THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

By W. G. Guy

Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

The Fruit of the Spirit is the character and nature of God; it is His glory or dignity. This article requires an introduction. I have not heard this message preached anywhere, so here it is. God put His image and likeness in man when God formed Him from the dust of the ground and breathed His own Spirit (His character and nature) into man.

Genesis 2:7 – And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

This image and likeness of God is listed as the Fruit of the Spirit in the above passage. It is God’s own character and nature that was put into man.

Genesis 1:27 – So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Note: only two genders, for you liberals.)

  Mankind lost His image and likeness due to sin, which is known as spiritual death, or separation from God.

Genesis 3:16-17 – And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

          Now consider God’s plan of redemption which He established before the world’s social order of humanity. When sin entered human existence all of man's Godlinees and righteousness was lost.

Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;  (Note: the word “glory” used here comes from the Greek word “doxa” which means dignity; and dignity refers to one’s character and nature.)

  God’s plan of redemption restores His image and likeness, His character and nature, or His glory, back to man: but this is only achieved through accepting what Jesus Christ did on the cross to atone for our sins. (Note: redemption means to restore to the original state – to abide in His Glory, His character and nature.)

2 Corinthians 3:18 – But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

          In God’s plan of redemption, we mortals are transferred from our carnal glory (character and nature) to His divine GLORY, (His character and nature).

          After His resurrection from the grave, Jesus met with His disciples in a closed room, and after greeting them, He breathed His Spirit on (and into) them.

John 20:22 – And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

          This is when they were born-again. They received His Spirit, which is Holy. This is the same thing God did when He put His Spirit in Adam. Thus through Jesus Christ we can be fully restored to the way God originally formed man to be – in His image and likeness, The problem is too many Christians do not know or understand what redemption really is and what it does for them. It is death to the flesh, the “self”, with its’ carnal lusts, repenting and changing from the old sinful nature to now living by the renewed, born-again, spirit that is now within. This is a new life that is being led and guided by His Spirit.

Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

          A changed, or repented, life is now evident, (or should be).

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

          Jesus said that this changed life is required to be His disciple.

Luke 9:23 – And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Luke 14:27 – And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

The Fruit of the Spirit is all about being conformed to His image.

Colossians 1:27 – To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Romans 8:29 – For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Galatians 4:19 – My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

          This passage speaks of the purpose and importance of the Fruit of the Spirit; because this Fruit is what forms Christ in us.

  This is what God, the Father, is looking for in each of us as being His children and joint heirs with Jesus.

John 15:1-5 – I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 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. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 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. 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.

          This spiritual fruit can only be produced by the life (Spirit) of Christ living in and through a true believer. This is the Fruit that our Heavenly Father is looking for.

          Now we need to look at this Fruit and examine each peace to see its significance to us, and to God, our Heavenly Father.

LOVE – agapao, love as God has it. Love is the primary Fruit that all other fruits are subsidiaries of. God IS love and is His primary character trait. Love is also the very foundation of the kingdom of God. This is a character trait of caring for others; giving, even sacrificially, as Jesus did with His own life for our benefit. Since love is giving, the word “charity” is also used, as in 1 Corinthians 13.

John 15:13 – Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Love is the great commandment.

Matthew 22:36-39 – Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Love is the evidence that we are children of God and that He is our true Heavenly Father and we are of His family.

1 John 4:7-8 – Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Compassion is love in action: don’t just tell people of love – show them.

1 John 3:17 – But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Forgiveness is an act of love: As God forgives us by His love, we should also forgive others and show His compassion to them as He does for us.

Colossians 3:13 – Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Since LOVE is the great commandment, walking in love for God and others is the fulfilling of His commandment.

1 John 5:1-2 – Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

2. JOY – extreme exuberance and rejoicing due to gladness of heart from deep within. Recognizing what Jesus’ redemption has accomplished for us causes great joy because nothing else on earth can compare. Romans 5:11 – And not the only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received atonement.

Joy is a spiritual condition that we possess even when it is contrary to our physical experience.

Colossians 1:11-12 – Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

  Spending time in prayer and in the Word is like spending time in Hispresence which brings real joy.

Psalms 16:11 – Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Our faith in His redeeming work brings forth great joy that cannot even be spoken about it is so great.

1 Peter 8-9 – Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls

True joy is an inner spiritual experience regardless of the external pressures one endures.

Romans 14:17 – For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

3. PEACE – To be still; a quiet assurance; rest in silence without alarm, worry or fear; being safe and secure. A benefit of our redemption through Jesus’ atonement that the fear of God’s judgment for sin is removed and we have peace with God. Romans 5:1 – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 15:13 – Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

As you live and walk by faith, the peace of God will abide in and with you.

Isaiah 26:3 – Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

  When you place your cares and concern in His hands, His peace comes upon you, because of His love, grace and mercy which is directed toward you.

Philippians 4:6-7 – 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.

4. LONGSUFFERING – patience and forbearance; enduring trials and tribulations, not grumbling and griping but being faithful and obedient in faith; having confidence that you will overcome because of His loving care for you. What God allows to occur in your life is ultimately for your benefit, and not to your hurt. Romans 7:28 – 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.

