Fruit of the Spirit (2)

Central Theme: The Fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of a life transformed by Christ, reflecting His character and nature through our actions and relationships.

New them for August “Bearing Spiritual Fruit”

Annual theme “Spiritually Mature in Truth”

Objectives for today’s lesson:

What is meant by the term Fruit of the Spirit

The Fruit of the Spirit Defined

The Impact of the Fruit of the Spirit

Term “FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT”

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Note the conjunction “but”

“But” means a contrast is being made

Galatians 5:19–21 ESV

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.

Fruit is evidence / result of and effort being made

artist, jobs, children

The is a distinction between “Fruits” and “Fruit”

John 15:4–5 ESV

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

The Fruit of the Spirit Defined

LOVE

1 Corinthians 13:4–7 ESV

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

4 kinds of love: Phileo, Storge, Eros, Agape

Luke 6:32 ESV

“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.

Jesus did not eat and speak with sinners to be tolerant, inclusive and affirming of their sins. HE WANTED TO BRING THEM TO REPENTANCE

2 Peter 3:9 NASB95

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

JOY

Philippians 4:4 ESV

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Definition: Deep-seated contentment in God.

Application: Finding joy in trials

James 1:2–4 ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

PEACE

Philippians 4:6–7 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Cultivating Peace will help you deal with the suffering and unfairness in the world

Christ participated first-hand in our suffering

And there’s contentment knowing eventually there will be justice

PATIENCE

Definition: Endurance and tolerance.

Application: Practicing patience in relationships

Ephesians 4:2 ESV

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

KINDNESS

Definition: Compassionate and helpful behavior.

Application: Acts of kindness in everyday life.

Ephesians 4:32 ESV

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

GOODNESS

1. Definition: Moral integrity and virtue. 2. Application: Being a force for good in the community.

Romans 15:14 ESV

I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.

FAITHFULNESS

Definition: Loyalty and reliability.

Application: Being faithful in commitments and responsibilities.

1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

GENTLENESS

Definition: Strength under control.

Application: Responding gently in conflict situations.

Philippians 4:5 NIV

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

SELF-CONTROL

Mastery over desires and impulses.

1 Corinthians 9:24–25 ESV

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

1 Corinthians 9:26–27 ESV

So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

WHATS THE IMPACT

On you - transformed character

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

On relationships - building a loving community

On the World - you have a more effective witness because people will see a living sermon in action

CONCLUSION

I encourage you all to reflect on which fruit you need to cultivate.

Actively pray and seek the Spirit’s help in producing these fruits in your lives.