Manifestations Of The Spirit

1. The Picture of Spiritual Growth

Ezekiel47:3–5 (ESV)

“Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was waist-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through.”

Spiritual life grows in depth with the Holy Spirit:

· Ankle deep– awareness of God

· Knee deep– growing dependence

· Waist deep– surrender increasing

· Swimming– fully yielded to the Spirit

The Holy Spirit desires to guide, teach, and empower His people with both:

· Character (Fruit)

· Power (Gifts)

All for the purpose of advancing God's Kingdom through ministry.

2. The Key: Surrender, Not Striving

Spiritual life is not produced by human effort alone.

The path is surrender, not striving.

Scripture gives two warnings:

Ephesians4:30

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

· This relates to character (Fruit)

Grieves HS is Bitterness, Anger, wrath, malice, evil speaking

1 Thessalonians 5:19

“Do not quench the Spirit.”

· This relates to power (Gifts)

Don’t despise prophecies.

Both are necessary for a healthy spiritual life.

3. The Fruit of the Spirit (Character)

Galatians5:22–23

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

The Fruit

· Love

· Joy

· Peace

· Patience

· Kindness

· Goodness

· Faithfulness

· Gentleness

· Self-control

How Fruit Grows

1. Continuous surrender / being filled Ephesianslgm 5:18

2. Abiding in Christ John 15

3. Fruit exists to nourish others

o Fruit does not feed itself

o Fruit benefits the people around you

4. Focus on relationship with God

o Avoid focusing only on personal struggles

o Focus on connection with God

4. The Gifts of the Spirit (Power)

1 Corinthians 12:7–11

“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good…”

The Nine Gifts

1. Word of Wisdom

2. Word of Knowledge

3. Faith

4. Gifts of Healing

5. Working of Miracles

6. Prophecy

7. Discernment of Spirits

8. Various Kinds of Tongues

9. Interpretation of Tongues

These gifts are empowered by the same Spirit and distributed according to His will.

How Power Develops

1. Humble ourselves before God

2. Stir up and exercise spiritual gifts

o Do not neglect them

3. Honor the gifts in others

Spiritual gifts grow through practice, humility, and community.

5. The Balance: Fruit and Gifts Together

Both are necessary.

Gifts without Fruit

· Can lead to confusion, pride, and moral failure

Fruit without Gifts

· Can lead to dry religion or cessationism

God’s Design

Believers should walk in both:

Character + Power

Fruit + Gifts

This produces a healthy, Spirit-filled church and effective ministry.