Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
- 9 characteristics (traits) of the Holy Spirit…
- If we are born of the Holy Spirit…then we have these same 9 characteristics (traits) in our born again spirit as well.
John 3:6-7 (AMP)6 What is born of [from] the flesh is flesh [of the physical is physical]; and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not [do not be surprised, astonished] at My telling you, You must all be born anew (from above).
- We should be more mature over time. Growing! Its progressive.
- We are all at different levels of maturity…but we should be progressing…baby to adult.
John 15:7-8 (NKJV) 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
- The evident of being a disciple is bearing much fruit…this is not getting people saved.
- Bearing fruit glorifies the Father…Disciples are trained to bear fruit…progressive.
- Father gets happy when we bear…love, joy, peace, longsuffering etc.
- We are acting like Him!! Proud Papa!
Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP) 22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, 23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].
- These are the byproducts of walking with God…He brings the best out of you.
- Hang out with God and you will begin to act and walk just like Him.
- EX: AFV son trying to eat just like his daddy.
Gifts with Fruit
Two camps:
- (1) Teach 1Cor 12 and 14…but never 1Cor 13…No love (fruit of the Spirit)
- (2) Teach 1Cor 13…but avoid 1Cor 12 and 14…No gifts (love replaces gifts)
- Paul taught they walk hand in hand…Not one instead of or at the expense of the other.
- “Love is the greatest gift”…No…Love is a fruit not gift…
- Look at 1Cor 12…love is not mentioned…Gal 5:22 it a fruit.
Difference between a Gift and a Fruit.
- Fruit is given for growth and maturity…for Personal development
- Gifts are given to minister with…Their perfect…to others
- As we develop in the Fruit of the Spirit…we respond and operate in the Gifts of the Spirit more accurately and proficiently.
- Our motive becomes sharper…we can hear better…we’ll do it His way with His heart.
- The Gifts are given by grace by the Holy Spirit (1Cor 12:11)
- How well we function in them depends on our maturity in bearing Fruit. (1Cor 13)
- They operate hand in hand…To operate “decently and in order” (1Cor 14:40)
- Gifts without Fruit…you’re going to hurt instead of edify people.
Sandwich…
- 1Cor 12/manifestation of H.S. as gifts
- 1Cor 13/motive on operating in gifts
- 1Cor 14/manifestation of H.S. as gifts with the right motivation. (decently and in order)
- We would welcome guidance and correction in operating in the gifts.
1 Corinthians 13:1 (NKJV) 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
- Without love as a motive…my gift will be less effective.
- Pentecostal church…rolling on floor, screeching in service, prophecy in middle of teaching.
John 13:34-35 (NKJV) 34 A new commandment (Not Suggestion) I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
- Not by the gifts…by the fruit of love.
We don’t love by advantage…if you love me then, or I benefit from them if I show love.
God’s love is unconditional…He loves the world even if it will not love Him back.
We, like God, choose to love…the more we do it becomes more natural to us.
This is our born again nature coming out as our natural response to others.
Every time we act in love we water it and nurture it in our hearts.
The developing of the Fruit of the Spirit (most important is love) the process and the speed is determined commitment and your consistence in your intimacy and fellowship with the Lord.
Walk committed to God with a new zeal and watch in one year how much you will grow spiritually…up your time of intimacy with Him.
Download MP3 Here: The Fruit of the Spirit_3_Love is a Fruit
