The fruit of the Spirit

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altya

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The fruit of the Spirit has been described as “those gracious behavior, which the Holy Spirit produces in the Christian. Throughout the Bible the word fruit refers to the evidence of what is inside of a person. When you put pressure on a person you will see what jumps out. We have to learn how to bear fruit, not when everything is fine but in bad times as well. It’s easy to bear fruit when everything is going fine, the tough part is when people don’t act nice towards you. The fruit of the spirit is powerful to crucify our own flesh which is our enemy.

Galatians 5:22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Our corrupt hearts cannot be made to produce good fruit, unless the mind is renew by the Spirit of Christ to establish the Word of God inside of our hearts/minds. And every tree, however high in gifts and honors, however green in outward professions and performances, if it brings not forth good fruit, is hewn down and cast into the fire of God's wrath, the fittest place for barren trees: what else are they good for? If not fit for fruit, they are fit for fuel.


The Power of Love:

Love gives us the power to become children of God. We were known by the love that we had for each other that we are Christians. Worldly people does not read their bibles they read Christians behavior therefore we have to be very cautious how we react.
Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest:

We have to be image bearers of Christ.

The only way to get this love right is to keep the commandments.
2 John 6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments.

With the Holy Spirit in us, we don’t have any excuse to not love.
Romans 5:4 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
 

altya

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The Power of Joy:

Joy gives us strength. Not the kind of strength to pick up heavy stuff but the kind to help us to love where it’s, worldly spoken, impossible. This is a very important key to use in times that it’s not going well with us. If we can keep our joy through difficulties, we will be so strong to overcome any situation. There is victory in joy. Joy give us the strength to overcome trail, temptations and all tribulations.
Nehemiah 8:10 for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

The Power of Peace

Peace has the power to purify us to get us clean and ready for the coming of our Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

One of the immediate results of justification is to have peace with God and give us the “right of entry” to Him. Our shame and sin, is no longer an issue before God, since He has given us a declaration of forgiveness.

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

Peace is able to bind the Christians in unity. It’s so important to be one in Spirit. If we stand together, we have the corporate anointing to deal with all situations.

Ephesians 4:2 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
 
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altya

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The Power of Longsuffering:

Longsuffering give us the power of salvation of our souls.
Tolerance will show itself in a loving acceptance of all people (including our selves).

We have to accept people in there weaknesses and limitations, but not in lack of knowledge or to encouragement of such shortcomings, since love seeks the best interests of others.

To accommodate for other Christians (and our self) failings, and give them/us space to grow spiritually gives us the power of salvation.
2 Peter 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation;

Patience is also manifested in a strong desire to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

The Power of Gentleness :


Gentleness is the genuine concern for people in their need to be loved, accepted, and treated with dignity no matter in what state of sin. If we allowed the fruit of gentleness to work through us it has a power to make us great in the Lord.

Psalm 18:34 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. 36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me that my feet did not slip.

2 Samuel 22:36 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great
 
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cougan

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This article may be of help it will take up 3 post.

INTRODUCTION

The necessity of fruit-bearing is clearly shown in the New Testament (John 15:2,4-5). Jesus expects his followers to bear much fruit: Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples" (John 15:8). After stating the graces that a Christian must add to his character, Peter says, "For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 1:8). Paul, in speaking of fruitbearing and the blessings that come to the productive Christian, said, "But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life" (Rom. 6:22). Our present study has to do with a description of each "fruit of the Spirit" and the practical implications of bearing these fruits in one's life.


DESCRIPTION OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law" (Gal. 5:22-23).


The Fruit of Love

It is to be expected that love would head the list of these marvelous virtues. It is the soil from which many marvelous virtues spring. Love emanates from the Father, and gratitude causes us to respond in like fashion. "Herein was the love of God manifested in us, that God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:9-10). "We love, because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19).

Love is a translation of the Greek word [@agape]. [@Agape] is not merely an emotion, but it is a principle by which one lives. It always seeks the highest good of others.

