Galatians 5:22-23. The Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23. “The Fruit of the Spirit” Safe Haven Worship Centre. Sunday February 24th, 2019 Galatians 5:22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (ESV) What qualifies someone for a task? There is a story of the testing of a candidate for missions work: One snowy morning at 5:00 a.m., a missionary candidate rang the bell at a missionary examiner’s home. Ushered into the office, he sat three hours past his appointment time waiting for his interview. At 8:00 a.m. a retired missionary appeared and began his questioning. “Can you spell?” Rather mystified, the candidate answered, “Yes, sir.” All right, spell “baker.” “B-A-K-E-R.” “Fine. Now, do you know anything about numbers?” the examiner continued. “Yes, sir, something.” “Please add two plus two.” “Four,” replied the candidate. “That’s fine,” said the examiner. “I believe you have passed. I’ll tell the board tomorrow.” At the board meeting, the examiner reported on the interview. “He has all the qualifications for a fine missionary. First, I tested him on self-denial, making him arrive at my home at five in the morning. He left a warm bed on a snowy morning without any complaint. Second, I tested him on promptness. He arrived on time. Third, I examined him on patience. I made him wait three hours to see me. Fourth, I tested him on temper. He failed to show any anger or aggravation. Fifth, I tried his humility by asking him questions that a seven-year-old child could answer, and he showed no indignation. So you see, I believe the candidate meets the requirements. He will make the fine missionary we need.” Spirit-given abilities are needed, but Spirit-produced fruit is more significant. (Green, Michael P.: Illustrations for Biblical Preaching : Over 1500 Sermon Illustrations Arranged by Topic and Indexed Exhaustively. Revised edition of: The expositor's illustration file. Grand Rapids : Baker Book House, 1989) It is one thing to overcome the flesh and not do evil things, but quite something else to do good things. The legalist, like the Judaizers, might be able to boast that they are not outwardly guilty of adultery or murder (yet see Matt. 5:21–32), but can anyone see the beautiful graces of the Spirit in his life? Negative goodness is not enough in a life; there must be positive qualities as well. The message of fruit would have spoke to the Galatians because it represented attitudes that control and dictate actions, rather than the actions themselves. Thus, the believer’s manner of life flows from a genuine inner principle, not from adherence to an external law (Edgar H. Andrews: Free in Christ: The Message of Galatians. Evangelical Press. 1996, p. 298) The spiritual behavior of walking by the Spirit (v. 16) has the negative effect of causing the believer to put away the habitual, ongoing evil deeds of the flesh and positively causes a believer to bear the good fruit produced by the Spirit. Contrasted with the vice list of the deeds of the flesh (Gal. 5:17-21) is a virtue list of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Deeds of the flesh are done by a person’s own efforts, whether they are saved or unsaved. The fruit of the Spirit, on the other hand, is produced by God’s own Spirit and only in the lives of those who belong to Him through faith in Jesus Christ. Notice that Paul does not say, ‘The fruits of the Spirit are …’ but ‘The fruit of the Spirit is …’ He is saying that the ninefold fruit of the Spirit is to be found in every Christian.( Barnes, P. (2006). A Study Commentary on Galatians (p. 262). Darlington, England; Webster, New York: Evangelical Press.) The products of the flesh are plural, for they follow the varied devices of sin, whereas the product of the Spirit is singular. There is one Spirit and the Holy Spirit produces one kind of fruit, that is, Christlikeness.( MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1894). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.) The nine together are the fruit that mark the Christian, like a cluster of nine grapes. … Paul names them the fruit of the Spirit, teaching that the production of the fruit is a supernatural work. The Spirit plants the seed of this fruit when He regenerates us and immediately He begins to cultivate these graces in us. Therefore, the fruit is a necessary evidence of the new birth. The person who is not developing this fruit over a period of time is unregenerate. (Pipa, J. A., Jr. (2010). Galatians: God’s Proclamation of Liberty (p. 208). Ross-shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications.) In Galatians 5:22–23 Paul lists nine representative characteristics of the godly fruit produced by the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. These are multiple characteristics of but one fruit and are therefore inextricably related to one another. They are not produced nor can they be manifested in isolation from each other. If one wants to see a pattern, it would seem that three groups of three virtues yield a workable scheme. Each of the nine qualities flows into one another, mutually enriching and reinforcing the process of sanctification in the life of the believer.( George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 399). