Lesson 72
November 24, 2002
5:22-23
The fruit of the Spirit
Intro:
Here
is the positive aspect of the Christian life that is the character of Christ
being reproduced in and through our lives as we live it day by day completing
the routines of life.
But
the Question here in this context is How is this spirituality manifested? [absolute]
Several factors are involved in
producing this fruit.
1.
Walking by the Spirit, therefore by faith.
2. If faith
is a factor and it is, the extent or degree to which these characteristics are
realized is also related to the knowledge of the Word. Holy Spirit must have something to work
with.
But the fruit draws a
contrast with the deeds of the flesh/sin nature just covered
Fruit is singular which indicates that they are a unity.
of the Spirit tou/ pneu,mato,j genitive of
source/resource;
These
characteristics as well as our whole spiritual life Paul has related to the ministry of the Spirit.
The
focus of these characteristics, the fruit, is not the Holy Spirit but Christ!
Maybe we might look at this in a
different way to help all this gel in our thinking.
We
as believers are created in Christ Jesus
for good works. Eph. 2:10; Col. 1:10
If
our "works" in life are to satisfy God then they must originate in
the inner life, the spiritual life, that is from our state as new creations in
Christ.
G/H-S indwells each believer from the point of
salvation.
It
is G/H-S who fills us with Christ as He
illumines the Word we are taking in.
When
we think "fruit" we often think of John 15, the Vine and the
branches. It illustrates to a point what is here.
- it is the branch which produces the fruit
(vs:2)
- it is the branch which is trimmed to increase
fruit production (vs:2)
- but know that
there is no bonafide production apart from the connection with the vine.
(vs:5)
- The
grapes on the branch, the fruit take on the flavor of the essence communicated
to the branch from the vine.
- The
flavor of our life in fellowship is manifested by the fruit of the Spirit.
Now the list of
characteristics/attitudes/virtues that make up the fruit in view here.
#1. love, avga,ph whatever
love is it always is associated with the ministry of the Holy Spirit for its
manifestation
Summary
1. Working
definition: It is an attitude that
motivates us to do what is right and best for someone in the light of the Word,
no matter what the cost.
2. How do
we know what love is? 1 Jn 3:16; 4:7-11
3. The
test of love is not in one's verbal profession but by one's actions. 1 John 3:18
4. Since
it is first in the list points to love's importance from God's viewpoint.
5. God's
love was manifested in Jesus Christ, who is now absent, but is to be manifested
in the world through His people living and functioning in life reflecting all
of these characteristics but especially love.
6. God's
love achieves it's goal and reaches its full measure in us when that love is
reproduced in us and reflected through us as we love one another. 1 Jn 4:12
7. The
reality of our salvation and subsequent relationship with Christ, with
God, His abiding in us and we in Him is
confirmed to us by the causal statement because
He has given to us of His Spirit. How we know. 1 John
4:13
8. This
love is to be manifested in several directions or towards several different
objects.
a. towards God;
b. towards one's spouse;
c. Parents for
children;
d. towards friends;
e. towards fellow believers;
f. love your enemies;
9. When
love is applied in one's life then certain virtues will be manifested. 1 Cor
13:4-7
10. The
last days will be characterized by people's love growing cold and lawlessness
being increased. Matt 24:12
#2. joy cara. a state or condition of inner happiness or
contentment that flows from the BDRS; is also translated as rejoice.
Summary
1. This joy
or rejoicing is a result of our
appreciation of grace. It is not
an emotion per se but is an attitude that flows from gratitude.
2. This joy
or appreciation of grace is directly tied to our Hope. Rom 15:13
3. This joy
is not dependant on the external circumstances of life faced. So that even in a
time of pressure/testing one can have this joy. 1 Ths
1:6; James 1:2-4
4. True joy
and inner happiness is from the source of God, His provision, promised to those
who abide in His love. John 15:10-12