The law of Moses commanded love. "Thou shalt not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am Jehovah" (Lev. 19:18). One is to love self but not to love oneself selfishly. Self-love of this type (though there is a wrong type) is taught and endorsed by Christ (Matt. 22:37-39). Jesus gave a new expression to love. "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (John 13:34). This is the greatest expression of love." Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). "Hereby we know we love, because he laid down his life or us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren" (1 John 3:16). The extent of this love is described in these words: "My little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth" (1 John 3:18).

Paul analyzed this love for us in 1 Cor. 13:1-8. Let us briefly note inspiration's analysis of love. (1) "Love suffereth long." Love is longsuffering, patient, and forbearing. It is not irritable. It graciously bears injuries. It exhibits a disposition to bear -- to bear long, to endure when others speak evil of you and mistreat you. (2) Further, Paul says love "is kind." It returns good for evil (Rom. 12:17-21). Love is good-natured, gentle and affectionate. Even under provocations, it is gentle and considerate.

(3) "Love envieth not." Envying is defined as "a feeling of discontent and ill will because of another's advantages, possessions, etc.; resentful dislike of another who has something desirable." Love does not envy others their happiness, their endowments, their reputation, their wealth or their success. Envy was a contributing factor in the death of Jesus (Matt. 27:18). Envy proceeds from Satan (James 3:14-16).

(4) "Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up." Love does not show itself off. It does not perform for the sake of applause, but rather (as was perfectly demonstrated in the sacrifice of Christ for man), because love seeks the welfare of others. Love is produced in our hearts as we seek to reciprocate the love of Christ. "For the love of Christ constraineth us" (2 Cor. 5:14). Love recognizes that all gifts and abilities come from God and, therefore, uses them in all gratitude and humility in his service.

(5) Love "doth not behave itself unseemly." Love never acts improperly. As Christians we are to learn how to behave in the church: "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15).

(6) Love "seeketh not its own." Love forgets self in service to others. Paul instructs us "to remember the words of the Lord, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

(7) Love "is not provoked." Love is not irritable. If this characteristic of love were `practiced on a wide scale think what gratifying results would bless the church, the home, and the nation!

(8) Love "taketh not account of evil." Love is neither suspicious nor retentive. Someone has well said that "love writes our personal wrongs in ashes, or in water." Love does not take account of evil done with the view of settling the account.

(9) Love "rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth." Love does not rejoice when others do wrong; it does not compromise with error; but it is saddened by the vices of men. Love rejoices when truth prevails. It rejoices at the virtues of others. Love is for the truth anywhere and everywhere.

(10) Love "beareth all things." Love does not complain at the troubles and vexations of life. Love is never soft or compromising, but it is willing to "bear" and "forbear" (Gal. 6:2,5; Eph. 4:2).

(11) Love "believeth all things." This does not mean that love is gullible. There is a vast difference between right and wrong, truth and error, light and darkness. However, in dealing with others, love would prompt us to put the best construction on their conduct. Love does not impugn motives, but it is a "fruit inspector." "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matt. 7:1). "Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matt. 7:20). "Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24).

(12) Love "hopeth all things." Love does not despair. When clouds are heavy and the storms of life assail, love continues to hope that all things will turn out right. Where wrong is involved, it longs for the repentance of the sinner and for restitution by the wrongdoer.

(13) Love "endureth all things." Love sustains the assaults and the heavier burdens of life. The word "endureth" has reference to heavier and more grievous afflictions than those under consideration by the word "beareth" of Gal. 5:7.

(14) "Love never faileth." Unless we love God and all people (and especially our brethren -- Gal. 6:10; Rom. 14:10), our Christianity is not acceptable to God (1 John 3:14; 4:7-8,11, 20; Eph. 5:1-2; 1 John 4:11-12; 2 Pet. 1:57).


How Necessary Is Love?

"If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing" (1 Cor. 13:1-3).


The Fruit of Joy

The catalog of the "fruit of the spirit" makes it clear that those who live in obedience to the faith (the gospel) will deeply, sincerely, and prayerfully delight in the Lord. "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!" (Ps. 139:17).