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) Rather paradoxically, all of the nine manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit are also commanded of believers in the New Testament. Also in every case, Jesus can be seen to be the supreme example and the Holy Spirit to be the source. If we were spending a week on each fruit, I would illustrate from the personal of Christ how he exhibited each of these. This look at all nine of the fruit today is an overview, focusing on the general principle with application considerations. When a believer is controlled by the Holy Spirit, they manifest: 1) Upward Fruit (Galatians 5:22a) 2) Outward Fruit (Galatians 5:22b) and 3) Inward Fruit (Galatians 5:23) When a believer is controlled by the Holy Spirit, they manifest: 1) Upward Fruit: Love, Joy, Peace (Galatians 5:22a) Galatians 5:22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, (patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.) (ESV) The first three virtues can be considered habits of mind which find their source in God (Walvoord, John F. ; Zuck, Roy B. ; Dallas Theological Seminary: The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983-c1985, S. 2:608). The fruit of the Spirit is the outward indicator of salvation. A believer’s sonship to God and citizenship in His kingdom (cf. v. 21) are manifested by the fruit the Spirit produces in their life. Jesus Said: Matthew 7:16-18 [16] You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. [18]A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. (ESV) The first characteristic of spiritual fruit is love, the supreme virtue of Christian living (1 Cor. 13:13). Some commentators insist that in this context love is a synonym for fruit and therefore encompasses the other characteristics in the list. In any case, love is clearly dominant. As Paul has just declared, “the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Gal. 5:14; cf. Rom. 13:10). The term here for love (Agapē) is one of personal choice, referring not simply to pleasant emotions or good feelings but to willing, self-giving service. True agapē love is a sure mark of salvation: 1 John 3:14 [14] We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. (ESV) 1 John 4:7 [7] Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. (ESV) • By the same token, as John repeatedly makes clear throughout the same letter, having a habitually unloving spirit toward fellow Christians is reason for a person to question their salvation (see e.g., 2:9, 11; 3:15; 4:8, 20). For believers, love is not an option but a command. “Walk in love,” Paul declared, “just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma” (Eph. 5:2). Yet the command cannot be fulfilled apart from the Holy Spirit, the source of this and all the other manifestations of spiritual fruit. “The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us,” Paul explained to Roman believers (Rom. 5:5). What has been effected once for all by the cross of Christ must be worked out in practice.( Bruce, F. F. (1982). The Epistle to the Galatians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 256). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.) The second manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit is joy. Joy (Chara ) is the deep-down sense of well-being that abides in the heart of the person who knows all is well between themselves and the Lord. It is not an experience that comes from favorable circumstances or even a human emotion that is divinely stimulated. Happiness depends on circumstances, whereas joy does not. It is God’s gift to believers. As Nehemiah declared, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). Joy is a part of God’s own nature and Spirit that He manifests in His children. Joy is the inevitable overflow of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and of the believer’s knowing His continuing presence (1 Pet. 1:8). (Boice, J. M. (1976). Galatians. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans through Galatians (Vol. 10, p. 498). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.) Please turn to John 16 Joy not only does not come from favorable human circumstances but is sometimes greatest when those circumstances are the most painful and severe. Shortly before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples: John 16:20-24[20] Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. [21] When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. [22] So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. [23] In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. [24] Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (ESV) • God’s joy is full, complete in every way. Nothing human or circumstantial can add to it or detract from it. But it is not fulfilled in a believer’s life except through reliance on and obedience to the Lord. Although joy is a gift of God through His Spirit to those who belong to Christ, like love, it is also commanded of them “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” Paul commands (Phil. 4:4; cf. 3:1). Because joy comes as a gift from Him, the command obviously is not for believers to manufacture or try to imitate it. The command is to gratefully accept and revel in this great blessing they already possess. “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17). Joy speaks of the exhilaration of heart that comes from being right with God, then the third fruit, peace (eirēnē) refers to the tranquility of mind that comes from that saving relationship. The verb form has to do with binding together and is reflected in the modern expression “having it all together.” Everything is in place and as it ought to be. “Peace,” like Heb. šālôm, means more than the merely negative notion of absence of war and trouble; it denotes rather a positive state of “wholeness”—“soundness” and “prosperity.” In the LXX the word “describes health of body, welfare and security, perfect serenity and tranquillity, a life and a state in which a person is perfectly related to (other people and) God.