INTRODUCTION
In Galatians 5:17, we find that within the saint are two contrary powers. The Spirit of God indwells all believers and leads them (vs. 18) into the way of righteousness. The flesh (i.e. the old nature) of course 1eads in opposition to the Holy Spirit and the new nature. This produces a constant battle in the life of all Christians (Romans 7:15-23), and causes them to long for release from the flesh (Romans 7:24-25, 8:23).
Paul goes on to teach that both of these powers will produce certain characteristics and works in the life of an individual who submits to them (Galatians 5:19-23). While either the "works of the flesh" or the "fruit of the Spirit" may be produced in a Christian's life, yet Paul makes it plain that saints are characterized by the latter. The flesh is not dead in a Christian but it has been crucified (Galatians 5:24). The terms "crucifixion" and "mortification" are used in the Bible to describe the slow death and weakening of the power of the flesh in a Christian's life. Those whose lives are constant displays of fleshly works will not enter God’s kingdom (Galatians 5:21). I. THE SOURCE OF THE CHRISTIAN'S FRUIT.
Saints sometimes ask why we are left to wrestle with the flesh in this life. Is it not that God may teach us that all our spiritual good is of Him? Our old nature can produce nothing but thorns and briars. Everything that pleases God in a Christian must be called the "fruit of the Spirit."
The Christian then can only produce good fruit by submission to the Holy Spirit. As we yield to Him these characteristics will be produced in our life. This truth is illustrated by the Saviour in John 15:4-5, where He speaks of Himself as the "vine" and Christians as the "branches." Without a spiritual union with Christ through His Spirit there could be no flow of ljfe into child of God. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE "FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT."
The importance of the "fruit of the Spirit" in a Christian's life may be seen by comparing it with the "gifts of the Spirit." While both are produced by God, yet it is clear that the "fruit of the Spirit" is much more important as a test of true spirituality. A. The "gifts of the Spirit" offer no proof of salvation for they have been given at times even to the unsaved - (Balaam, Judas). The "fruit of the Spirit" however can only be produced in the life of these indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
B. The "gifts of the Spirit" may be used as a means of personal glorification rather than common edification. The very nature of the "fruit of the Spirit" prevents its misuse for selfish ends (I Corinthians 12-14).
C. The "gifts of the Spirit" are sovereignly dispensed by God while every Christian may produce the "fruit of the Spirit." Spiritual gifts are sometimes placed in the lives of the proud and selfish while spiritual fruit may only be produced by Christian consecration and submission.
D. Love (a fruit of the Spirit) is clearly shown to be superior to the "gifts of the Spirit" (I Corinthians 12:31-13:13). The "gifts of the Spirit" must be regulated by love or they will fail to attain their proper end of edifying God's people.
Left no one understand the above to be in any way a downgrading of spiritual gifts. They have their God-given purpose. The point to be remembered is that the "fruit of the Spirit" reveal our relationship to God and form our Christian character. Without the Christ-like spirit produced in us by submission to God all else is vain and our testimony is useless. III. THE NATURE OF THE "FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT."
In Galatians 5:22-23, we find nine graces that are manifested as "fruit of the Spirit." A. Love.
This is affection toward God and man. It is produced by the new birth (I John 4:7-8), and is described by Paul in I Corinthians 13:1-8. Only as we are controlled by God's Spirit can we truly love. B. Joy.
This is holy cheer that comes from knowing God and believing His promises. It is necessary for Christian service (Deuteronomy 28:47, Psalms 51:12-13), and is an attribute of Spirit-filled Christians. C. Peace.
This is the peaceful disposition of mind and heart that comes from an assurance that we have been forgiven and that God is able to meet every need (Philippians 4:6-7). D. Long-suffering.
This is the Christian's trait of not being easily offended or provoked. E. Gentleness.
This is the kind and benevolent spirit seen in those who walk with God. F. Goodness.
This is a general, moral excellence without ulterior motive. G. Faith.
All true faith is produced by God's Spirit whether it be saving faith or the faith exercised in God's promises on a daily basis as needs and trials arise. H. Meekness.
This is a disposition to forbear caused by an awareness of our own sinfulness (Matthew 5:4-5). I. Temperance.
This is the self-control and moderation found in those who live only for the glory of God. THE UNITY OF THE "FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT."
The author remembers seeing a questionnaire in which Christians were asked which of the "fruit of the Spirit" was manifest in their lives. This question carries some erroneous implications. While saints may have only one spiritual gift, yet this is never the case with the "fruit of the Spirit." Spirit-fi1led Christians will have all the "fruit of the Spirit" because the "mind of Christ" (Philippians 2:5) is in them. As they are controlled by God's Spirit they will become more Christ-like in every area of their character.
The unity of the "fruit of the Spirit" is seen in the fact that all of them may be included under the first, which is love. In Romans 13:8-10, we find that love fulfills the law. All the duties of man may be included under the command to love God and man. It would be a profitable study for the student of God's Word to meditate on Paul's description of love in I Corinthians 13:1-8. One would soon see that each of the "fruit of the Spirit" is manifested in love. CONCLUSION
The closeness of our relationship to the Holy Spirit is easily judged by the manifestation of the "fruit of the Spirit" in our lives. Either the flesh or the Spirit is forming our character on a day-to-day basis. ================= Go to Chapter Nineteen of Holy Spirit Study
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