Joy is a marvelous quality of the Christian life. It is listed by Paul with other qualities under the general heading of "The fruit of the Spirit." Joy is a deep happiness born of a father-child relationship. "Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice" (Phil. 4:4). This joy includes the sense of both fulfilling and having fulfilled the Father's will (John 15:11; 17:13). "Joy" in Gal. 5:22 refers to that resultant relationship between God and man which is based upon grace and appropriated through the obedience of the gospel (Rom. 1:5; 16:26; Eph. 2:8-9; Acts 19:1-5; 2:14-41). Joy is a quality, and not simply an emotion (Ps. 16:11; Phil. 4:4; Rom. 15:13), which characterizes the Christian life (1 Pet. 1:8).

Such joy is independent of external substances. External substances often produce varying emotions, but the quality of joy is a by-product of righteous living, and through such qualities the righteous life is publicly manifested.

Joy is the beaming countenance, the elastic step, the singing voice of Christian goodness. It depends on love. Jesus presented his will and urged his disciples to follow his commandments and then stated, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full" (John 15:11). Joy is exhibited when people obey the gospel. When the Samaritans obeyed the gospel, it was said, "And there was much joy in that city" (Acts 8:8). When the eunuch obeyed the gospel, the Bible said, "He went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39). Of the Pentecostians it was said, "Then they that gladly received the word were baptized" (Acts 2:41). John, in writing to Christians, said, "And these things we write, that our joy may be made full" (1 John 1:4).

It is marvelous to be able to say with the Psalmist of long ago, "Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Ps. 16:11). Heaven is a prepared place (John 14:1-4). Its riches are described as pure gold; its beauty as transparent glass. It is a carefully prepared place as a bride adorned for her husband. There is no death in heaven. There is great joy in the fact that we have an eternal habitation -- one not made with hands -- prepared and waiting for us if we will only be faithful. "For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens" (2 Cor. 5:1). With joy Christians understand that there is "... an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven ..." for them (1 Pet. 1:4).


The Fruit of Peace

Peace is the absence of discord; peace is found when one force works with another force in sweet and unbroken fellowship. There is no jar or irritation in the relationship.

Peace is not found when every instrument in an orchestra is silent, but when every instrument is making its own contribution with, and to, each and every other instrument. The result is a rich and melodious harmony. Thus it is with life when we have the "fruit of the Spirit" in proper proportion in our lives!

Paul said, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7). He presents the figure of a siege. Our lives are surrounded by subtle foes seeking to gain entrance. At the door are temptations, errors, deceptions, fears and alarms -- all are at the door, cunningly waiting for admissions; but within the heart of the faithful Christian, peace is pictured as a sleepless sentinel and guard. When there is peace within, there is perfect harmony between the soul and the Lord. There is no discordant element. When we are at peace, the heart (soil) will be kept lovely, and the thought (flowers) will be kept beautiful. Paul teaches us how and upon what to think and also points to himself as to the result of proper thinking. Correct thinking produces commendable and worthy fruit in the life of any and all who practice these great truths. Paul wrote:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you (Phil. 4:8-9).
 
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cougan

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Not all peace is desirable. It should be noted that while Jesus came to bring peace (Luke 1:76-79), there is a type of peace that Jesus did not come to bring, and that is a false peace. He announced that his teaching would bring not peace but a sword (Matt. 10:34). He would never advocate peace at the expense of truth. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable" (James 3:17). There are those who cry, "Peace, peace; when there is no peace" (Jer. 6:14). Jesus would have nothing to do with such a false peace. He never compromised with error. Jesus wanted peace, yet both he and his faithful disciples were, and are, often in the position of the Psalmist when dealing with the wicked. "I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war" (Ps. 120:7). His mission into the world was to bring true peace which is based only upon truth. "But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition" (Eph. 2:13-14).

How can we achieve peace with our fellow man? Is it possible for us to live peaceably with men today? God's answer is an emphatic "Yes!" Not only is it a possibility, but it is also a command: "Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14). The church is explicitly commanded to be a peaceable institution. "For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 14:17). "Be at peace among yourselves" (1 Thess. 5:13b), Unfortunately, there are a few people with whom it is impossible to live in peace. "If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men" (Rom. 12:18).

