NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

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

Fruit can be defined as the part of a plant that consist of seeds and flesh which can be eaten as food and usually tastes sweet.  The fruit of the Spirit is the nature of behavioral pattern produced in a Christian when he is indwelt by the Spirit. Through the fruit of the Spirit, others experience God (Matthew 7:20).  The characteristics of the Fruit are based on love.  The Fruit of the Spirit is not bestowed on us, it is developed by us.

1.    The Fruit of the Spirit

(a)    Love – A strong feeling of deep affection for somebody in God’s way.  Love is God’s nature and it is selfless – 1 John 4:7-8, 1John 4:20, 1Cor. 13:1-8.

(b)   Joy – A strong feeling of great happiness which originates or comes from the heart independent of circumstances – Nehemiah 8:10, Isaiah 12:3, Philippians 4:4, 1Thessalonians 5:16.

(c)    Peace – A state of being calm or quiet.  It can also be defined as the state of living in friendship with somebody else without arguing.  Peace enables you to tap God’s power to cause change of situations – Philippians 4:6-7, John 14:27, Hebrews 12:14, Colossians 3:15, Matt. 11:28.

(d)    Longsuffering – Ability to bear or tolerate trouble or other people – Colossians 3:12-13, 2 Peter 3:9.

(e)    Kindness – A feeling of being thoughtful of others – Philippians 2:3-4, Galatians 6:2.

(f)     Goodness – A feeling of being willing to give to others – Gal. 6:9-10, 1Thess.5:15, Amos 5:14, Acts 20:35, Luke 6:38

(g)    Faithfulness – An act of being loyal and reliable – 1 Corinthians 4:2, 1Timothy 1:12, Hebrews 3:1-5, Philippians 4:13.

(h)    Gentleness – The state of being calm and kind, doing things in a quiet and careful way – 2 Timothy 2:24, Titus 3:1-2.

(i)     Temperance (Self Control) – The state of exercising self control – The ability to remain calm and not show your emotions, even though you are angry, excited, etc.-1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Philippians 4:11-12.

1.    Developing The Fruit of the Spirit

(a)    Your flesh and its lustful desires is your enemy or adversary (Gal.5:17), so deal with it – Romans 8:13.

(b)   Walk in the Spirit – Galatians 5:16.

(c)    Be submissive to the Word of God – Proverbs 4:20-22.

Conclusion:

Love is the main mark of your new life in Christ, it has to be exhibited or shown for all to see (1Jn 3:14, Col. 3:14, 1Jn 4:7-8). Give yourself to the development of The Fruit of the Spirit.