You cannot be come and overcomer unless you have had something to overcome. You cannot be more than a conqueror unless you have conquered something.

Romans 5:3-5 – And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

  Tests and trials are proving grounds for faith; and help to increase your faith when you see how He takes care of the things you place in his hands.

James 1:2-4 – My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you

5. GENTLENESS – easy going; non offensive; moral goodness toward others; willing to assist without fanfare; courteous with loving care.

1 Thessalonians 2:7 – But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

Being considerate in how you interact with others.

2 Timothy 2:24 – And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

  Gentleness is a true virtue among the Godly.

Titus 3:12 – To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

6. GOODNESS – virtue, morally upright; honest and truthful; benevolent and being kind toward others. Psalm 31:19 – Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

  God reveals His goodness to us by His Spirit and His Word.

Psalm 107:8-9 – Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

Goodness is a quality trait of God but is rarely seen among mankind.

Romans 3:12 – They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

But the light of His glory (character and nature) is His light that is to shine in and through us who are His children. This light is the Fruit of the Spirit!

Ephesians 5:8-10 – For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

7.  FAITH – from the Greek word pistis, which means persuasion; assurance, confidence, trust and fidelity (or faithfulness to the faith); having a firm system of belief.

Hebrews 11:1 & 6 – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

How does faith come? It comes by hearing, reading and knowing the Word of God which is the message of the gospel, the good news of God’s love for you.

Romans 10:8 & 17 – But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

  Salvation is like a contract: it consists of and offer and an acceptance of what is offered.

Ephesians 2:8 – For by grace (God’s provision offered) are ye saved through faith (your acceptance of that offer); and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

  Faith has a condition: it must be maintained and built up so that it cannot be lost or subverted by false doctrines or vain philosophies – (Colossians 2:8).

Colossians 1:22-23 – In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

  Faith needs to be held fast and built up. Why? …because we have an enemy who wars against our faith and wants to steal, kill and destroy it – (John 10:10).

Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Jude 1:20 – But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.

Here is a concern about faith and why we need to hold fast to it. Faith can be subverted, perverted, lost, erred from and even misapplied. Faith can also be shipwrecked; overthrown; cast off or denied.

1Timothy 6:10 – For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

  If faith is shipwrecked then it will not float or carry you through troubles waters.

1 Timothy 1:19 – Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

Faith cam be overthrown by false doctrines that are presented by false preachers, prophets or teachers; which Jesus warned that there would be in the last days.

2 Timothy 2:18 – Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

Believing and accepting false doctrines will cause faith in the truth to be cast off. Believing false doctrines will not provide salvation but damnation.

1 Timothy 5:12 – Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

Holding fast to true faith and doctrine is the means of overcoming the evil that is in this vile world. Thus faith is so important because it is the means of our salvation and fellowship with God in Christ.

1 John 5:4 – For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Note also that faith will be challenged and tested. God will allow this to happen because He wants to make sure your faith is firm
and holds as fiery trials will come.

Faith is also a shield that defends us from the evil forces of the devil and his demons that we need to apply as part of our spiritual armor.

Ephesians 6:16 – Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Thus we see the importance this particular Fruit of the Spirit.

8.  MEEKNESS – being modest, humble; submissive or subjective; the opposite of being self-assertive or domineering. How we interact with others.

Galatians 6:1 – Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

  More emphasis on the Fruits of the Spirit in how we interact with others:

Colossians 3:12-13 – Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

We are to put off carnal and selfish pursuits and seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness – (Matthew 6:33).

1 Timothy 6:11 – But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Godly character nature is required of those who are His true servants; the opposite of the wolves in sheep’s clothing – (Matthew 7:15-22).

2 Timothy 2:24-25 – And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Govern your attitude toward other so that you can properly represent Jesus to them, because we will have to answer to Him in how we served others with His Word.

1 Peter 3:15 – But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Titus 3:1-2 – Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

9. TEMPERANCE – self-control; restraint; moderation in behavior as a Godly character trait. Temperance is a form of patient endurance when dealing with adverse persons, situations or conditions. Being temperate. 1 Corinthians 9:25 – And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Temperance is one of the qualifications to having a leadership position in the Church,

Titus 1:7-9 – For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

The result of having the Fruit of the Spirit formed in us is to be restored to His divine nature. In 2 Peter this Fruit is repeated but in reverse order as it shows a progressive advancement in spiritual maturity to the primary Fruit of love – charity.

2 Peter 1:4-8 – Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 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.

Of all the nine fruits of the Spirit, love or charity is the greatest, the prime Fruit.

1 Corinthians 1:13 – And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

  Conclusion: the true servants and ministers of the Lord are known by their fruit; His Fruit, produced by His life that is formed in them. This is the importance of having and knowing the Fruit of the Spirit. The false preachers, prophets and teachers do not have this fruit.

Matthew 7:20-23 – Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

This Fruit is God’s character and nature being restored back to mankind as God originally intended man to have as His children. This is accomplished by accepting Jesus as our only source of redemption.

Romans 8:19-23 – For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

1 John 3:1-3 – Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

1 Corinthians 15:49 – And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.