To achieve peace we must have a genuine, deep-seated desire for peace and a fervent motivation for it. If we sincerely long for peace, we will think peace, love peace, and work for it in our lives and the lives of others. In fact, we are commanded, "Giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3).

Once at peace with himself through his obedience to the gospel, the Christian must accept his role as a peacemaker. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God" (Matt. 5:9). Peter said, "For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it" (1 Pet. 3:10-11). "So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another" (Rom. 14:19).

The Fruit of Longsuffering

When we have joy in the Lord and peace with God, then we have great patience with man.

"Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:4-7).

Longsuffering enables us to endure hardships and much injury without provocation. Thayer defines longsuffering as:

"To be of a long spirit, not to lose heart, to persevere patiently and bravely and enduring misfortunes and troubles; to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others; to be mild and slow in avenging; to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish."

God has always been longsuffering to man.

"And Jehovah passed by before him, and proclaimed, Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth, Keeping lovingkindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, upon the third and upon the fourth generation" (Exo. 34:6-7).

The great prophet Jeremiah paid tribute to God's longsuffering. "O Jehovah, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and avenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered reproach" (Jer. 15:15). Both Paul and Peter wrote of God's longsuffering. Paul wrote, "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (Rom. 2:4). Peter wrote, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9). "And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote unto you" (2 Pet. 3:15). Peter also reminds us that God was longsuffering during Noah's day. "That aforetime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved through water" (1 Pet. 3:20).

As children of God, we must be longsuffering. Paul wrote, "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love" (Eph. 4:2); "Strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy" (Col. 1:11). Let us follow Paul's advice when he said, "Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering" (Col. 3:12).


The Fruit of Kindness

Longsuffering is passive; kindness is active. Kindness returns kindness for kindness, but it does not stop there. It returns blessing for cursing, good for evil. Paul wrote, "But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:20-21).

Kindness occupies a very important place in the life of a Christian. To be like God we must be kind to all, for "he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matt. 5:45; Luke 6:35). The supreme kindness of God toward man is exhibited in Christ through the gospel.

"But when the kindness of God our Saviour, and his love toward man, appeared, not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:4-7).

The Bible sets forth both the goodness and the severity of God. "Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God's goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off" (Rom. 11:22).

Paul instructs us, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you" (Eph. 4:32). Jesus words it in this fashion in his famous "Golden Rule": "All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matt. 7:12).

Kindness demands that we oppose error. Jesus did so, and we are to follow his steps. "For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps" (1 Pet. 2:21). Paul teaches us to be "set for the defence of the gospel" (Phil. 1:17). Jude says that we are to "contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 1:3). When we oppose error, we must have no ill will toward any man; however, we must "hate every false way" (Ps. 119:104). Our Lord was the kindest person ever to live (being perfect), but he hated error and exposed it (Heb. 1:9; Rev. 2:6). The Lord often publicly rebuked error, and sometimes he also publicly called the errorist by name (Matt. 23:13-15,23,25-27,29, et al.). The conclusion is that we must ever be kind yet militant for truth.


The Fruit of Goodness

Paul not only informs us that goodness is "a fruit of the Spirit," but in writing to the Ephesians he refers to goodness as the fruit of the light. "Be not ye therefore partakers with them; for ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth)" (Eph. 5:7-9). To the Thessalonians he wrote, "To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and every work of faith with power" (2 Thess. 1:11).

With this introduction to the word "goodness," two facts are clearly evident. First, without a Divine standard there can be no good or goodness. It is sad but true that many walk in error while attempting to live a good life but at the same time ignoring God's Book of divine instructions. This, of course, presents an impossible situation for them as long as they ignore the Book of books. Second, goodness cannot be properly defined or understood without considering "good" which is the root of "goodness."

The standard for goodness is the Bible, the Divine standard (2 Tim. 3:16-17; John 14:15). The "good and faithful servant" was one who had accomplished his Master's will (Matt. 25:21).

Goodness is a life molded by God's standard of morality (Rom. 12:1-2). God has always demanded that his people be separate (2 Cor. 6:17-18). When a man's heart is in tune with God's wishes and will, it can be said of him, "The good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things" (Matt. 12:35).

