The Fruit of the Spirit Part 2
Character: A Reflection of the Heart • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction: Review previous lesson
Love
Joy
Peace
Longsuffering
Kindness
Kindness
As we have already observed, the fruit of the Spirit is singular. As we can now observe, the characteristics of the fruit of the spirit all share similarities. Paul is describing to us the flavor of the fruit of the Spirit by giving us closely related terms. The same goes for kindness. What Paul wants us to develop is not distinct attributes but rather the ultimate attribute of Christlikeness.
The kindness that we must have as a result of having the indwelling Spirit has nothing to do with weakness. Someone who is kind is often thought of as weak. It has even been said that nice guys always finish last. When we say that I don’t think we say it correctly. What we mean is weak guys always finish last because they are push overs. Kindness does not refer to that. John MacArthur described kindness as gracious strength. Kindness is having the strength to endure the hardships of relationships. Kindness offers help during times of trials. The NT often uses the word kindness to refer to God’s attitude towards us. God’s kindness does not communicate weakness but rather communicates a strength that is able to endure and keep us until the end even though we do not deserve it. As we said, these are all closely related terms. Kindness is similar to endurance in that kindness allows us to be gracious with someone even when it is difficult.
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Paul says that someone who lacks this quality of kindness is not fit to lead in the church.
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
Goodness
Goodness
The Greek expression Paul uses when describing goodness identifies goodness as referring to moral excellence. Goodness is the opposite of badness. One thing to notice though is that this goodness that Paul describes is not a passive goodness. Goodness speaks of someone who has the attitude that he seeks to do good. Sometimes we get the idea that being good is not being bad. This is not true. Just like badness seeks to be bad (that’s what makes badness bad) goodness seeks to be good (that’s what makes goodness good).
In Paul tells us that goodness reproduces.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
He also tells signals to us that goodness is not easy and requires longsuffering.
Faithfulness
Faithfulness
Faithfulness is obviously very closely related to faith. Faith is the belief in something. Saving faith is a wholehearted submission to the gospel that includes a personal trust in Jesus as Savior. Faithfulness then is the continued and steadfast belief and devotion to the truths of the gospel.
Faith in Christ is the only way to be justified.
knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
We are justified by faith not faithfulness. However, faithfulness is also inseparable from saving faith. Genuine faith always perseveres.
For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
But our God is in heaven;
He does whatever He pleases.
Now we are not perfect, but saving faith endures.
Example: Peter’s denial of Christ.
Gentleness
Gentleness
Gentleness describes an attitude that allows us to respond well to the faults of others.
Paul uses it in and 2 Timothy 2:24-25 to describe how we ought to deal with sin that we see in others.
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
Gentleness is a tender, considerate, and compassionate response to sin. It is not easy to respond in gentleness is it? It is however, nearly always, the best and most effective response. Therefore, Paul says, we ought to wear gentleness like a garment.
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Self-Control
Self-Control
One thing you might notice while thinking through these characteristics is that if you lack self-control you will not be able to have any of these characteristics. All of the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit are interwoven and interdependent.
Self-control is godly restraint on your natural appetites and desires. A person of character is most easily recognized by their ability to exercise self-control.
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, without walls.
A person who lacks control is naturally defenseless against temptation. So, how do we obtain self-control?
Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
If you want to truly have self control you must start with the discipline of having a pure thought life. Evil comes from the heart and it is what is in our heart that defiles us the most. This is especially important for us who live in an internet generation when evil is available at the touch of a fingertip. So, what can we do about it?
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.