Bible Study Letters

Presenting a Message on
The Fruit of the Spirit.

[ Bottom of Page ] [ Words to the hymn, Sweet Hour of Prayer ]

Christ Died For Our Sins
Reaching forth...

The Fruit of The Spirit

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

Consider this:
Jesus says, That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (Joh 3:6). The testimony of the Scriptures is to be believed. The best the flesh can bring forth is as filthy rags. As Isaiah tells us, But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away (Isa 64:6).

We are instructed to examine ourselves in light of the Scriptures, not compare ourselves with others (Joh 17:17; 1Co 11:28; 2Co 10:12; 13:5; Gal 5:8-10). It is the fruit of the Spirit, (not the accomplishments of men), that allure and provoke others to embrace the doctrine and faith of Christ. Beware of imitations.

False apostles, deceitful workers, are transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light (2Co 11:13-15). It is not the man or the position, be they ever so eminent. Those that glory after the flesh lift certain men up, but God is no respecter of persons (Le 19:15; De 1:17; 16:19; 2Ch 19:7; Ps 40:4; Pr 24:23; 28:21; Ac 10:34; Ro 2:11; Ga 2:6; Eph 6:9; Col 3:25; Jas 2:1,3,9; 1Pe 1:17). Watch for the proud that lift themselves up because of their position. They glory after the flesh and encourage you to the same (2Co 11:9-21). They count gain to be godliness (1Ti 6:5).

In our flesh dwells no good thing. The law brings sin to life (Ro 7:8-9). We have sin dwelling in our body and by the law that sin is stirred up, making it exceeding sinful (Ro 7:13,18).

Through the Spirit we mortify, or put to death the deeds of the body (Ro 8:13). By keeping in the love of God, we keep the flesh in a state of crucifixion (Ro 6:6; 2Pe 3:13-14; 1Jo 5:3; Jude 21). Thus it is said, you are crucified with Christ (Ga 2:20). Christ did not crucify Himself and we do not crucify ourselves. While we were yet sinners, loving us, Christ died for us (Ro 5:8).

Here is a brief look at the fruit of the Spirit. Keep in mind, The wisdom that comes from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy (Jas 3:17). The fruit of the Spirit is not the result of the working of the flesh. That which is flesh is flesh, and that which is Spirit is spirit.

First mentioned is love. Love is called a more excellent way (1Co 12:31); and is said to be the greatest from among faith, hope, and charity (love) (1Co 13:13). Love is necessary (1Co 13:13; Ga 5:6; 1Jo 4:8). The love of God to man is first and foremost, next the love of man to God, then love one to another for the glory of God.

Joy is mentioned second, defined as the joy of Jesus that remains in believers and may be full from the Word of God (Joh 15:11; 1Jo 1:4). This joy is a godly joy. It can remain during the worst of circumstances, as shown by Paul and Silas praying and singing praises to God while in prison, their lives being threatened (Ac 16:25). God wants us to have this joy as shown by Jesus leaving His joy in believers (Joh 15:11); the joy we have in the Holy Ghost (Ro 14:17; 1Th 1:6); the joy of faith (Php 1:25); joy in the Lord (Php 3:1); the joy of the Lord being our strength (Ne 8:11); and finally by our being greeted by Jesus in that great day we will go to be with Him, and the faithful hearing Well done, thou good and faithful servant, ...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord (Ps 16:11; Mt 25:21,25).

Third is peace, with God through faith in Christ (Ro 5:1; Php 4:7). Peace is inward with God and other people (Joh 14:27). Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them (Ps 119:165), as it is written. That peace is sure and nothing shall cause the believer to fall away from it. The word offend means stumbling block. There are those thinking a believer will be at peace with every person, but the peace here is not as the world gives, or hopes for. There are those we might want to avoid but nothing shall separate us from the love, righteousness, peace and joy that is ours in Christ Jesus (Ro 8:31-39; 14:17). The conscience also gives evidence of peace with God, the guilt being removed by the blood, the believer having confessed and repented towards God, living a life in obedience to the law of Christ (Ac 24:16; Ro 9:1; 13:5; 2Co 1:12; 4:2; Ga 6:2; Heb 9:14; 13:18; 1Pe 3:21). The Word of God tells us what is right and what is wrong, not the opinions of men. Our senses must be exercised by the Word of God to discern both good and evil (Heb 5:14). Be very sure the Cross of Christ is efficacious, that is it produces the desired result. The Cross is much more than just a symbol showing the willingness of God to make peace.

Forth mentioned is longsuffering, the endurance of wrong and disturbing conduct on the part of those you come in contact with. God is slow to anger, longsuffering to us-ward (Ne 9:17; Ps 103:8-9; 145:8-9; Pr 15:18; 16:32; Na 1:3). To be longsuffering does not mean you agree with the wrong behavior. God does not call evil good, and good evil (Isa 5:20). The Lord will not at all acquit the wicked, meaning they will not be found innocent (Na 1:3). The only answer for man is the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Men must confess and forsake their sins, with repentance toward God, and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ (Ac 20:21). To be longsuffering is to be slow to anger (Ec 7:9; Pr 12:16; 19:11-12; 29:8), realizing vengeance belongs to the Lord (De 32:41-43; Ps 58: 10; Ro 12:19). The Lord is most assuredly longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2Pe 3:9).