Goodness is being benevolent. "Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did" (Acts 9:36). Barnabas is an example of a good man. "Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad; and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord" (Acts 11:23). Every Christian should so live that what Paul said of the Romans could be truthfully said of each one of us. "And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another" (Rom. 15:14). Never for one moment should we entertain the thought of ceasing to strive to be good and to do good unto all men. "So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10).


CONCLUSION

In order to produce the beautiful spiritual fruit Paul described in Gal. 5:22-23 certain requirements are involved. These are set forth in Gal. 5:24-26 and they merit our careful attention.

Gal. 5:24

"And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof." Those who belong to Christ have crucified or put to death the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof.

This means that they have put out of their lives the works of the flesh and, further, have put to death the lusts that caused these works of the flesh to be present in their lives. The task is only half completed when we cease sin. We must not only quit practicing sin, but we must also rid our hearts of the love of sin. The person who still entertains in his heart the love for sin will be in constant danger of going back to sin. Our only assurance of quitting sin is to crucify the lusts or desires that we have in our heart.


Gal. 5:25

"If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk." If we propose to be influenced by the Spirit (i.e., by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, which teaching originally dwelt in inspired men but has now been brought together in the inspired Book, the New Testament), we should walk in such a fashion as to prove that we are influenced by the Spirit. To walk by the Spirit is to walk in harmony with the teaching of the Spirit. Again, I would mention the only way we can know how the Spirit wants us to walk is to read that which he has revealed to us (Eph. 3:3-4; 5:17).


Gal. 5:26

"Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, envying one another." If we walk by the Spirit we will not be vainglorious nor will we provoke one another nor envy one another. In short, our life must be consistent with our profession. Paul sums it up well in another passage:

"And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep: for now is salvation nearer to us than when we first believed. The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof" (Rom. 13:11-14).
 
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cougan

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The Fruit of Faithfulness

Faith is defined by the Hebrews writer in these words: "Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). Faith is absolutely necessary in order to please God. "And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (Heb. 11:6). Faith is the foundation upon which all Christian graces rest (2 Pet. 1:5-7). A dictionary definition of "faith" is "unquestioning belief in God." "Faithful" is defined as "the quality of being faithful; loyalty, constancy in affection; fidelity."

Daniel was faithful, and the heathen king Darius recognized it. Darius was tricked into casting Daniel into the den of lions; however, both before he was cast into the den of lions and on the following morning Darius spoke of Daniel's faithfulness.

"Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee .... Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?" (Dan. 6:16,19-20).

Stephen was faithful "And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep" (Acts 7:59-60). Paul was faithful. As his great life and work were drawing to an end, he triumphantly declared, "For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day: and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

We have every reason to be faithful. We have the Bible -- the perfect Book. It is inspired. "Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness: That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It cannot be destroyed. "But the word of the Lord abideth for ever" (1 Pet. 1:25). "For ever, O Jehovah, thy word is settled in heaven" (Ps. 119:89). "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matt. 24:35). The Bible instructs us of our origin, our destiny and how to live and please God in life that we might be saved eternally (Matt. 7:21-23; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 Thess. 5:21; Mark 10:29-30).

Let us be faithful to the teaching set out in the Bible, for we shall be judged by it on the day of judgment. "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:48). In summary, let us always remember and practice the words of Jesus. "Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life" (Rev. 2:10).


The Fruit of Meekness

Meekness is defined as "mildness, forbearance, gentleness, kindness." An attitude of meekness, then, is one of mild forbearance and gentle kindness. It is an attitude devoid of harsh intolerance and bitterness. There is much at stake as to whether or not one will adopt an attitude of meekness, for Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (Matt. 5:5).

Meekness is clearly related to humility. It is a self-repression in view of the claims and needs of the people about you. It is an antidote of strife, contention, and such like. Meekness accepts the inevitable trials and misfortunes of life without a murmur. It fits into God's great plan as water fits into a vessel. Though the meek man is aggressive in the Lord's work, he is not eager to put himself forward, to have his way about things, to make a great display of his gifts and powers.

