fact must, practice these virtues over and over again; they will never discover a law prohibiting them from living according to these principles.
G. In Conclusion
Becoming a fruit-bearing Christian should be our life long goal, for that is what brings glory to our Father, through His nature working in our lives. This can only happen by moving beyond living in the Spirit to walking in the Spirit. We do this through Bible study, prayer, and obedience. It is applied in fellowship, our place of business, family, marriage, etc...
In other words, Christ's nature, demonstrated in all circumstances and situations, glorifies our Father and imparts seeds of His nature in the recipients of the fruit.
John 15:8, "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples."
II. The Fruit of the Spirit is Love
Read Galatians 5:22-23, and I Corinthians 13:4-8.
The definition of love in this scripture = Gr. "agape" = divine love: A strong, ardent, tender, compassionate devotion to the well-being of someone.
A. Walking in the Spirit
"I say then walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Galatians 5:16
We have been called to walk in the spirit, so that our flesh and its works will not dominate our new life in Christ. We are enabled to walk in the Spirit by giving ourselves to three things:
1. Setting our mind on the things of the Spirit. (Bible study)
2. Abiding in Christ. (Prayer)
3. Having His words abide in us. (Obedience)
B. Facts About Love
1. 3 Greek words for love:
a. "Eros" = physical love, self satisfying, governed by the five physical senses, for eros derives to the English word erotic.
b. "Phileo" = brotherly love or humans love, is based on feelings. It is built upon some affinity or feeling for a person, or persons. (A friendship love)
c. "Agape" = self sacrificing love, a love that desires the highest good for the other at the expense of self. It is demonstrated by laying down ones life. It is not built on attraction or feelings, but is God himself.
2. We have the love of God in one heart, Romans 5:5.
3. We have been given the word in order that we might partake of the divine nature, II Peter 1:4.
4. In order for the fruit of love to be in our lives we must renew our minds, Romans 12:2.
5. Love is deposited in our hearts, drawn upon by our will, and demonstrated by our physical acts.
a. Deposited, Romans 5:5
b. Drawn upon, John 15:12
c. Demonstrated, John 15:13; I John 3:17-18
The love of God has been deposited into our hearts through the Holy Spirit by the new birth. Yet it is of no benefit for us or others until it is released in our actions (laying down our life for others). God decisively deals with our will by commanding us to love. This command to love forces us to draw upon God's love, and thereby become a channel for God in this world.
C. Love, Our Proof of the New Birth
1. The fact that we have love for the brethren is proof we've been born again, I John 3:14.
2. The love of God is proven by the fact that Jesus laid down His life for us, John 3:16.
3. Therefore the highest demonstration of love is the laying down our life for the undeserving, Romans 5:8.
D. The Definition of Love, I Cor. 13:4-6
1. Without love, the gifts of the Spirit becomes very shallow and leaves us as nothing, I Corinthians 13:1-2.
2. Without love our self effort at righteousness and self sacrifice will profit us nothing, I Corinthians 13:3.
3. What love is?
a. Love suffers long. God in His love suffers and endures our unthankfulness, betrayals, rebellion, in short our sin against Him, so that we might in the end come to Him, I Peter 3:9, Romans 2:4.
b. Love is kind. Kindness has all but been forgotten in our society of self seeking. Love is demonstrated in kindness and consideration of people and their situations. It is quick to understand and help, Ephesians 4:32.
c. Love does not envy. "...Love never is envious or boils over with jealousy." (Amplified) God's love delights at the prosperity of others and does not become bitter at someone else's success. It is not covetous, I Corinthians 12:26.
d. Love does not parade itself. "...Is not boastful or vain glorious." (Amplified) Love never seeks to draw attention to it; it does not seek recognition for the good done, Matthew 6:1-5.
e. Love is not puffed up (arrogant). "...Does not display itself haughtily." Arrogance is the demonstration of self sufficiency. It says "I'm somebody". Love is not interested in drawing attention to itself but rather to give to someone else. I Corinthians 8:1; I Corinthians 4:6-7.
f. Love does not behave rudely. "It is not conceited-arrogant and inflated with pride. It is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly." (Amplified) Love always is sensitive of others; if someone suffers it too will suffer, if someone rejoices it rejoices too. Love seeks to minister to the other, not itself. Therefore love will be demonstrated by its ability to empathize (not sympathize) and get up under and lift those in need.
g. Love does not seek its own. "Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self seeking." (Amplified) Love seeks God's will, not self will. Its goal is God's will, being worked out and will therefore pray "Not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39, I Corinthians 6:7.
h. Love is not provoked. "...It is not touchy or fretful, or resentful." (Amplified) Jesus was able to stand before Pilate and the High Priests without becoming provoked. He could let sinful men spit, mock, pluck His beard, beat His face and back and even crucify him, and then prayed, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Love is not provoked.
i. Love thinks no evil (it keeps no account of evil). "..It takes not account of the evil done to it, it pays not attention to a suffering wrong." (Amplified) When offenses are remembered offenses remain. Love always covers the offense and offender and releases that one from all debt, never to be held over that person again. I Peter 4:8.
j. Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. "...Does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail." (Amplified) Love does not say, Aha! My enemy has stumbled and then rejoices at their calamity. Love is not self seeking but seeking right and truth to prevail. Love is not after the destruction of its enemies, rather their reconciliation, Psalms 35:11-16; Romans 12:19-21.
k. Love bears all things. "...Bears up under anything and everything that comes." (Amplified) Love is forbearing, not quick to retaliate or administer the just reward. Love rather bears with the inconsistencies of the weak. Romans 15:1; Galatians 6:2; II Timothy 2:24.
l. Love believes all things. "...Is ever ready to believe the best of every person." (Amplified) Love believes. It's not cynical of the motives and intentions of others. It is not naive but rather bigger than the smallness of self seeking men, believing that past the selfishness is one for whom Christ died and has a plan for.
m. Love hopes all things. "...Its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances" (Amplified) Paul said, "I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6). He then goes on to explain why he thinks this way. "Just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart” Philippians 1:7. When someone is in our heart we will never give up on them.
n. Love endures all things. "...it endures everything (without weakening)" (Amplified). We have made a full circle; love will endure all manner of evil against it, for love can. Where friendships crumble, God's self giving love will withstand all offenses against it. I Corinthians 9:19-23.
o. Love never fails. "...Love never fails, never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end." (Amplified) Love is invincible for you can't kill it. It has been raised from the dead and you can't defeat it in any way. You only can remove yourself from it. But even then God's love will find a way back to you, Psalms 139:7-12, Romans 12:21.
E. Conclusion
The first fruit of the Spirit, love is deposited in our heart through the Holy Spirit, drawn up by our will (in response to the command to love), and demonstrated in our actions.
Love is the evidence of our new birth and demonstrated by laying down our lives even for the undeserving. It is always seeking the highest good of others even at its own expense, and in reality love is of God, for God is love.
F. Be Doers of the Word
1. Discuss the differences between eros, phileo, and agape love.
2. Love is in our hearts to be shown in our actions. What is the governing part of our person that causes or hinders us from walking in love?
3. Break up into 5 groups with each group taking one verse from I Corinthians 13:4-8 and discuss its meaning and application. Then come together and share their findings.
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