Gentleness, mentioned fifth, shows mildness and moderation, not roughness or severity. With this there is kindness, even towards those doing you wrong, not sharpness or bitterness. Other men's faults are winked at (Ac 17:30) showing kindness, yet with firmness. The person showing gentleness encourages others to repent by their goodwill.

Sixth is goodness. This shows itself in the person that is ready to do good when they have the opportunity. As Christ ...went about doing good (Ac 10:38), the person showing this seeks to benefit others (Mt 5:16; 1Co 7:35; 10:33; 12:7; 14:6; 2Co 1:15; 1Ti 6:2; Heb 10:12; Jas 2:16).

Faith is mentioned seventh. This shows itself with fidelity, justice, and honesty, in what we profess and promise to others (2Co 7:16; Tit 2:10). As Martin Luther says, "...(without this) what is life, but biting and devouring one of another? Faith here is, when one man gives credit to another in things pertaining to this present life." To show faith is to show reliance or trust by loyalty and sincerity.

Meekness is mentioned eighth. To be meek is to show you are not easily provoked to anger. Being willing to yield your will for the will of God shows meekness. To be quiet and obedient, making no protest, being mild towards others and not easily moved, letting your moderation show (Php 4:5) is to be meek. Your obedience to God shows as strength.

Ninth mentioned is temperance. This is shown as control of self by the Spirit, using the law for the flesh--to restrain the evidence of the root. This self control shows itself by the believers sober use of those things wherein their senses are pleased, their moderation evidenced (Php 4:5). Moral virtues acquired by education leaves the moral man happy with his own honour and reputation. The spiritual bearing fruit is to the glory of God, these things to the honour and reputation of God as His will is accomplished (Php 1:27; 2:12-14; 2Ti 2:19), and not the self being fulfilled.

Against such there is no law. As Paul says, But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law (Ga 5:18). While against these there is no law, there are yet those things the law is against (1Ti 1:9-10). The law itself commands love (Ga 5:14), so far is it from being against these things of the fruit of the Spirit. Let all things be done with love (2Co 6:6; Ga 5:6,13; Eph 1:4; 3:17; 4:15; 1Th 3:12; 1Jo 4:16). These things are the fulfilling of the law. While the Christian is not under the law for Christ's sake, the law continues to perform its office of teaching and exhorting.

Having begun in the Spirit, don't go about looking to finish by the workings of the flesh. Our old man is crucified, so it is not us, but Christ in us that gives us the victory. Jesus shows His life, that He lives, through the faithful, Spirit filled Christian (Joh 12:24; 15:5,8).

Christ died for us, purchasing eternal salvation (Ro 6:23; Heb 5:9). As we walk in the flesh, not by the flesh, by the Spirit don't give yourself to the desires of the flesh. Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for the mercy of Jesus (2Co 10:3-4; Jude 21).

The believer is not under law, but under grace (Ro 6:14-15). We have been quickened together with Him, having forgiven all our trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross (Col 2:13-14). As Paul said, But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law (Ga 5:18). Reading the letter to the Hebrews we see, Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Heb 12:28). It is easy to see that to be under grace, and not under the law, the Christian will be bearing this good fruit called the fruit of the Spirit. Herein there is no law contrary to the new nature of the Christian. In Christ you are a new creature: old things are passed away (2Co 5:17). Lord Jesus Himself, Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby (Eph 2:15-16). Note that grace is not a license for us to sin. The believer ought to deliberately and vigorously resist sin (Heb 12:4).

To be desirous of vain glory is to cause even good to be spoken of as evil (Ro 14:16; Heb 5:13-14; 1Pe 3:10-11). Vain glory expects praise of itself and causes others to look on with envy (Ps 115:1; Pr 15:33; 25:6-8; Mr 9:35; Lu 14:10; 1Co 3:7; Php 2:1-3; Jas 3:14-16; 4:16; 1Pe 5:5). A right view towards the nature of man and a vision of the holiness of God protects the individual against vain glory.

These Scriptures do not mean sin in the flesh of the believer can no longer be an influence, but rather that its corruptness is acknowledged. Armed with the armour of God (Eph 6:10-18), they yet feel the lust, but there is the Spirit urging the believer on to righteousness, so there is not a full giving of oneself to sin (Ga 5:17). At death sin is put off wholly (1Co 15:52-57; Php 3:20-21).

People Need Jesus
Reaching forth . . .
Here am I; send me.
Christ Died For Our Sins

Send This Page Around The World
Tell A Friend About This Page

Bob Krajcik
[ Bible Study Letters ]
Your Comments Welcomed
Your Privacy Respected
Send Your Comments, Questions,
Praise Reports or Prayer Requests

[ Home Page ] [ Main Site Map ]

[ Top of Page ]