The Fruit of the Spirit
GALATIANS 5:22-23
Have you ever picked apples? What about strawberries or blackberries? The similarity of these different kinds of fruit is that they come from their own source. The apple comes from the apple tree, the strawberry comes from the strawberry plant, and the blackberry comes from the blackberry bush. This is of course no surprise to anyone.
This very principle was alluded to by Christ when he was warning His disciples against false prophets.
Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
I. FRUIT
AAA. Definition Gk. karpos (# 2590) - Means:
1. The produce of trees, fields, & the earth; that which is produced by the inherent energy of a living organism.
2. Used metaphorically of works or deeds, “fruit” being the visible expression or power working inwardly and invisibly, the character of the “fruit” being evidence of the character of the power producing it, Matt. 7:16.
B. B. This definition refers to fruit as being the evidence of something from within. This is true whether the fruit is a natural by-product of plants or an inward work of the heart evidenced through outward actions. James told us that when we have faith – our faith will be evidenced by outward works (James 2:14-26) - Fruit of the inward dwelling of God’s Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-16). – “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” If we bear fruit we are of Christ – for the branch cannot bear fruit of itself (John 15:1a, 4-5).
CCC. The believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4: 30) and because of that we are admonished to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16 & 25) – to be filled with the Spirit is as one who is drunk with wine (Eph. 5:18) – and to yield ourselves to the Spirit’s leadership (Rom. 8:14), as He guides us into all truth convicting of sin and righteousness while testifying of Christ (John 16:7-15).
D.D. If you are a child of God you are going to bear forth the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore it behooves us to understand what the fruit of the Spirit is composed of, so that we may know that we are not following a false spirit (1 John 4:1), for Jesus said, “Not everyone who says unto Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 7:21-23).
II. FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT The word “fruit” is singular – suggesting the unity of the character of the Lord in His producing the different elements.
AAA. Love – (a ga pe) – is used to (a) to describe the attitude of God toward His Son, the human race (generally), and to such as believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (particularly), (b) to convey His will to His children concerning their attitude one toward another and toward all men, (c) to express the essential nature of God (Vine). Note: So often Christians refer to this love as an unconditional love.
J B. Joy - (cha ra) – joy or delight, (root word means cheerfulness, calm delight, great gladness (Vine).
CAC. Peace – (ei re ne) – a harmonious relationship between men, between nations, friendliness, freedom from molestation, and the sense of rest and contentment (Vine). Vincent’s Word Studies – mutual peace, rather than peace w/God.
D.D. Longsuffering – (ma kro thu mi a) – forbearance, patience, (macros = long & thumos = temper) this word is usually rendered long suffering.
AAE. Kindness – (chre sto tes) – usually translated kindness, is used of the “goodness of heart, kindness” (Vine). Vincent has: a kindness which means it is useful or serviceable.
AAF. Goodness – (a ga tho su ne) – “goodness,” signifies that moral quality which is described by the adjective, “agathos” = good in character or constitution, is beneficial in its effect. (A kindly activity on one’s behalf.)
G. G. Faithfulness – (pis tis) – primarily means firm persuasion, a conviction based upon hearing. Vincent – trustfulness; A.T. Robertson – faithfulness; Amp. Bible - faithfulness.
AAH. Gentleness – (prau tes) – denotes meekness (Vine). Vincent – primary meaning is mild, gentle [from notes on Matthew 5:5). Amp. Bible – meekness, humility, gentleness.
I. .I. Temperance – (eg kra tei a) – (from katos = strength), self control is the best rendering. Controlling one’s own self! Does not fly off the handle
Do you have this fruit and all of its attributes manifested as evidence in your walk that you are a true Christian? If so you stand as one not-condemned – Against such there is no law –