Welcome to Day 22. of our devotional study, Who Is The Holy Spirit And What Does He Do? online Bible study. Today we are answering the question, what are the fruits of the Holy Spirit? We will be studying Galatians 5:22-23, John 15:4-5, and Matthew 7:16-23.
What Are The Fruits Of The Holy Spirit?
The fruit of the Spirit consists of nine attributes of a godly life that the Holy Spirit cultivates in those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, reflecting the character and nature of Christ in their daily lives. Galatians 5:22-23 gives us the following list of attributes:
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control
Imagine walking through a lush orchard, where every tree is bursting with vibrant, delicious fruit. Each fruit is a testament to the care and nourishment the tree has received.
Now, picture your own life as one of those trees in God's orchard.
What kind of fruit are you bearing?
Are your branches heavy with the fruits of love, joy, and peace, or are they sparse and struggling?
In this study, we will explore how, through the power of the Holy Spirit, our lives can become fruitful gardens that reflect the character and love of Christ. Join us as we delve into the scriptures to discover how to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives.
The Fruit Of The Spirit
The concept of bearing fruit is a powerful metaphor for spiritual growth and living a life that reflects the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Bible provides rich insights into what it means to bear fruit through the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 gives us the list of the fruits of the Spirit.
Read Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 ESV.
Here is some context to the fruit of the Spirit verses we are studying:
The Book of Galatians is one of the epistles (letters) written by the Apostle Paul. It is addressed to the churches in Galatia, a region in modern-day Turkey. The letter was likely written around A.D. 48-55, making it one of Paul's earlier epistles. Galatians is a passionate letter where Paul defends the gospel of grace against legalism and emphasizes the freedom believers have in Christ.
Paul wrote Galatians to address specific issues that had arisen in the Galatian churches. After Paul's initial visit and the establishment of the churches, some Jewish Christians, often referred to as Judaizers, had infiltrated the community. These Judaizers were teaching that Gentile converts to Christianity must adhere to certain Jewish laws, including circumcision, to be truly saved. Paul wrote to counter this teaching and to reaffirm that salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by works of the law.
Paul was concerned about Christians devouring one another!
Read Galatians 5:13-15
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another." Galatians 5:13-15 ESV.
After calling out the Christians in Galatia for their misguided behaviors and legalistic tendencies, Paul redirects them to a higher standard of living, emphasizing how they should treat one another. He then introduces them to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
It is our joyful privilege to walk in the Spirit. As we do, we naturally develop the fruit that embodies the character of Christ in our lives. This leads to our spiritual growth and serves as a powerful witness to unbelievers (2 Peter 1:8-9). Our lives should reflect the Holy Spirit's person and work within us. We should radiate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues guide our interactions, fostering harmony, compassion, and integrity within our communities. Together, we can create an environment that radiates the love and grace of God.
Practical examples of the fruit of the spirit
1. The Fruit of the Spirit - Love
Love is the first fruit of the Spirit that Paul lists, and it's no coincidence that he puts "love" at the top. The Greek word Paul uses for love here is "agape," which is the highest form of love, surpassing other types like eros (romantic love), philia (friendship love), and storge (familial love).
Agape is the kind of love that God has for His creation. It is pure, selfless, and self-sacrificing, always seeking the best for others, even for enemies, at all costs. A beautiful description of agape love can be found in 1 Corinthians 13.
Definition of love: Unconditional, selfless affection and care for others.
Example: Showing love can be as simple as offering a listening ear to a friend in need or volunteering at a local shelter to help those less fortunate. It's about putting others' needs above our own.
2. The Fruit Of The Spirit - Joy
Happiness comes from external things, but true Biblical joy comes from the Holy Spirit. This joy is a deep, delight and a sense of rejoicing that springs from knowing and serving God.
Definition: A deep, abiding sense of happiness and contentment in God.
Example: Joy isn't dependent on our circumstances. It's the inner gladness that comes from knowing and trusting God, even during difficult times. Think of Paul and Silas singing hymns in prison (Acts 16:25).
