Chico Alliance Church
“Fruit of a spirit controlled Life”
"You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you. John 15:16
People can identify the root of a plant by the fruit of a plant. Can people identify your root by your fruit? God communicated through Paul the blessing of new life in Christ. Through the work of Christ we have been lifted to a new sphere of living. It is not enough to attend church and hear words spoken through a man. He paints contrasting portraits all through his letter. The truth presented here is foundational for every Christian. Until you understand the principles here you will not experience the abundant life in the spirit as promised and produced by Jesus. How do we know whether our walk is on the flesh level of the spirit level? Paul touches on four basic areas where life in the Spirit clearly opposes life in the flesh. These are like warning lights on the dash board indicating a problem.
A. Life in the spirit serves not swallows one another
B. Life in the spirit lives by the spirit not the flesh
Driven by the flesh or Led by the Spirit
Slide – Scripture
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-25
How do we know when we live life on a fleshly plane? Look for the signs. How do we know when we live life on a spiritual plane? Look for the fruit! Paul wanted these believers to realize that fleshly living is not to become the norm for Christians. He did not want them to become used to fleshly living and call it spiritual because there were spiritual activities from time to time. He did not want them to settle for less than laying hold of the eternal life in Christ. He wanted them to realize the utter perversion of the flesh and its resulting death producing deeds, especially when contrasted to the life producing fruit of the Spirit. So much so that they would agree with God and cry out to God to crucify the flesh.
SENSUAL CLUES TO A FLESHLY FOCUS
“Immorality” (pornea) “Impurity” “Sensuality” “Drunkenness & carousing”
These all represent a focus on or absorbing with the sensual aspects of life on this earthy. God designed the sensory aspect of our being. He designed it to operate under the careful control of the spirit. The sensory aspect of our being was designed to function in conjunction with an intimate dynamic relationship with the Creator. The sensory aspect of our being serves only to enhance and develop deeper relationship with the Creator. A warm feeling, a beautiful sunset, a warm relationship, the fully engaging dynamics of a good marital relationship, pleasant sounds, visual stimulation, tantalizing tastes are all given by a loving father who has given all things to enjoy. They are intended to be experienced as a result of relationship with Him. When these things are pursued as a substitute for intimate relationship with Him they become a driving and destructive absorption. Paul is trying to communicate the truth that life is not to be sought on the level of the flesh. Life must be pursued through intimate relationship with God through the indwelling presence of the Spirit of Christ who entered at salvation. How we know the focus of our life is by examining the life. If we are driven by the sensual and most of our life is take up by its pursuit, we are walking in the flesh.
DEVOTIONAL CLUES TO A FLESHLY WALK
“Idolatry”
This is the tendency to grant higher priority to people or things than God. The previous leans to the pursuit of pleasure. This focuses on our tendency to find life in people and things. The whole struggle with codependency in our culture is idolatry. The whole struggle with possession and things is a struggle with greed which amount to idolatry.
Jeremiah 17:5-9
“sorcery” (pharmakeia)
Attempt to control our environment or people for selfish reasons through ritual or curse or incantation or action.
RELATIONAL CLUES TO A FLESHLY WALK
“enmities” “strife” “jealousy” “outburst of anger” “selfish ambition” “divisions” “heresies” “envying”
We are in a culture that continually makes decisions on the basis of these things. How will it make me feel? What will I gain? How will it make me look in front of people? A life driven by the flesh and not led by the Spirit is a self-centered life whose ultimate concern is how does it affect me. The bottom line is how it effects me. When we have a whole group of people operating out of the selfishness of a fleshly focus, we have relational disaster. Marriages, committees, missionaries, pastors, youth groups, Sunday School classes, churches, Bible Schools, denominations, you name it … all will see the biting and devouring for personal gain at some level. Where selfish ambition and bitter jealousy exist said the Spirit through James, you have disorder and evil of every kind. What can we expect then from a life that is in touch with the Spirit of God and pursues life on the level of the spirit rather than the flesh? I urge you to allow the spirit of God to conduct a search for such fruit in your life this morning.
Rejoice at its presence and long for more fruit.
Repent at its absence and learn what it means to walk in the Spirit.
Inspect the fruit.
Here he presents God’s fruit tree. The word for fruit here is in the singular. It is the singular manifestation of the Spirit’s character in the life of the believer that may be viewed in many facets or applications of life. It is character manifesting in life. If he is there and we are abiding in Him, each of these characteristics may be seen. Each of these characteristics could be a whole series in themselves. I want us to see the fruit as a whole and understand them enough to identify their presence of absence in our life. I would say the great test is not that we have practiced or seen these things in our life at one time or even occasionally but rather that the general demeanor and course of our life is characterized by these things. This is who we are. If this is the character of Christ and the Spirit of Christ is living in and through us, it follows that people would notice his character.