Jesus is our perfect example of meekness. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matt. 11:29). Paul pointed out to the Corinthians that their attitude toward the truth would determine whether he would come to them with a rod or in the spirit of meekness (1 Cor. 4:21). When writing to the Corinthians and seeking to help them correct their problems and sins Paul wrote, "Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:1). Meekness must be prevalent on the part of one who would restore an erring brother. "Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Gal. 6:1).

Paul wrote to the Ephesians, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love" (Eph. 4:1-2). Meekness is an important part of the Christian's clothing. "Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering" (Col. 3:12). Christians are to "follow after ... love, patience, meekness." And, in our teaching, meekness must be very prevalent and prominent. All people, both within and without the church, should be able to examine our lives and to take note that we possess meekness.


The Fruit of Self-Control

Self-mastery is often taught in the Scriptures. Paul said, "But I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected" (1 Cor. 9:27). To conquer self is a most wonderful and rewarding victory. Solomon wrote, "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city" (Prov. 6:32).

We must never "sell out" to the devil. The devil goes on the assumption that every righteous person "has his price." Thanks be unto God he was wrong about that in the case of Job! God and Satan had a conversation about Job.

"And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil: and he still holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life." (Job 2:3-4).

However, the Devil slandered Job, for even though he did not understand why he was suffering, nevertheless, he would have died before he would have been untrue to God. Job said, "Behold, he will slay me; I have no hope: nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him" (Job 13:15).

Likewise, there are children of God of the caliber of Job in our day who would die before they would be untrue to God. Paul was that type of strong and robust Christian. "Then Paul answered, What do ye, weeping and breaking my heart for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done" (Acts 21:13-14).

Underlying all of our self-control is what Jesus taught. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt. 16:24). "And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

We must keep our passions, our bodies, our thoughts, our motives, and our tongues -- in short, the entire man -- under control. Paul wrote:

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof: neither present your members unto sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God (Rom. 6:12-13).

Having discussed these nine characteristics, Paul concludes by saying, "Against such there is no law" (Gal. 5:23). The fruit of the Spirit violates no law. These spiritual traits are the types of things Paul had in mind when he wrote:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there by any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Phil. 4:8)

Nine things are listed by Paul as the "fruit of the Spirit." These are not nine different kinds of fruit but rather nine elements in one fruit. The fruit will be perfected only when each of these nine elements is present in its proper proportion. In proportion that any of these is lacking the fruit will be imperfect. If all of these elements are present in their proportion, the character will be what the Lord desires and expects. If one or more of the elements is lacking, then the character will not be what the Lord desires. These elements should be contrasted with the works of the flesh in Gal. 5:19-21 in order for us to appreciate the beauty and loveliness of the Christian character. These nine things are said to be the fruit of the Spirit because the Spirit through the Word of God is striving to build these things in our character. The Spirit dwells in us, operates on us, only through the truth, the Scriptures.
 
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altya

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The Power of Goodness:

Goodness is to have God reach out to us to overcome our sinfulness. This act is described as God’s grace. In fact, it comes towards the Christians so abundantly that it seems like an overflowing treasure. It is amazing that God would show grace, mercy, and love toward sinners. Therefore, it’s to grown to the full stature of Jesus Christ, to reveal the same measure of goodness towards people, to enable them to see Gods goodness. It’s not us who lives but Christ through us. Goodness gives us the power of knowledge to warn other so that they will not die but have everlasting life. Goodness is food to our souls.

Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Psalm 107:9 for he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.


The Power of Faith:

Faith has a power to please God.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him:

God will never fail to bring into His presence the never-ending enjoyment of spiritual blessings to those who have placed their faith in Christ. Faith brings patience, patience brings us to perfection and perfection will satisfy our souls.
James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing
Hebrews 11:1 now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The Power of Meekness:

Meekness is to submit with humbleness before God, to trusts His purposes even in the face of personal insult and damage; we turn into “calmness” before Him. Meekness is a good quality enjoined upon believers. Meekness has a power to help us to get revelation knowledge from God – the open word.
James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
 
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