3. The Fruit Of The Spirit - Peace
Peace is a gift that only God can give. It's something our own efforts can't produce. This peace, a fruit of the Spirit, is a beautiful testament to your eternal salvation and your life that pleases the Lord.
Definition: Inner tranquility and trust in God's plan.
Example: Maintaining a sense of calm and assurance during stressful situations, such as a job loss or health scare, because you trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.
4. The Fruit Of The Spirit - Patience
Patience is a supernatural ability to wait, not only for the Lord but also for others!
Definition: The ability to endure difficult situations with a good attitude.
Example: Patience can be shown when dealing with a challenging coworker or waiting for God's timing in a particular area of your life, such as marriage or career advancement.
5. Fruit Of The Holy Spirit - Kindness
Kindness means being nice, considerate, and friendly. It's what draws people to you and makes them feel valued.
Definition: Being considerate, compassionate, and generous to others.
Example: Acts of kindness can be as simple as helping a neighbor carry groceries, writing a note of encouragement to a friend, or providing a meal to someone who is sick.
6. Fruit Of The Spirit - Goodness
Goodness is the combination of honesty, generosity, and moral integrity. It involves doing what is right and beneficial for others, even when it's not easy or convenient.
Definition: Moral integrity and a desire to do what is right.
Example: Standing up for what is right, even when it's unpopular or inconvenient, like advocating for justice or being honest when it's easier to lie.
7. Fruit of the Spirit - Faithfulness
God is faithful. He will never let us down and always keeps His word. When we strive to be faithful, we commit to being consistent in keeping our promises and demonstrating agape love in all our actions.
Definition: Loyalty and steadfastness in our relationship with God and others.
Example: Being reliable in fulfilling your commitments, such as consistently attending church, keeping promises, and being a trustworthy friend.
8. Fruit Of The Spirit - Gentleness
Gentleness involves being kind, tender, and calm in our interactions with others. Gentleness is not about weakness; rather, it is strength under control. It reflects a heart of humility and grace, allowing us to respond to others with compassion and understanding, even in difficult situations.
Gentleness can be seen in the way we speak, choosing words that build up rather than tear down. It manifests in our actions, where we approach others with patience and empathy, seeking to support rather than judge.
Definition: Humility and tenderness in dealing with others.
Example: Responding with a soft answer to defuse a heated argument or showing empathy and understanding towards someone who is hurting.
9. Fruit Of The Spirit - Self- control
Self-control, as a fruit of the Spirit, is a vital aspect of living a Christ-centered life. It involves exercising restraint and discipline over our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Self-control empowers us to make wise choices, resist temptation, and live in a way that honors God.
Definition: Discipline and restraint in actions, thoughts, and desires.
Example: Exercising self-control can be avoiding gossip, resisting the temptation to overeat, or maintaining purity in relationships.
Those are the wonderful fruits of the Spirit. To wrap up our devotional study, What Are The Fruits Of The Spirit?, I wat to take a look at what the Bible says about how we can strengthen and produce abundant fruit in our lives.
Producing Good Fruit
In our walk with Christ, bearing good fruit is a central theme that signifies our spiritual health and effectiveness in God's kingdom. Jesus uses the imagery of a vine and its branches to teach us about the importance of staying connected to Him. Additionally, He warns against false prophets, emphasizing that true believers are known by their fruit. So we need to be sure we are producing good fruit in our lives!
Abiding in Christ to Bear Fruit (John 15:4-5)
As we abide in Christ, He enables us to bear fruit (of the Holy Spirit) that glorifies God.
Read John 15:4-5
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Jesus emphasizes that we must remain in Him to bear fruit. Just as a branch draws life from the vine, we must draw our spiritual sustenance from Christ. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing. Our ability to bear good fruit is entirely dependent on our relationship with Him. So make it a daily priority to spend time in prayer and Bible study, nurturing your connection with Christ.