( Fung, R. Y. K. (1988). The Epistle to the Galatians (p. 265). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.) Like joy, peace has no relationship to circumstances. Christian can have peace, not because they are oblivious to circumstances, but because they have confidence in God, who “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). There is absolutely no reason for a believer to be anxious or afraid. That is why Paul explained to the Philippians: Philippians 4:6-9 [6]do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. [9] What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (ESV) • It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the Spirit and teachings of Christ, they should do all in their power to put an end to war. The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of his teachings in all affairs of (people) and nations, and the practical application of his law of love. (R. A. Baker, A Baptist Source Book (Nashville: Broadman, 1966), 210.) It may be, as some have suggested, that the Pauline triad love-joy-peace was a familiar watchword among the early Christians comparable to faith, hope, love. Clearly these three graces cover the whole range of Christian existence. “The fabric is built up, story upon story. Love is the foundation, joy the superstructure, peace the crown of all.” (Lightfoot, Galatians, 212 as cited in George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 402). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) Putting the first three fruit together in our relationship towards God, our first love is our love for God, our chief joy is our joy in God and our deepest peace is our peace with God.( Stott, J. R. W. (1986). The message of Galatians: Only one way (p. 148). Leicester, England; Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.) Illustration: The Spirit’s provision of fruit might be compared to a man standing on a ladder in an orchard, picking the fruit and dropping it into a basket held by a helper below. No matter how much fruit is picked and dropped, the helper will not receive any unless they are standing under the ladder with their basket ready. Illustrated another way, a machine in a factory works, and turns out a product, but it could never manufacture fruit. Fruit must grow out of life, and, in the case of the believer, it is the life of the Spirit (Gal. 5:25). When you think of “works” you think of effort, labor, strain, and toil; when you think of “fruit” you think of beauty, quietness, the unfolding of life. The flesh produces “dead works” (Heb. 9:14), but the Spirit produces living fruit. Fruit has in it the seed for still more fruit (Gen. 1:11) (Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. Ga 5:22). When a believer is controlled by the Holy Spirit, they manifest: 2) Outward Fruit (Galatians 5:22b) Galatians 5:22b 22 (But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace), patience, kindness, goodness, (faithfulness), (ESV) The fourth fruit, patience/long-suffering. (Makrothumia) has to do with tolerance and long-suffering that endure injuries inflicted by others, the calm willingness to accept situations that are irritating or painful. God Himself is “slow to anger” (Ps. 86:15) and expects His children to be the same. Just as believers should never “think lightly of the riches of [God’s own] kindness and forbearance and patience” (Rom. 2:4), they should themselves manifest those attributes of their heavenly Father. We daily provoke God with our sins, but He is patient with us. He is slow to anger, and is long-suffering with the likes of us (Exod. 34:6; Ps. 103:8). Not that his patience is boundless, because there will come a day when He will act in judgement. But because God is love, he is patient.( Barnes, P. (2006). A Study Commentary on Galatians (pp. 267–268). Darlington, England; Webster, New York: Evangelical Press.) Please turn to Ephesians 4 It is because of God’s merciful patience that He forestalls Christ’s second coming and the accompanying judgment on unbelievers, “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). Believers are commanded to emulate their Lord’s patience. Ephesians 4:1-7 [4:1]I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2]with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3]eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4]T here is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-- [5]one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6]one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. [7] But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. (ESV) • Though the Holy Spirit, God’s grace has been given to us that we maintain unity by bearing with one another, which is patience (Eph. 4:1–3). If we take offence at every slight, real or imagined, we are breaking God’s word. People ought not to feel that they have to tread on eggshells in our presence (Barnes, P. (2006). A Study Commentary on Galatians (p. 268). Darlington, England; Webster, New York: Evangelical Press.) The fifth word kindness (Chrēstotēs) is derived from a verb meaning “to take into