Understanding the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Character Development
The concept of the Fruit of the Spirit in Christianity emphasizes the importance of developing Christ-like character traits such as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These virtues are seen as the outward expression of God's character working within believers. This lesson explores the nature of each fruit, highlighting their significance in shaping the Christian life and fostering spiritual growth.
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THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT Youth STS Volume 77 Lesson 1000
MEMORY VERSE: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22,23). Text: Galatians 5:22,23; John 15:1-8
INTRODUCTION In Christendom, character is emphasized. The Bible gives this Christ-like pattern of character a pungent expression in Peter s second epistle: 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 (2 Peter 1:5-8). These true Christian virtues are collectively called the fruit of the Spirit because they are interrelated (Galatians 5:22,23). The fruit of the Spirit is God s character reproduced in the believer s life by grace. God is the true Source of this fruit.
POINT 1 - THE NATURE OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT Galatians 5:22, 23; Ephesians 5:9 The nine fruits produced by the Holy Spirit in the believer are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Galatians 5:22,23). The believer who claims to have the Spirit of God must bear His fruits. LOVE (1 Cor. 13; Rom. 13:10; John 13:34; 1 John 4:7-12). Love expresses itself in all the nine fruits. A Christian writer wrote how the eight other fruits of the spirit are anchored in love. He said: Joy is love exalting; peace is love reposing; longsuffering is love enduring; gentleness is love refined; meekness is love with a bowed head; gentleness is love in action; temperance is true self-love faith is love confiding That the whole sum of Christian living is just loving.
POINT 1 - THE NATURE OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (contd) Joy (Isaiah 61:10; Jer. 15:16; John 16:22; Act 8:8; 1 Peter 1:8). The initial experience of joy comes from the Lord through salvation. ... The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Roman 14:17). This joy transcends troubles, challenges, tough circumstances, pains, and even death. Peace (Phil. 4:7; Rom. 5:1; Ps. 119:165; Isaiah 26:3). It is a gracious attribute of not being easily provoked gotten from Jesus, the Prince of peace. It is calm in crisis, untroubled in trial, and determined in disaster. Fourth, longsuffering (1 Cor. 13:4; Col. 1:11; 3:12; 2 Pet. 3:9; Exo. 34:6). Commonly called endurance or patience, longsuffering is the capacity of selfless love to bear all things and continue in adverse situations. As our Example, Christ for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame (Heb. 12:2). Longsuffering possesses the benefits of discipline, development and direction. Fifth, gentleness (1 Thes. 2:7- 11; 2 Tim. 2:24; Psalm 18:25; James 3:17). It is God s enduring quality in His dealing with man. It is different from natural gentleness which is exclusively enjoyed by loved ones. Gentleness is loving, appreciating, caring, tending, accommodating and correcting a friend, child or partner in a firm manner.
POINT 1 - THE NATURE OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (contd) Sixth, goodness (Gen. 45:5-8,15; 1 Sam. 24:17; Acts 7:60; 1 Thes. 5:15). The Christian whose life reflects goodness is one with a noble purpose, strong character, reliable conduct and trustworthy lifestyle. He is good, gracious, generous, gentle, peaceful and joyful, and delights in making others happy. Goodness takes away any sense of pride or patronage. Seventh, faith (1 Sam. 17:34; Psalm 37:3, 5; Isaiah 26:3, 4; Psalm 125:1). Faith is the divinely implanted attribute of inward and wholehearted confidence, trust in and reliance on God and all that He says. The basis of believer s faith is love. Faith is active. It puts the best construction on every situation. It pushes on, perseveres and remains loyal even when there are reverses and disappointments. Eight, meekness (Luke 6:29; 1 Pet. 3:4; Gal. 6:1; Num. 12:3). Meekness, the nature and character of Christ, is the quality of being flexible but firm and frank. That is strong, courageous and mild. The meek uses his strength and courage to defend God s glory and helps other brethren to live a happy life. Ninth, temperance (Titus 2:2; Prov. 16:32; 2 Pet. 1:5-7; Jam. 3:2). Temperance, also called self-control, moderation or self restraint, is the outward sign of a disciplined life. It is bringing the believer s total personality body, mind, emotion, will, appetites, drives, desires, instincts and spirit into subjection to Christ.
POINT 2 POINT 2 - - THE CONDITIONS OF FRUIT BEARING THE CONDITIONS OF FRUIT BEARING ( (John 15:1-8; Psalm 1:1-3; John 12:24; Romans 7:4) ) church activities is the basic condition for fruit-bearing. Salvation experience not membership of a church, tithing or being involved in much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing (John 15:4, 5). Abiding in Christ He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth Partake of God s divine nature. Hold fast or cleave to Christ to avoid being plucked off by violent storms. Consistent in feeding on the word of life (Job 20:17; Isaiah 33:21). Death of the old man will give way to a fruitful life (John 12:24; Colossians 3:5). Regular fellowship and communion with Christ to
POINT 3 POINT 3 - - THE BENEFITS OF THE FRUIT THE BENEFITS OF THE FRUIT- -BEARING LIFE (John 15:7, 8; Psalm 92:13, 14; Ezekiel 47:12) BEARING LIFE exudes fragrance that attracts God s commendation and blessing. Believers who abide in the Lord will doubtless bear fruits and have the following benefits: The fruit bearing Christian is beautiful in God s sight. He Receive commendation from God Fruit-bearing Christians will receive answer to their prayers (John 15:7) Bring glory to God, Become trees of righteousness planted by the Lord where the glory of His grace is displayed, Be identified and called disciples of Christ - for by their fruits ye shall know them , Remain useful and relevant even at old age Make it to heaven in the end.
QUESTIONS? 1. What is meant by the expression, fruit of the Spirit ? 2. How does love embrace all other fruits of the spirit? 3. Explain the nature and manifestation of three fruit of the Spirit in the text. 4. Mention some of the conditions for fruit-bearing. 5. Mention some of the benefits of fruit-bearing Christian Life. DISCLAIMER All images are gotten from google pictures and do not belong to this author.