LOVE
If you want to see this in action, read the Gospels. Jesus lived love. Love directed every decision and act of his life. It is God’s nature. God is love. Jesus said we can love because he first loved us. Love one another AS I have loved you. No greater love than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. Jesus both taught and modeled this love. Out of all the words to use for love God used agape. It is a voluntary decision or act of the will that flows out of (based upon) the character and compassionate heart of the one loving which compels them to pursue, accept, meaningfully touch and give of themselves to the one being loved. This kind of love is the primary outward demonstration of ones commitment to Christ. They will know you are Christians by your love for one another. There is a great deal in Scripture about this love. You can see it in action in 1 Corinthians 13 and Romans 12.
Paul prayed for the Ephesian church that they would come to really understand Christ’s love for them and through them. So that they would be filled to the fullness of God who is himself love. The essence of God’s fullness is to experience and express love. This love was shed abroad in our heart by the Holy Spirit who was given to us at salvation. Therefore it is not something we must manufacture but manifest as a result of walking in the Spirit. It is the opposite of selfishness and bitter jealousy. Love is eternal and therefore continues to excel still more. Does this kind of selfless giving and pursuit of other characterize our life?
JOY
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. John 15:11
"But now I come to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy made full in themselves. John 17:13
What things did Jesus speak of? There were so many things mentioned in those last days.
He spoke of true life, the coming indwelling Holy Spirit, life hereafter, His death and resurrection, tribulation, coming mansions. It is from the same family as to rejoice. Joy is the internal rejoicing is the external manifestation of the internal joy. Christ joy is based on confident realization of the truth. It is not dependent on present circumstances but faith in the God who works all things together for good to those that are called and love Him.
Therefore, Jesus himself endured the cross and thought little of the shame suffered on earth in light of the joy set before Him. God exhibited the results of the suffering before Him. With the eyes of faith Jesus rejoiced even in the midst of tribulation. Joy in the midst of tribulation and suffering because of an eternal outlook most graphically demonstrates the depth of character and reality of one walking by the Spirit. Happiness depends on temporal circumstances. Joy flows out of an eternal consciousness granted by the Spirit. In fact, we are instructed to consider it all joy and to rejoice at suffering and tribulation.
The joy of the Lord is our strength. The inability to do so indicates a faulty perception of God and ourselves.
PEACE
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27
Jesus had peace because he understood the eternal picture. Peace is an internal confidence that our good God is able to do what He said he would do. Peace with God comes through a realization that Jesus paid the debt. We have peace with God having been justified.
Peace in circumstances comes as we rejoice in His presence and learn to talk to him about everything and the peace of God guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philip. 4:4-7
Through the work of the Holy Spirit in us there is also the possibility of peace with others and ourselves. You see, like joy, peace is based on entrusting our souls on the faithful creator. Do you have peace? How do you respond to life?
PATIENCE
This word is actually the combination of two Greek words. “Long” and “anger”
The word for anger is a flash fire kind of anger, one that flares up with only a tiny spark. It is the opposite of outburst of anger generated by the flesh. When we are tied up by pursuit of satisfying the flesh we are uptight, defeated, frustrated and any little spark can ignite a response. The Holy Spirit’s work in our life restrains such reaction for the purpose of ministry to the needs of other not manipulation to my wants. Paul prayed for the Colossians that they might attain such demonstration of love.
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all endurance and longsuffering with joyfulness; Col. 1:11
These are the characteristics of the children of God. We are commanded to put them on. We are commanded to live this way.
GOODNESS
A man addressed Jesus one day as “good teacher” tell me how to inherit eternal life.
Jesus responded by asking, "Why do you call me good? Only God is truly good.”
Mark 10:18
By his answer Jesus communicated two things. Goodness is a core characteristic of God.
Since this core characteristic of goodness was recognized in Jesus, He must either be God or at least touched by Him to speak for Him in answering his question.
Luke summarized the ministry of Jesus on this earth this way.
"You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him. Acts 10:38
God is great, God is good. God can only do those things which are right, beneficial, beautiful. You see good and bad in our culture are terms which change with culture. In the last days good will be called evil and evil good. True goodness can only be determined from an eternal perspective. Goodness is measured against the person and purposes of God. We have a good God who works all things together for good because He himself is good. Only as we walk with Him and practice good will we be able to discern what is truly good and what is not. Hebrews 5 is clear that practice trains the soul to discern what is good and continue to do good.
If we walk by His spirit, our actions and attitudes will be good.