Recognizing Good Fruit (Matthew 7:16-20)
Jesus teaches that good fruit is the mark of a true believer. We can discern the authenticity of someone's faith by observing their actions and character.
Read Matthew 7:16-20
" You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits." Matthew 7:16-20 ESV.
Good fruit reflects the nature of the tree. A life rooted in Christ will naturally produce qualities such as love, joy, peace, and kindness. Producing good fruit is a clear indicator of a life truly transformed by Christ. By staying rooted in Him, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and actively living out our faith, we can bear fruit that glorifies God and serves as a testament to the world.
So be good trees, producing good fruit, and reflecting the love and grace of our Savior in all we do!
The Consequences of Bearing Bad Fruit (Matthew 7:21-23)
In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus presents a powerful and sobering message about the consequences of bearing bad fruit. This passage challenges us to look beyond mere outward appearances and professions of faith to the true nature of our relationship with God.
Read Matthew 7:21-23
" Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Matthew 7:21-23 ESV.
Jesus teaches that simply calling Him "Lord" and performing religious acts isn't enough to enter the kingdom of heaven. True faith is about having a genuine relationship with Christ, seeking to do God's will with a heart that shows obedience and transformation, resulting in the good fruit of the Holy Spirit.
The consequences of bearing bad fruit are serious and eternal. Jesus' words in Matthew 7:21-23 urge us to examine the authenticity of our faith.
Let's move beyond superficial acts to develop a genuine, obedient, and intimate relationship with Christ. By doing so, we bear good fruit that reflects His love and grace, ensuring we are known by Him and welcomed into His eternal kingdom.
Summary
In our Bible study today, we studied Galatians 5:22-23, highlighting the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits reflect a life transformed by the Holy Spirit.
From John 15:4-5, we learned that abiding in Christ is essential for bearing fruit. Staying connected to Him provides the spiritual nourishment needed for growth.
Matthew 7:16-23 warned us about the consequences of bearing bad fruit. Jesus emphasized that only those who do God's will, not just those who perform religious acts, will enter the kingdom of heaven. This calls for genuine faith and obedience.
In summary, producing the fruits of the Spirit requires a deep connection with Christ and an authentic, obedient faith, reflecting God's love and ensuring we are known by Him.
Here are cross-references for further study:
There are quite a few Bible verses for cross-reference. It would be worth taking the time to dive deeper into these verses at some point in time.
1 Corinthians 13, John 13:34-35, Romans 15:13, Philippians 4:4, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 3:12, James 5:7-8, Ephesians 4:32, Titus 3:4-5, Romans 12:21, 2 Thessalonians 1:11, Lamentations 3:22-23Hebrews 10:23, Philippians 4:5, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Corinthians 9:25, 1 John 2:28, Colossians 2:6-7
Producing Good Fruit
Matthew 3:8, James 3:17, Colossians 1:10.
Consequences of bearing bad fruit
Luke 6:43-45, Matthew 12:33, Romans 6:21.
Prayer to produce the good fruit of the Holy Spirit
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I desire to bear the good fruit that reflects Your love and grace.
Help me to abide in Christ, drawing strength and nourishment from Him. Holy Spirit, transform my heart and cultivate within me love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Guide me to be kind, compassionate, and faithful in all my actions. Teach me to show humility and self-control, resisting temptation and living a life that honors You.
May my life be a testament to Your power, drawing others to You.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Who Is The Holy Spirit And What Does He Do? Online Bible Study and Printable Journal
Dive even deeper into this study with our printable journal. This journal is designed to guide you through personal reflections and insights, enhancing your experience as you engage with the Scriptures and listen to the Holy Spirit. Grab your journal HERE.
Here are some questions to consider as you study the person of the Holy Spirit:
What is the most important truth I learned about the Holy Spirit?
Did the Holy Spirit convict me of anything that I need to change in my life?
Come back tomorrow as we study, the Spirit of the Lord.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. May the Holy Spirit continue to lead you into a deeper relationship with God and empower you to live out your faith boldly and effectively.
Resources used in today's study, What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?:
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