Sermon – Galatians 5 – Fruit of the Spirit

  • The Fruit of the Spirit is something we have mentioned here routinely, whether in services or Bible studies; and this morning I want to take a look at each of them.

  • It’s obvious that these Fruit come from the Spirit … most translations just jump out and say, “But the fruit of the Spirit is” and then provides the list of 9 things in which there is no law.

  • I do like how the New Living Translation (NLT) words the beginning of verse 22 when it says the Holy Spirit “produces” this kind of fruit in our lives.  The Amplified is similar when it gives the meaning as “the result of His presence within is.”

  • It would be great, if right after we were saved, we miraculously knew every word of Scripture; wanted to be prayer warriors; attended every service, study, prayer meeting, or fellowship function of our church; could say ‘no’ to each temptation, and were already pruned and proper … but it takes work … the Spirt leads, and if we follow, we will grow.

  • Of course, the list of spiritual fruit is in contrast with how people used to live before they were saved.  This list, which we will go into at a later date – along with others in Scripture – tell of sinful lifestyles that those who controlled by the flesh live.  Those in these lifestyles will not inherit the Kingdom of God … Hell is their destiny, unless the repent and live right.

  • We need spiritual fruit in our lives if we are going to fulfill the Great Commission.  If we are going to teach and preach and witness and serve and give and invite and walk the walk … then we need the Spirit’s help; and He is gracious to provide it – we must ask and obey.

  • Matthew (21:18-22); Mark (11:12-25); and Luke (13:6-9) all tell the story of when Jesus cursed the fig tree.  It was because it looked the part, but was barren; and that should be a dire warning to us.  We need to live righteous lives, not just look like we do.

  • It is great to come to church each time the doors are open – and I encourage it … to have emblems on your car that tell about your faith … to listen to Christian radio … to share verses online … to carry a Bible … but if we are not living right and doing right, then those things are just mere accessories and we, too, will be cursed.

  • The Greek word (karpos) in which we translate “fruit” can also mean offspring, posterity, praise, conduct, actions, benefit, profit, or reward.

  • “agape” … love / charity / affection for others
    • This is the active love of God for His Son and His people, and the active love His people are to have for God, each other, and even enemies.
    • Are you being led by the Spirit to reach out to others (in a loving manner)?
    • Do you treat those around you with love?
    • Are you self-sacrificing, preferring others over yourself?
  • “chara” … joy / exuberance about life
    • This is deeper than mere happiness because it is rooted in God.
    • This delight is serene and stable … not like emotions, which are ever changing.
    • Do you choose joy over worry?
    • Do you rejoice in God’s presence?
    • Even when you are “down” do you find your worth in God?

  • “eirene” … peace or serenity
    • Peace is the result of resting in a relationship with God.
    • It is the tranquil state of being content in God and whatever He supplies.
    • Are you full of peace in spite of your circumstances?
    • Are you trusting God and not living in fear?
    • Do you experience the peace of God that passes all understanding?
  • “makrothumia” … patience / forbearance / long-suffering / willingness to stick with things
    • The ability to endure persecution and ill-treatment or to exercise restraint.
    • It describes the capacity to keep bearing up under difficult circumstances, not with a passive complacency, but with a hopeful fortitude that resists weariness and defeat.
    • Do you accept interruptions and delays with grace and peace?
    • Do you see God’s larger plan at work in your circumstances?
    • Do you surrender to God when things don’t go your way?
  • “chrestotes” … kindness … sense of compassion or gentleness
    • Goodness in action; sweetness of disposition, respect, and gentleness with others.
    • Kindness is doing something and not expecting anything in return.
    • Is your first inclination to be kind to others?
    • Do you seem to go out of your way to put others first?
    • Are you sensitive to the needs of others?

  • “agathosyne” … goodness or generosity
    • The state or quality of being good; moral excellence or virtue; kindly feeling, kindness, generosity, joy in being good; the best part of anything, essence or strength; or general character recognized in quality or conduct.
    • Is your behavior of a high moral standard?
    • Are your words and thoughts of a high moral standard?
    • Are you living a pure life that is honoring to God?

  • “pistis” … Faithfulness or being involved in loyal commitments
    • Is committing oneself to something or someone. 
    • Being faithful requires personal resolve not to wander away from promises.
    • Are you a person of your word?
    • Do you follow through on what you start?
    • Can others count on you?

  • “prautes” … Gentleness or meekness or humility or not needing to force your way
    • A disposition that is even-tempered, tranquil, balanced in spirit, unpretentious, and that has passions under control.  The person who possesses this quality pardons injuries, corrects faults, and rules his own spirit well.
    • Are you quick to listen and slow to act/speak?
    • Do you have control of your anger?
    • Are you healthily assertive, yet non-aggressive in your relationships?

  • “enkrateia” … Self-control / temperance / the ability to direct your energies wisely
    • Having mastery or is strong – able to control one’s thoughts and actions.
    • Do you have mastery over your thoughts, attitudes, and behavior?
    • Do you exercise discipline in your life?
    • Are you free from addictions and uncontrollable behavior?

  • Ephesians 4:15 (NLT) … We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 

  • 1st Thessalonians 5:21 (NLT) … but test everything that is said.  Hold on to what is good.

  • Matthew 7:16-17, 20 (NLT) … You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.  Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.  Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

  • Acts 17:11 (NLT) … And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message.  They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

  • 1st John 4: 1 (NLT) … Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit.  You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God.  For there are many false prophets in the world.

  • If it seems you lack any of the fruit, then there is no need to keep it that way.  Our Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint.  We work out our salvation with fear and trembling.  If we struggle in any area, we must seek the Lord’s help and follow His leading (and teaching).
  • If you have these, please don’t get the big head.  Remain humble as you walk with the Lord.  Keep attending all church functions; studying; praying; living holy lives; inviting; serving; encouraging; giving; witnessing and sharing the Gospel; discipling … and so much more!
  • If anything causes you to stumble or drift away, then it must go, regardless if it is stuff or actions or attitudes … We need to allow the Spirit to prune us and make us so much like Christ, that we can echo the words of 1st Corinthians 11:1 (NLT) … “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. (That is a lofty challenge, but one we should all complete.)