As we begin our studies on the Fruit of the Spirit, I think it important to look at the subject in general, before taking a “bite” at each of the elements mentioned!
Firstly, I think we must first ascertain that no subject is exhaustible when it comes to the things of the Lord. Many people can look at God’s Word and each find some different thought based on the same principle and truths. It is these “pearls” that we can share with each other once we have studied. His Word is an ocean in which an endless number of pearls can be found. However, like the ocean, God’s Word is vast. Therefore, to find these precious “pearls” we need to search, and delve into the depths of God’s Word. They don’t just come floating along on life’s sea! We need to put in that effort, worthy of the things of God. We sometimes find these pearls under God’s goodness, with ease – when the “sunshine” of His goodness draws our eye to one of these “pearls” which we have not noticed before. They can be “stirred up” by seas of difficulties – just like when a storm has come, it churns up the muddy waters and we find things previously hidden. But, the way we will find these pearls of truth is the most common method – searching, seeking, and studying…
Before we begin, another “s” – supplication. We need to earnestly seek the Lord to guide us as we look at these precious truths that He has revealed to us. They are for His glory and our good – what better thing can we do! Ask for His wisdom, a desire to learn, and a desire to OBEY once we have found these truths.
So, on with our study. In God’s Word, turn to and read GALATIANS chapter 5. We will be specifically dwelling on the verses 22-23.
Read further up the chapter in order to get the context of these verses we will study. Paul is referring to liberty and the law. He tells us that by living our life in the Spirit we are under liberty, not under the law. However, he warns of not allowing this liberty to hinder our Christian walk. We must not use it as an excuse to give “occasion to the flesh” (verse 13) – that is giving the flesh the opportunity to prevail. We are, of course, sinners saved by God’s grace. We naturally are inclined towards the “old man” and a life where the flesh seeks to have pre-eminence. However, verse 16 tells us to “walk in the Spirit. And ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh”.
WHAT THEN IS THIS FRUIT?
Then, we read that by walking and dwelling in the spirit we have this fruit. It is our guard against fulfilling the lusts of flesh, which are then listed in verse 19-21. This fruit is evidence in our life that we belong to the Lord – fruit is something physical and seen by others. If we do not display this fruit, people could rightly call into question if we do indeed belong to the Lord, because “by their fruits ye shall know them” Matthew 7:20. Don’t we feel so keenly how the flesh battles to take control in our lives? But we know how to battle it! Live out the fruit! Immerse yourself in a life that is governed by the actions produced by this fruit, and you will soon experience a life of greater overcoming. We can influence others for the Lord by our life lived in the Spirit, shown by this fruit. What a challenge – what an encouragement!
They are wonderful characteristics, which we are REQUIRED to live out if we are believers. No choice here! No picking and choosing – “but I am so much better at being loving than patient – surely that’s ok?” NO! We must strive and work at them all, because they come as a package. It is so often misquoted as the “FRUITS” – note the plural. They are rather the “FRUIT” – note the singular. They must come together, in order to fulfil the requirement made of us in verse 25. If we are saved and have the Spirit dwelling in us and we “live in the spirit, let us also WALK in the spirit”. Walking is an adjective – a “doing” word. We must live out these actions to walk as true Christians. No, it is not easy – were we promised that it would be?
WHERE DOES IT START?
The concept of our Christian life involving the bearing of fruit begins earlier on in the New Testament. There are 3 main passages in the Gospels that refer to fruit bearing, to which we can apply principles as Christians. One I shall look at in greater detail, the others are YOUR part to do before the next study!
The first is the well-known passage in John chapter 15. Turn to it now and read the whole chapter. We begin with the position that God fulfils in this analogy. The Lord Jesus is the “true vine” – He is where our new life stems from. God the Father is the “husbandman” – the one who cares for and tends to the vine. Immediately we are then thrown into the issue of fruit bearing, in a very forceful way.
1. A REPROOF - We are told in verse 2 that “every branch that beareth not fruit he taketh away”. WELL! What a warning! We cannot afford to neglect the bearing of this fruit in our life. If we do not fulfil it, it is presumed we are not in Christ!
2. A REQUIREMENT – Believers MUST bear this fruit – it MUST be evidenced and outlived by us. It is a command, which has no element of choice. “Abide in me” – not, “on days you feel like it”, or “if you choose to abide”. ABIDE! – now, today, every moment, in good times, in bad times – ALL the time!
3. A RELIANCE – verses 4 and 5 then remind us the only way of bearing this fruit. “Abide in me, and I in you”. If we obey this command to abide, or dwell and have our permanent abode, in Christ, then He will abide in us. His continual presence and influence is then with us, governing our thoughts, words and deeds. Not only are we reminded to dwell in Christ, but also we are reminded why – “for without me ye can do nothing”! All that we may demonstrate of any virtue does not come from our sinful self, but of the Lord. We do not have the desire or the strength to accomplish fruit bearing on our own. The moment we turn on self-reliance we are then “fulfilling the lusts of the flesh”, warned of in Galatians 5, and we are bearing nothing.
4. A RETURN - THEN, we can bear fruit, abiding in the vine. Indeed “ the same bringeth forth MUCH fruit”! There are no small measures with the Lord! By putting our all into the Lord – by casting ourselves upon Him in every part of our life - then we will produce the fruit that is the evidence of this relationship.
5. A REWARD – Verses 7 and 10 remind us that God is good and gracious. When we obey His command, He blesses us by giving to us. Verse 7 “if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” It reminds us, firstly, that our relationship must include fellowship with God in prayer. Abiding in God draws us into closer communion with Him in prayer – our God-given means of speaking to our Heavenly Father. Secondly, we are reminded that God blesses us by answering our prayers. We mustn’t forget the issue that our prayers must be in accordance with the Word of God! We cannot ask for “things” and expect to find them on our doorstep the next morning! Rather we can claim God’s promises as our prayers “my God shall supply all my needs”, as opposed to expecting to receive our “greeds”!
Verse 10 then promises, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love”. He promises us that we will dwell in His love – we will be aware of His love around us at all times, with all the comfort, strength and delight that that brings to us. This, in turn will stir us up to continue bearing the fruit that is required of us! And, this thought leads us so naturally towards the first element of the fruit that we are to bear – love! Flowing out of God’s love to us, is a desire TO love. But more of that next month…..!
NOW!…..the passages for our study!
Passage 1 is found in Matthew 13 verses 18-23, Mark 4 verses 3- 20 and Luke 8 verses 5-15. It is the same parable repeated 3 times, but as always with the gospel there is value in reading them side-by-side. There is invariably a different angle taken on the same information, giving us a greater depth to the meaning of the parable.
After reading, use these questions to study the passage carefully.
1. What are the hindrances to the seed having good ground? List them.
2. How could these be considered in real terms, in our Christian life?
3. What are YOUR thorns and stones? – how can you take practical steps to sort out your “garden” so the “seed” has good ground to grow?
4. What is the key to bringing forth fruit? What heart attitude is required.
Passage 2 is found in Luke chapter 6 verse 41-45.
1. What sin are we warned against committing?
2. If we avoid this sin, what will the result be?
3. What effect will having a fruit-bearing life have on our actions and attitudes?
Our prayer must be that we will draw near to the Lord in our day-to-day walk, so that we bring forth fruit to His honour and glory. May we know His “still small voice” as we read and study His Word.
