BIBLE STUDY
LESSON 7
INTRODUCTION:
The fruit of the Spirit is the character or work (behavioural attributes) produced in the life of a believer by the presence of the Holy Spirit in Him. Fruit (singular) suggests that the Christian's life in the Spirit is unified in purpose and direction and that these have common characteristics. They are developed through a common means- the Word of God e.g. Love, Joy 1Jn. 1:5 they form part of our spiritual forces 11Cor.10: 4-6 e.g. Love stops the operation of the devil, 1Jn 2:8-11, James 3:14-16 and flows out of the heart Prov.4: 23. They are important as they serve to identify the believer, glorify God, make for growth and unity of the Church Matt 7; 20, Jn15: 8, Eph.4: 15, Col. 3:14. Certain things have to be understood to enable the bringing forth of the fruit.
THE CONFLICTS BETWEEN THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT: Gal. 5:16-17 Flesh is the whole natural or regenerate system opposed to God 1 Jn.5:19,
Rom. 8: 7-8 (it is not the ‘body'). The system produces death Rom.8: 6. The believer has left this lower (old) nature Gal.5:24,Rom 8:9 and as such needs not be in subjection to the system Gal 5:18, Roms.8:12-13 but rather needs to live above.
A believer who lives in harmony with the system will have a confused and frustrated life which eventually results in death Gal.5:17, Rom. 8:5-6. We must recognise the opposition posed by the flesh in order to deal with it. 1 Cor.2:11 , Eph.6:18 (watching) This is going to be by walking in the Spirit of God.
WALKING IN THE SPIRIT: We as believers belong to the spirit realm and as such should make advances (progress)in the things of the spirit Gal. 5:24. The life giving principles (law of the Spirit of life) Rom. 8:2. in Christ Jesus have been given to make this a reality. This law guarantees all that God has in Jesus Christ Gal 3:14 and has to be in operation through faith Heb.4:2. The operation manual is the LAW OF THE LORD Ps. 1:1-3. This Law should be our delight ,what we meditate upon and practice (Joshua 1:8) if we are to bring forth fruit. Simultaneously involved is a refusal to follow ungodly counsel. Our priorities should be the things of the Spirit Rom 8:5-6 Walking in the spirit opens us to receiving all of God Rom. 8: 10-13.
THE FRUIT EXAMINED: (a) LOVE: This is God unveiled in Jn.4: 7-8,16
Love summarises all the other fruit as seen in its characteristics 1 Cor. 13:4-7. It is extremely important to walk in love if the Church is to grow and be united Eph. 4:15,Col.3: 14
(b) JOY: Deep seated gladness (delight) having the element of permanency and not dependent on circumstances. It is our strength Neh 8:10.
(c) PEACE: Unperturbed inner contentment or tranquillity of the mind that enables one master circumstances Jn 14:27,Acts 27:10-25.It is this state of peace that a believer can maintain his good (position) confession in face of unfavourable circumstances. Back to Top
(d) LONG SURFFERING: Inherent ability to endure troubles, trials, and sufferings wrong with masterly breeze of calmness and joyfulness. It includes forbearing Col 3:13,1Peter 2:21 -23.
(e) KINDNESS: (Gentleness) this has to do with a friendly understanding character. It should manifest in our relationship to each other Rms 12:10,Eph 4:32,Gal.6: 2.
(f) GOODNESS: It is related to benevolence and generosity A charitable character Eph 5:9, Gal 6:10 ,1 Tim 5:8.
(g) FAITHFULLNESS: Reliability, Trustworthiness loyalty in relation to obligations and duties. Matt25: 21,23 1Cor.4: 2. How do we show faithfulness in the fellowship group?
(h) MEEKNESS (GENTLENESS): A Character readily in treated and humble see Prov.16: 32,matt5: 5 Matt11: 29.
(i)TEMPERANCE: Self-control, related to discipline 1 Cor.9: 25-27 not being carried away by circumstantial excitement. (Note) no force (law) of the enemy can operate to stop the results these bring in Gal5: 23.
BRINGING FORTH THE HARVEST Gal.5: 22(I) sowing to the spirit not to the flesh Gal 6:7 by renewing the mind Eph 4:23 and speaking the word which has already been implanted in the heart Matt 12:34 (ii) co-operation with the spirit of God in vital union with Christ 1
Cor. 12: 13, Jn 15:1-7;walking in step with His leading Gal. 5:25 and taking advantage of Him as our power source Phil.2: 13 (iii) Watching and praying as we face the situation
Lk 21: 34-36,1Pet 5:8. (iv) Bringing forth these through patience LK 8:15
CONCLUSION: (I) We have been called to liberty (realm of the spirit) Gal 5:13,11Cor.3: 17 and we need be established there by walking in the spirit Gal5: 1,16 (ii) The fruit makes the exercise of our faith impregnable 11 pet.1 :3-10