use” and has the basic sense of “excellent,” “serviceable,” or “useful.” It refers to something that is well suited for its purpose, such as a “worker” bee, an “orderly” house, or “healthy and tasty” food. When the word was applied to people it meant they were “worthy,” “decent,” “honest.” When a person is all that they are supposed to be—when a human is humane—one is decent, reliable, gentle, and kind. All of this is included in what our Bible calls “kindness.” It is not just a sweet disposition: it is a serving, productive trait as well (Boles, Kenneth L.: Galatians & Ephesians. Joplin, Mo. : College Press, 1993 (The College Press NIV Commentary), S. Ga 5:22) Please turn to 2 Timothy 2 Some mistake kindness as just a good personal quality that will help people like you. It goes way beyond that. Possessing godly kindness makes the difference between useful or case aside: 2 Timothy 2:20-26 [20] Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. [21] Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. [22] So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. [23] Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. [24] And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, [25] correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, [26]and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (ESV) • Kindness is not remaining silent in the face of error, but neither is it responding in hostility to error that promotes a quarrel. The ability to possess and deploy the fruit of kindness, even in the face of hostility, makes the difference between one who can be used of God and one who is cast aside because their hostility interferes in a presentation of truth that God will use. The Sixth fruit, goodness (Agathos) has to do with moral and spiritual excellence that is known by its sweetness and active kindness. It represents beneficence, doing good to others. The primary idea of goodness (agathōsynē) is generosity, especially the kind of generosity which gives someone what they never could have earned (William Barclay, Flesh and Spirit, p. 106.). “Someone might even display their zeal for goodness and truth, in rebuking, correcting, chastising,” as when Christ drove the buyers and sellers from the temple, or when he pronounced woes against the scribes and Pharisees. This was the domain of goodness. Kindness, on the other hand, was what Christ showed to the sinful woman who wept at his feet (Luke 7:37). If the words are taken with the distinction maintained by the earlier commentators, kindness and goodness balance each other nicely. Kindness alone might be too ready to forgive failure; goodness alone might be too ready to condemn. Working together, as the virtues are found in the life of Christ, the divine balance is achieved (Boles, Kenneth L.: Galatians & Ephesians. Joplin, Mo. : College Press, 1993 (The College Press NIV Commentary), S. Ga 5:22). We will see in the “one another” directives in Galatians 6, the manifestation of goodness, but preceding the action of goodness, should be the desire and prayer for goodness. Paul explained it to the Thessalonians: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 [11]To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, [12]so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV) • The exercise of goodness is not that we may be regarded as good people, but that the grace of God may be seen as evident in our lives and God would receive the praise and glory for fulfilling our prayed for and resolve for good. Reflecting these last three fruits, the Christian who is patient/long-suffering will not avenge themselves or wish difficulties on those who oppose us. We will be kind and gentle, even with the most offensive, and will sow goodness where others sow evil. Human nature can never do this on its own; only the Holy Spirit can (Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. Ga 5:22). Illustration: Character 56 Christian Character is deep inside us. It is often unseen, like the soup carried in a dish high over a waiter’s head. Before it gets to the table, no one knows what’s inside—unless the waiter is bumped and trips! Likewise, people don’t know what’s inside us until we’ve been bumped. But if Christ is living inside, what spills out is the fruit of the Spirit. (Larson, C. B. (2002). 750 engaging illustrations for preachers, teachers & writers (p. 50). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.) Finally, when a believer is controlled by the Holy Spirit, they manifest: 3) Inward Fruit (Galatians 5:22c-23) Galatians 5:22c-23 22 (But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,) faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (ESV) The final three fruit, begin with the seventh quality, faithfulness/ loving-kindness (Pistis ) which is the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit that pertains to loyalty and trustworthiness. Jeremiah declared that “the Lord’s faithfulness/ loving-kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22). Throughout Galatians Paul had spoken repeatedly of being justified by faith in this sense of the word. As an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit, pistis has yet a further meaning: faithfulness, fidelity, that is, the quality of being true, trustworthy, and reliable in all one’s dealings with others.( George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 403). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) In us, Paul explained to the Corinthians: 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 [4:1] This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. [2] Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. (ESV) That one’s life would so embody this fruit, it is an element of assurance of eternal life: Revelation 2:10 [10] Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (ESV) Please turn to 1 Timothy 6 Gentleness/meekness (Prautēs), the eighth fruit now in verse 23, describes the humble and gentle attitude that is patiently submissive in every offense, while being free of any desire for revenge or retribution. In his helpful volume Synonyms of the New Testament, R. C. Trench writes that Gentleness/meekness: “does not consist in a person’s “outward behavior only; nor yet in his relations to his fellow-men; as little in his mere natural disposition. Rather it is an inwrought grace of the soul; and the exercises of it are first and chiefly towards God. It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting” (R. C. Trench. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1953). Like their Lord, believers are to exemplify Gentleness/meekness 1 Timothy 6:11-14 [11] But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. [12] Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. [13]I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, [14]to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, (ESV) • As can be seen from the description of gentleness, this is no passive restraint. It means battling those things that would war against the Spirit. Colossians 3 details those deeds of the flesh to battle and how gentleness has a godly regard for others that we would embody as if wearing it like a garment (Col. 3:12). Gentleness means forgiving others as the Lord has forgiven us (Col. 3:13). When the previous fruit are evident in our lives, we can embody gentleness with one another. For the final fruit, please turn to 2 Peter 1 The ninth, and final fruit is self-control (Enkrateia) which has a reference to restraining passions and appetites. This grace does not apply to God, who obviously does not need to restrain Himself. Perfect holiness possesses perfect control. Perhaps now coming to the end of this list of Fruit of the Spirit, it seems so basic. Failure to develop these qualities however, prevent many from being effective in the Kingdom of God. This is how Peter explained the manifestation of self-control in the context of a Christian life. As Given from God: 2 Peter 1:3-15 [3]His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, [4]by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. [5] For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, [6]and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, [7]and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. [8] For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. [10] Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. [11] For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [12] Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. [13] I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, [14] since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. [15] And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. (ESV) Since Paul indicates that the list of fruit is described as “such things” (tōn toioutōn) he indicates that the list just given is, again (cf. “and the like” in v. 21), not exhaustive but representative (Fung, R. Y. K. (1988). The Epistle to the Galatians (p. 273). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.) Those who manifest them are fulfilling the law—more than those who insist on Jewish ceremonies, and likewise more than those who follow the works of the flesh surveyed in Gal. 5:19–21.( Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2255). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.) We need to be reminded of such things that even non-Christians would know: “Against such things there is no law”, Even unbelievers do not make laws against such things as those which the fruit of the Spirit produces. The world does not make laws against such behavior, but generally prizes it. Even if some consider “such things” to be signs of weakness, they cannot escape recognizing that they are never harmful. Those who live in a righteous manner, live in such a way that they have no need of any law to admonish or constrain them, but willingly do what the law requires (See 1 Timothy 1:9–10.) (Luther, Martin: Galatians. Wheaton, Ill. : Crossway Books, 1998 (The Crossway Classic Commentaries), S. 282) The law exists for restraint, but there is nothing to restrain in these qualities (Arichea, Daniel C. ; Nida, Eugene Albert: A Handbook on Paul's Letter to the Galatians. New York : United Bible Societies, 1993 (UBS Handbook Series; Helps for Translators), S. 141). Paul here is using a figure of speech called a litotes. In a litotes the writer uses a major understatement to make an important point. Not only is there no law against the good Christian virtues Paul enumerates, but these virtues are highly desirable! They are what God wants. Such attitudes and actions in the Christian conform completely to God’s holy will The believer who walks in the Spirit and manifests fruit does not need a system of law to produce the right attitudes and behavior for they rise from within. (Panning, Armin J.: Galatians, Ephesians. Milwaukee, Wis. : Northwestern Pub. House, 1997 (The People's Bible), S. 100).