WHAT IS THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT?
In Galatians 5:16 we are told about a choice we make EVERY day of
our life.
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of
the flesh.
We can walk in the Spirit and become like Christ or we can walk
in ourselves and accomplish the deeds
of the flesh.
verses 19-21: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and
witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage,
selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, and
orgies.
ORlove, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.
What does “walking in the Spirit” mean?
It means to walk in step with the Spirit-to
let Him determine where we are going,
how fast we are going and what we are going
to do.
It is the same idea that Jesus talked
about in John 15 of “abiding in Him.”
The key to this teaching is that the branch of the plant
only bears the fruit; it doesn’t produce it.”
This requires continual contact with the Spirit.
Do you like wax fruit?
Fruit equals the evidence, the
character or the manifestation of the
nature of the plant that produces it.
Notice that it doesn’t say “fruits” of the
Spirit.
God made it easy for us. He lets us do ONE thing and as a result of
that we get all 9 of these as results in our
life.
The Galatians were trying to be righteous by their own actions.
Paul told them this would never work.
We need that same message today.
Galatians 2:20-“I have been crucified
with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for
me.”
HOW DO WE YIELD OURSELVES TO JESUS?
WE HAVE TO TRUST JESUS TO BE IN
CHARGE.
HOW ARE WE ABLE TO TRUST HIM?
LOOK AT HIS TRACK RECORD
“. . .and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for
me.”
As we look at each of these nine
characteristics in the weeks ahead,
let them be an encouragement to walk in the Spirit so
that He might work a mighty work of revival
in our lives.
John 15:8-“By this My Father is
glorified, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my
disciples.”
The branch of the plant only bears the
fruit; it doesn’t produce it.
We only bear the fruit of the Spirit; He
produces it.