Fruit of the Spirit Devotional

Introduction

Jesus tells us to remain in him and we will bear much fruit. In Galatians 5, Paul describes the type of fruit that will be evident in the believer’s life.

The Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 (CSB)

Galatians 5:22–23 CSB

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.

What is the Context?

Big Context: The Letter to the Churches of Galatia

Galatians—Gospel-Rooted Living Preface

Galatians exists for grace. We find grace at the beginning (1:3) and end (6:18) and in the middle (2:21). But the grace in Galatians is not cheap grace—it’s costly. “It is costly, because it calls to discipleship; it is grace, because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly, because it costs people their lives; it is grace, because it thereby makes them live. It is costly, because it condemns sin; it is grace because it justifies the sinner.”

Audience:

Churches in Galatia which Paul founded. Galatia is a region with different cities and different churches.

Northern Theory: The term Galatia is ethnic and is referring to the Gauls from Eastern Europe living in Asian Minor. If so, he was probably referring to the cities in the northern province of Galatia. This is the traditional view.

Southern Theory: The term Galatia is provincial and refers specifically to the Roman province of Galatia. In 64

BC the province was widened to include southern cities that weren’t ethnically Galatian.

Purpose:

Correcting false doctrine which was now being taught after Paul’s departure. This false teaching was that Jewish rituals were required to saved and live as a Christian. Circumcision, and holidays in particular. The modern view. The provincial use of “Galatia” includes Antioch, Lystra, Iconium, and Derbe.

Outline of Galatians:

Introduction and Paul’s qualifications (1:1-2:21)

Many body- difference between the gospel and the Judaistic heresy (3:1-5:12)

Conclusion and positive vision of freedom in spirit-filled living (5:13-6:8)

Galatians vs. Romans:

Whereas Romans is a clear and balanced articulation of the theology of grace to a church Paul hasn’t visited, Galatians is a specific rebuttal to the ongoing false teaching to a church Paul founded.

Small Context Before the Fruit of the Spirit:

Where these verses fit into Paul’s argument

Paul has finished arguing that the law is insufficient to save. But what is sufficient for salvation? God’s grace, Christ’s death, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Now he is turning to address a potential argument against his position of salvation by faith not works, and specifically freedom in Christ. Doesn’t this lead to sinful lifestyles since the focus isn’t on works?

In this section of Galatians 5:16-26 Paul addresses that head on. We are saved by grace. But how do we live? This question is not law vs lawlessness, but living in the Spirit or the flesh.

In verse 16 Paul tells to walk in the spirit AND you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. He then gives us specific examples of both pathways.

Works of the flesh

Galatians 5:19–21 CSB

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Small Context After the Fruit of the Spirit

We’ve seen what came before the fruit of the Spirit, so let’s see what comes after. It will show us more clearly what Paul means in this list of the fruit.

Galatians 5:24–26 CSB

24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

What does belonging in Christ mean? (vs 24)

(It’s the product of salvation through faith).

What does the list of the fruit of the spirit have to do with provoking one another or envying one another? (vs 26)

Re-Reading the Fruit of the Spirit Within Its Context

Galatians 5:22–23 CSB

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.

Why does this sentence start with the word “but”

What differences do you see between the works of the flesh and fruit of the spirit? (refer to chart)

Good vs bad

Attitude vs action

The list of the flesh is much longer

Why do you think the fruit of the spirit listed here aren’t works like sexual purity, true worship, forgiving wrongs, caring for the poor etc.?

Paul

What should we do when we see the works of the flesh in ourselves?

Crucify our flesh (vs 24)

What about our church members?

Paul addresses this in the following verses:

Restore a brother or sister with a gentle spirit.

Watch that we don’t join in

Carry one another’s burdens

Elsewhere Paul is quite strict about these fruits of the flesh running rampant in the church. It’s important that sin is always addressed.

What about church leaders?

Paul takes a stronger approach including in this letter of openly opposing false teaching and leaders who practice the fruits of the flesh.

How is addressing the fruit of the flesh different than being legalistic like the Judaizers?

Different issue. It’s not about salvation but our response to salvation.

Different motivation: Love not envy or seeking power.

Different tone: The tone should match the fruit of the spirit.

If we want to live or keep in step with the Spirit by having these fruits, what should we do?