And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. Gal 6:9
But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. 2 Thes. 3:13
And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16
Do the things we do bring benefit or destruction to others. Do we hurt or help those who cross our path each day. When we live in close communication the Spirit, the fruit of our life will be goodness toward others. The apostles later in Acts were recognized as those having been with Jesus. Perhaps in time our lives too will be recognized as having been with Jesus.
KINDNESS
In relation to God this word describes something that goes beyond internal feelings but actions which touch the life of others.
Rom 2:3-4 speaks of the “kindness” of God that leads to repentance.
Eph 2 speaks of God making us alive together with Christ so that in the ages to come he might continually demonstrate to us for eternity the surpassing riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Titus 3 speaks of the kindness of God and love for mankind appearing resulting in salvation on the basis of mercy not personal works so that we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
In the Godhead kindness acts on behalf of the helpless to relive their misery or reinforce their sense of love and acceptance. Kindness is an action on our part to relive misery or reinforce a sense of worth, love and acceptance to others. It is who God is, it is what He does. If we are in tune with the Holy Spirit in our lives it is what we do because it is who we are as sons of the Most High God.
FAITHFULNESS
This characteristic is one who is full of faith or one who is trustworthy, faith-worthy. Jesus demonstrated faithfulness all though his life. In Hebrews God called Him a “faithful son”. Do we live by faith? Are we faith-worthy? Do we follow through on our promises to God and others? Can people count on us? If we are living by the flesh that the only thing that counts is our comfort or welfare. If we live by the Spirit, we will be concerned about what is right and good and therefore be faithful to what is good and right in the sight of God.
GENTLENESS
“I long to approach others with disarming confident softness.” From a heart of humility comes a manner of dealing with and approaching and responding to people that communicates deep love and care that encourages open response rather than active resistance. The word was used in relation to the taming of animals. It is a disposition or manner that approaches others with calmness and disarming softness even though you might have the power or position to annihilate them. Jesus called us to “learn gentleness and humility from me”
It is a key to effective correction. 2 Tim. 2:25
It is the fruit of wisdom. James 3:13
It is the key to effective evangelism 1 Peter 3:15
This gentleness draws others to listen and seek help or counsel. This is an approach of manner that is inviting and disarming. The “meek” or gentle will inherit the earth not the brash and macho. We think it is admirable to flex muscles or intellectual acuity and cut the person to shreds. We think it good to act as policeman to point out the evil in others. It is the character of God not to deal with us or our sin as it truly deserves. There are many examples of this gentleness in the Bible. Jesus of course is the primary model.
Woman at the well The woman who anointed His feet The little children The disciples Those in need The thief on the cross
The Bible recognizes Moses as the gentlest leader Numbers 12:3
New Kingdom people approach one another with disarming gentleness.
2 Malign no one, be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. Titus 3:2
Note: This is basic response and approach. Some conditions warrant different approaches. At times a stronger, firmer approach may be necessary. Gentleness however is the FIRST approach and comes from a realization that God is in control not my voice or firmness.
I have nothing to prove. God has created in us heart designed to respond to people just as He responds. Do people cringe when you approach them? Do you cause people to put up walls around their heart or encourage them to open doors? Everyone knows they do wrong. So often we don’t need someone to bring in the bulldozers and break our spirits. A soft answer turns away wrath. A gentle word or a gentle touch goes a long way in opening doors of opportunity to truly minister beneath the surface. Without this gentleness we will respond but not allow anyone past our protective barriers to touch some of the deeper issues with which we continually wrestle. One who lives their life by the character is inviting not repelling.
SELF CONTROL
This has to do with dominion or power over self. It has to do with perseverance, steadfastness. This is not self controlling but self being controlled and managed. It is the opposite of self-indulgent. Self out of control. Self or flesh driving the life rather than the spirit. The flesh is out of control and drives us. The spirit is able to live in a controlled manner wither it has to do with our words, our emotions, our, actions, our appetites, our time, our thoughts, our moods, our desires, our spending, our eating, our sleeping.
Self will either control the life or be controlled by the spirit.
The quality of self-control acts as a thermostat of life. It is the moderation gage. The Spirit does all things for a purpose. The flesh seeks fulfillment from things related to the soul and body only. The flesh drives us to overindulge, to abuse good things because there is no real satisfaction. When we walk by the spirit we are able to enjoy all things created by God to enjoy because our basic longings are touched significantly by the Spirit.
CONCLUSION
"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: 'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. 'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. 'Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich, and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. 'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent. 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me. 'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' " Rev. 3:14-22
Listen to the Holy Spirit concerning your life today. Are you bearing fruit that lasts? Can people identify the root of your life by the fruit of your life? Are these what characterize the general course of our daily life?
Lay aside every sin and encumbrance and run with endurance the race looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12
What would God have me to do?
What areas demonstrate a lack of His refreshing fruit?
