Know Your Tools Part 3(B): The Fruits of the Spirit

Galatians 5:16–25 ESV

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

We are give a toolbox from Jesus Christ we are reconciled to God and join the family of God. This happens at the point of making Jesus Christ our Lord and Savor. This includes many items. We have to learn how and when to use them. Salvation does not equal proficiency with these spiritual tools. .

These tools are divided into three categories.

The Armor of God

Belt of Truth

Breastplate of Righteousness

Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace

Shield of Faith

Helmet of Salvation

Sword of the Spirit = Word of God

The Fruits of the Spirit

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self-Control

The Gifts of the Spirit.

We will put these all together at the end of this series for developing a divine nature.

Last week, we took a test over the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. Keep those results because at the end of this series, we will take it again to see if there is any change.

LOVE - Agape -

1 John 4:7-8 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

JOY - Chara - state of rejoicing, gladness

1 Thessalonians 2:19 “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?”

PEACE - harmony, free from worry; Shalom

Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

PATIENCE - long-suffering, calm

Romans 2:4 “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”

Sometimes we could be tempted to take advantage of the kindness of God. For instance, we may think if we are tempted to sin, it is OK, I will repent later and God will forgive me. God’s kindness is not a license to sin, but to lead us to repent and change our heart and actions. This does not happen naturally but as a fruit of the Spirit. A very important tool in our tool box indeed.

KINDNESS

GOODNESS

FAITHFULNESS

GENTLENESS

SELF-CONTROL

Conclusion:

It is God’s will for us to live an overcoming life. A life full of freedom from sin and fulfillment in the riches of God’s mercy and grace. We are meant to have a powerful mind and a servants heart just like Jesus. These things are not natural. You were not born with them. These come from utilizing the tools we have been given. Maybe you have not used the tools correctly or not at all. Maybe you have not made Jesus your Lord and Saviour so these have not been a part of your life. Great news. Today is your day.

Jesus has already done the hard part and He makes it as easy as knowing your A, B, C’s.

A - Acknowledge

Romans 3:23 ESV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

B - Believe

Acts 16:31 (ESV)

And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

C - Confess

Romans 10:9–10 ESV

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.