Introduction

Good morning, family. Today, we're going to delve into a subject that's as familiar as it is profound - the Fruit of the Spirit. You know, as Christians, we're often encouraged to bear good fruit, yet we may struggle to understand what exactly this means.

In the words of pastor and author, John MacArthur, "The fruit of the Spirit is fundamentally relational… To walk in the Spirit is to walk in harmony with the person of the Spirit, manifesting His character."

Let's have a look at what Paul wrote to the Galatians in chapter 5, verses 22 to 26:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."

What a powerful passage!

The Fruit of the Spirit

The Fruit of the Spirit is a list of nine virtues that should be the natural product of a life lived in the Spirit. These virtues are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Each of these fruits is not an isolated attribute, but rather, they are interconnected and interdependent, forming a comprehensive depiction of the character of Christ.

Love, the first fruit: It’s the cornerstone of all the other fruits. It is the greatest commandment, as Jesus Himself stated in Matthew 22:37-39, to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. This love is not a mere feeling, but a selfless, sacrificial action that seeks the best for others. It is the kind of love that God demonstrated towards us in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins.

Joy, the second fruit: It’s a deep-seated delight in God and His goodness. It is not dependent on circumstances, but rather, it is rooted in the unchanging character of God. Even in the midst of trials and tribulations, we can experience joy because we know that God is with us and He is working all things together for our good.

Peace, the third fruit: It’s a sense of tranquility and wholeness that comes from being reconciled with God through Christ. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding, as Paul describes in Philippians 4:7. This peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, enabling us to remain calm and composed even in the face of adversity.

Patience, the fourth fruit: It’s the ability to endure hardship with a positive attitude, trusting in God's timing and His perfect plan. It is closely linked with faithfulness, the seventh fruit, which is a steadfast loyalty and commitment to God and His Word.

Kindness and goodness, the fifth and sixth fruits: They are expressions of God's benevolence towards us. They are demonstrated in acts of compassion, generosity, and mercy towards others.

Gentleness, the eighth fruit: It’s a humble and meek spirit that reflects the humility of Christ. It is not weakness, but rather, it is strength under control.

Self-control, the ninth fruit: It’s the ability to master our desires and impulses, submitting them to the lordship of Christ. It is a crucial virtue in resisting temptation and living a holy life.

Can’t produce on our own: It is the work of the Holy Spirit in us, transforming us into the likeness of Christ. As we abide in Christ and surrender to the Holy Spirit, these fruits will naturally grow in our lives.

Requires active cooperation with the Holy Spirit: We need to cultivate these virtues through prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, and obedience to God's Word.

A testimony to the world: When people see these virtues manifested in our lives, they will be drawn to Christ. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

The Desires of the Flesh

The desires of the flesh are not merely about physical or sensual appetites ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO