THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

 

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

 

INTRODUCTION:

My dad loves planting fruit trees. Our house is surrounded by various types of fruit trees including mangoes (of different species some are the regular types while some are huge that only one is sufficient to satisfy), citrus fruits in various species (I noticed that some are juicy while some lacked the expected water content), Guavas in different shapes, taste and colours, Avocados and some other varieties of fruits to enjoy. I had my favourites when it comes to making a choice from these fruit trees. This was basically as a result of taste, size and expectations.

There is a fruit that comes with a complete “taste”, “nutrients” and satisfaction – THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. You don’t have to worry about the dangers of neglecting other needed nutrients by possessing only this FRUIT. It is a one-stop-shop for all the VIRTUES that you will need in your walk and work with God and human interpersonal relationship. When you possess this one FRUIT, you have everything but when you lack it, you will live a malnutrition, defective life. Thank God this FRUIT is available for whosoever will.

 

1. Why do you think the nine virtues listed in our lesson are referred to as “the fruit” and not “the fruits”?

The Power of dynamic and comprehensive ONE:

One dynamic/Comprehensive Spirit

·         God operates with one but dynamic Spirit

The Trinity (Oneness)

·         The Trinity remains a mystery one but unique personalities working together

Complete service/obedience (100%)

·         God requires 100% obedience which embodies all thus saith the Lord

Chain: Each link of a chain

·         A single chain is made up of single links

·         One missing or weak link destroys the process

Fruit (Output: Unified components of a unit)

·         The fruit is one but produces various good works

Beautiful for situations

·         The fruit is dynamic and applicable to various situations

Perfect virtues of the fruit

·         The fruit is perfect because the Source of it is perfect

The Ground/Heart determines the effectiveness

·         The fruit is organic and have multi petal effects

·         However, the effectiveness depends on the growth location – the heart

·         How is your heart?

Unity of the Spirit:

The reference to a single "fruit" confirms a unity in the diverse virtues produced by the Holy Spirit.

 Ephesians 4:3: "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Holistic Character Development:

   The nine virtues (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance) represent a holistic, interconnected development of character rather than separate, isolated traits.

Galatians 5:2223: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Divine Transformation:

 The fruit metaphor emphasizes that these qualities are not achieved through human effort but through divine transformation via the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Organic Growth:

 Just like fruit grows from a tree, the virtues are a natural outcome of a life that is abiding in Christ. This emphasizes that they grow out of a relationship rather than mere adherence to rules.

 John 15:45: "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me."

Source Essence:

 The singular term "fruit" indicates that all these virtues stem from the same source, which is the Holy Spirit. They are expressions of the same godly character rather than independent achievements.

Galatians 5:25: "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

Expectation of Growth:

  As believers yield to the Holy Spirit, they can expect to cultivate these characteristics collectively, promoting a lifestyle that reflects Christ's nature.

 Philippians 1:11: "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."

 

2. Explain why the flesh must be crucified if we are to be fruitbearing Christians.

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Contrary: The flesh and spiritual fruitfulness

-Identity

-Location

-Contrary motion/direction

-Purpose

-Operations

-Input

-Output

Components

·         The flesh is rooted in corruption

·         The flesh seed is corrupt and defective

·         Spiritual fruitfulness is pure and undiluted

·         Both cannot produce same output

Flesh is a Weed/Pest to Spiritual tree

Flesh is death

Incompatibility of the Flesh and the Spirit:

   The desires of the flesh are in direct opposition to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, making it necessary to crucify the flesh to produce the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:17: "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."

Self-Denial:

 Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves and take up their cross, emphasizing the need to forsake worldly desires and live for Him to bear spiritual fruit.

Matthew 16:24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

Transformational Power:

 Crucifying the flesh allows for the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live in a manner that reflects Christ and produces the fruit He desires.

Romans 12:12: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

Freedom from Sin:

   When the flesh is crucified, believers experience liberation from the bondage of sin, allowing for a life characterized by righteousness and good works.

Romans 6:6: "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."

Growth in Christlikeness:

   Acknowledging and crucifying the flesh is crucial for spiritual growth, enabling believers to embody Christlike virtues and bear fruit in their lives and the lives of others.

Galatians 5:24: "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."

Witness to the World:

 A crucified flesh reflects a life transformed by Christ, serving as a powerful witness to others and demonstrating the reality of the Gospel.

 Philippians 1:27: "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit..."

Dependency on the Holy Spirit:

 Dying to the flesh emphasizes the need for reliance on the Holy Spirit rather than personal strength, allowing for true fruitfulness in service to God.

 John 15:5: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

 

3. What do the nine virtues of the Spirit have in common?

SPIRITUAL:

Imparted

·         They are spiritually imparted

·         It is possible to have this at moral level but it won’t stand the test of time

Identity

·         They are spiritual identity

Evidence

·         Evidence of inside grace transformation

Controlled

·         Spiritually controlled and guided

Organic

·         They reproduce same spirit-filled virtues

·         They multiply in compounding measures and outputs

Not carnal

·         They are non-compliance to carnality

Reflection of God's Character:

 All nine virtues—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance—embody attributes of God Himself, demonstrating that they are divine qualities intended for believers to cultivate.

 1 John 4:8: "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

Interconnectedness:

 The virtues are not isolated traits; they work together to create a holistic expression of Christian character and behavior, emphasizing that spiritual maturity encompasses all these qualities.

2 Peter 1:58: "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Growth Through the Holy Spirit:

 These virtues are the result of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of a believer, emphasizing the need for dependence on Him for spiritual growth and transformation.

Philippians 1:11: "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."

Evidence of a Transformed Life:

 The presence of these virtues serves as a visible testament to the transformative work of Christ in a believer’s life, evidencing a genuine faith.

 Matthew 7:20: "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

Promotion of Healthy Relationships:

  Many of the virtues focus on interpersonal relationships, highlighting their role in fostering love, peace, patience, and unity within the body of Christ and beyond.

 Romans 12:18: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."

Fulfillment of the Law:

 Living out these virtues fulfills the moral requirements of the law by promoting love and good works, demonstrating that true obedience arises from a Spiritfilled life.

Galatians 5:14: "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

Growth in Spiritual Maturity:

 Collectively, these virtues contribute to the growth and maturity of a believer, enabling them to represent Christ effectively in their actions and attitudes.

 Colossians 1:10: "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

 

4. List the fruit of the Spirit. Then name some benefits that Christians enjoy from having each of these virtues in their lives.

1. Love

·         God’s love experienced personally

·         Extension of same to others

·         You cant give what you don’t have

2. Joy

·         The type of joy that God gives

·         Electricity of life

3. Peace

·         God-given peace

·         On top of situations

4. Longsuffering (Patience)

·         Calm, cool and collected

5. Gentleness

·         Experienced God’s love

6. Goodness

·         See the goodness in everything

·         To the deserving and undeserving

7. Faith

·         Know your God, assured of His promises

·         High expectations

8. Meekness

·         Moderate in thoughts, actions and reactions

9. Temperance (Self-control)

·         Guided

·         Instructed

·         In control

Love

Benefit: Fosters unity and strengthens relationships both within the church and in personal interactions.

   1 Corinthians 13:47: "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up..."

 Joy

Benefit: Provides strength and resilience in difficult times, helping believers maintain a positive outlook regardless of circumstances.

   Nehemiah 8:10: "...for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

 Peace

 Benefit: Brings comfort and reassurance in times of turmoil, allowing believers to experience tranquility in their hearts and minds.

   Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

 Longsuffering (Patience)

Benefit: Enables believers to endure trials and challenges with grace, promoting perseverance and reducing frustration in relationships.

   James 1:24: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."

 Gentleness

Benefit: Encourages compassion and forgiveness, creating an environment of kindness that fosters emotional healing and unity.

   Ephesians 4:32: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

 Goodness

 Benefit: Inspires acts of kindness and moral integrity, which can have a profound impact on others and encourage a community of trust and support.

   Galatians 6:10: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

 Faith

Benefit: Strengthens reliance on God, deepening trust in His promises and guidance, which leads to a more fulfilling spiritual life.

   Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

 Meekness

 Benefit: Promotes humility and a teachable spirit, fostering better relationships and reducing conflict through a willingness to serve others.

   Matthew 5:5: "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."

 Temperance (Self-control)

Benefit: Helps believers resist temptation and make wise choices, leading to a disciplined life that honors God and is free from destructive behaviors.

   1 Corinthians 9:25: "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things..."

 

5. Why can a Christian still feel peace when things go wrong?

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The Source

·         Connected to the Source of Peace

Absolute peace

·         Spiritual systemic peace

·         Not relative peace

Comprehensive

·         Beautiful for situations

·         All-purpose

·         All-season

Wholesome (Body, Spirit and Soul)

·         One-stop-shop for Wholeness and Wellness

·         Takes care of the Body, Spirit and the soul

Know whom you believed

·         A Principal that is actually what He says He is

·         Dependable, failure-proof

Walking and working with God

·         In Christ abiding

·         Remain within the covenant territory

·         Serving God’s purpose

Come to pass away

·         Even when it hurts, it is but for a moment

·         It has an expiry date

·         It has come to pass away

Purposeful

·         For blessing, not for destruction

·         For promotion to higher grounds, opportunities and responsibilities

Presence of God:

   The assurance of God’s constant presence provides comfort and peace, even amidst turmoil. Believers know they are not alone in their struggles.

  Isaiah 41:10: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

 Peace from Christ:

   Jesus offers a peace that transcends understanding, not based on circumstances but rooted in His love and sovereignty.

   John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

 Assurance of His Goodness:

   Believers trust that God's plans are ultimately for their good, even when they cannot see the full picture or understand their circumstances.

   Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

 Hope in the Eternal:

   Christians have an eternal perspective, knowing that their trials are temporary and that they have a future hope that sustains them.

   2 Corinthians 4:1718: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

 Prayer and Supplication:

   Engaging in prayer and bringing worries before God invites His peace into anxious situations, reinforcing trust in His ability to handle difficult circumstances.

Philippians 4:67: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

 Strength in Weakness:

   In times of struggle, believers can find strength not in themselves but in Christ, who empowers them to endure and remain peaceful.

2 Corinthians 12:9: "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

 Support:

   The community of fellow believers provides encouragement and support, reminding Christians of God’s faithfulness and helping them to maintain a peaceful perspective.

Hebrews 10:2425: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another..."

 Focus on God’s Promises:

   Meditating on God’s promises helps to cultivate peace, reinforcing faith in His plans and character during uncertain times.

Psalm 119:165: "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."

 

6. Describe an incident in which the fruit of the Spirit really proved to be a benefit to the one who exhibited a specific virtue.

Incident: The Trials of Job

 Context of Adversity:

   Job faced multiple calamities, including the loss of his children, wealth, and health. Despite his immense suffering, he showed remarkable patience and faith.

 Exemplification of Longsuffering:

   Throughout his suffering, Job did not curse God or abandon his faith, showcasing a profound capacity for patience.

   Job 1:21: "And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

 Trust in God's Sovereignty:

   Job continued to trust in God's character and sovereignty despite his circumstances, illustrating his deeprooted faith.

   Job 13:15: "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: I will maintain mine own ways before him."

 Patience:

   Job's friends, initially coming to comfort him, became sources of frustration with their misguided advice. Job exhibited patience not only toward God but also toward them in long dialogues, enduring their accusations and defending his integrity.

   Job 16:23: "I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all. Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?"

 Restoration and Blessing:

   In the end, Job’s patience and faithfulness were rewarded. God restored his fortunes and blessed him even more abundantly than before his trials, demonstrating the benefit of exhibiting the virtue of longsuffering.

   Job 42:10: "And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before."

 Benefits of Longsuffering Exhibited by Job:

 Strengthened Faith: Job’s enduring patience deepened his relationship with God and strengthened his faith, which became a testament to generations of believers.

   James 5:11: "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."

 Witness to Others: Job's response to suffering served as a powerful witness to his community and to future generations about the importance of maintaining faith and patience in trials.

   1 Peter 2:12: "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."

 Inspiration for Endurance: Job’s story encourages believers today to practice longsuffering, cultivating patience in their own lives as they face challenges.

   Romans 15:4: "For whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

 

7. How can the fruit of a tree be used to determine the worth of the tree that is bearing it? See Matthew 7:1618.

Matthew 7:1618 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Identity

·         Each tree has a name

·         Often identified by the name of the fruit

Choice

·         When selecting a certain fruit tree, the fruit is used as a choice for selection

Input efforts

·         The tree and its fruit are naturally predetermined

·         Certain suitable and peculiar inputs are ensured for best production

Output Expectations

·         Expected output is normal, all things being equal

·         Wrong expectation can result to surprises but that should not be

·         A Sinner is accustomed to commit sin (don’t be surprised)

·         A Saint is identified by his/her fruits

Fruit differentiates/Clarifies

·         Identity of the tree is known and established by the fruit

Understanding the Metaphor of Fruit and Trees:

 Identification of True Nature:

   Just as a tree is known by its fruit, a person's character and spiritual health can be assessed by their actions and behaviors. This serves as a reminder that outward expressions reflect inner beliefs and values.

Matthew 7:16: "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"

 Quality of Fruit Reflects Quality of the Tree:

   Good fruit (positive actions, virtues, and character) signifies a healthy, wellnourished tree (a life rooted in Christ), while bad fruit (negative actions and behaviors) indicates a defective or unhealthy tree (one not aligned with God's principles).

Matthew 7:17: "Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit."

 The Importance of Spiritual Discernment:

   The fruit produced can help discern if someone is genuinely following Christ or if they are false.

   Matthew 7:20: "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

 Impact on Witness:

   Positive fruit can draw people to Christ, whereas negative fruit can lead to misunderstanding or rejection of the faith.

   Philippians 1:11: "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."

 Accountability Before God:

   Just as trees are evaluated based on their fruit, believers will be held accountable for their actions and the impact they have on others, emphasizing the importance of living authentically in accordance with faith.

Romans 14:12: "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."

 The Transformation Process:

   A tree that bears good fruit has undergone a process of growth, symbolizing that a believer, through the work of the Holy Spirit, can experience transformation that leads to positive outcomes in their life.

John 15:2: "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."

Self-Examination:

   What type of fruit are you producing? This reflection can help identify areas for improvement.

 2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves..."

 

8. Self-image is an important concept in our society. Distinguish between self-improvement and the fruit of the Spirit.

Romans 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Name Vs. Character

·         If you desire a good image or name, work on your character and conduct

·         Your character makes you name

Self

·         Self is natural

·         Self needs a structured system and method of operations to moderate it

·         Relying on self alone can be counter productive

·         If you desire to be your best, improve your SELF with godly virtues

Imparted virtues

·         Spiritual virtues are imparted and not self-made

Under authority to issue authority

·         You can only have dominion over self if you subject it to God’s authority

·         When you do that, you will have the capacity to issue God’s authority

It is not in man

·         A natural man has nothing good to offer

·         Morality is a shadow of the measure of godly virtues

Nothing like the original

·         If it is like it, it is not it!

·         Get the original

Transformation is the key

·         The spirit produces the virtues

·         Salvation transforms and empowers

 

 Distinctions Between Self-Improvement and the Fruit of the Spirit

 Source of Transformation:

   Self-Improvement: Often relies on personal effort, selfdiscipline, and techniques that focus on external methods for growth, potentially leading to a reliance on one's own strength.

   Fruit of the Spirit: Rooted in the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that true change comes from God rather than through human effort.

Galatians 5:2223: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

 Nature of Change:

   SelfImprovement: Focuses on personal ambition, achievement, and external markers of success, which may or may not align with Christian values.

   Fruit of the Spirit: Represents a character change that reflects Christ’s nature, emphasizing internal transformation that affects not just oneself but also relationships with others.

 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

 Motivation:

   SelfImprovement: Driven by personal goals, societal standards, or the pursuit of happiness, which can lead to pride or comparison with others.

   Fruit of the Spirit: Motivated by love for God and others, reflecting a desire to glorify God rather than self, fostering humility and service.

Colossians 3:2324: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."

 End Result:

   SelfImprovement: The outcome may provide temporary satisfaction and selfconfidence but may lack lasting spiritual fulfillment.

   Fruit of the Spirit: Produces lasting joy, peace, and unity, as well as a witness to others of the transformative power of Christ in a believer’s life.

Philippians 1:11: "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."

 Impact on Relationships:

   SelfImprovement: Can sometimes foster a sense of solitude or competition, as individuals focus on personal achievement over community.

   Fruit of the Spirit: Enhances relationships, encourages community, and promotes selflessness, drawing people together in love and harmony.

Romans 14:19: "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."

 Longevity and Sustainability:

   SelfImprovement: Changes sought through selfeffort may prove unsustainable over time without continual personal motivation and effort.

   Fruit of the Spirit: Enduring and continual growth in character is nurtured by a relationship with the Holy Spirit, ensuring continuous spiritual development.

John 15:5: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

 

9. How can you be sure you have the fruit of the Spirit in your life?

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Spirit’s witness

·         It is a relationship between a natural man and the Spirit

·         The Spirit will endorse the new imparted virtues

Seed effect

·         The evidence of the inward transformation will reflect through the virtues

Quickened in this present life

·         We are in the world but living as citizens of Heaven

·         We are not subject to the world and its corruption

·         Weare empowered and quickened to a new living lifestyle

Live every day of your life

·         The fruit of the Spirit makes us live every day of our lives

·         We are the first partaker of the virtues

Relationship (Walk and work with God)

·         The fruit of the Spirit helps us to walk with God

·         We are empowered through the fruit of the Spirit to work with God

 

Ways to Confirm the Presence of the Fruit of the Spirit in Your Life

 Examine Your Actions and Attitudes:

   Look for the manifestation of the nine virtues of the Spirit in your daily actions and attitudes. The presence of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance provides evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in your life.

Galatians 5:2223: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

 Assess Your Relationships:

   Consider how you interact with others. Are you demonstrating love, kindness, and patience? The way you treat others can indicate whether the fruit of the Spirit is present.

1 John 4:2021: "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also."

 Reflection on Personal Growth:

   Think about how you have changed over time. Growth in the fruit of the Spirit often reflects spiritual maturity and the work of the Holy Spirit in your life.

2 Peter 3:18: "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ..."

 Inner Peace Despite Circumstances:

   Evaluate your level of peace in times of trouble. Those who possess the fruit of the Spirit often maintain peace even during difficult situations, trusting in God’s sovereignty.

Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

 Desire for Holiness and Righteousness:

   A growing desire to live a life pleasing to God and to pursue righteousness is a sign of the Holy Spirit's work in your heart.

Matthew 5:6: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."

 Conviction of Sin:

   Feeling a sense of conviction when you sin or fall short of God's standards is a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence. The Spirit works in believers to bring awareness of sin and promote repentance.

John 16:8: "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment."

 Joy in Serving Others:

   If you find joy and fulfillment in serving God and others, it reflects the fruit of the Spirit in action. Genuine service motivated by love shows the character of Christ in you.

Galatians 5:13: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."

 Fruitfulness in Ministry:

   Look for the impact of your life and ministry on others. Testifying of God’s goodness and seeing lives affected reflects the fruit being evident in your life.

John 15:8: "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."

 

CONCLUSSION:

Are you bearing the expected virtues of the fruit the Spirit? The single virtue that you neglect or that is missing will negate the other 99 virtues. God’s expectation is 100%. Whatever virtue that is lacking can be updated today.