Embracing the Fruit of the Spirit in 2025

 

Summary

As we embark on a new year, we are reminded of the importance of dedicating the first part of our year to God through 21 days of prayer. This is a time to seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and discernment, and to prepare our hearts for the journey ahead. We are also beginning a new series on the Fruit of the Spirit, focusing today on love. The essence of true freedom in Christ is not about doing whatever we want, but about living a life dedicated to God’s purpose for us. Whether we are called to be missionaries or to serve in our local communities, our mission is to live for God and not for ourselves.

The Fruit of the Spirit is not something we can produce on our own; it is the result of living by the Spirit. Just as an apple tree naturally produces apples, the Spirit within us produces love, joy, peace, and other fruits. This is not about trying harder or relying on our own strength, but about abiding in Christ and allowing His life to flow through us. The cross is central to this process, as it is through the cross that we are saved and empowered to live victoriously over sin.

Living by the Spirit involves being led by the Spirit, which means choosing to walk in the ways of God rather than in the ways of the flesh. The acts of the flesh are evident, but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are not separate fruits but a singular fruit that reflects the character of Christ in us.

Love is at the heart of the Fruit of the Spirit because God is love. It is through His love that we are able to love others, including our neighbors and even our enemies. This love is not just a feeling but a choice and a commitment to act in love. As we engage in prayer and fasting, we are reminded that what we starve dies and what we feed thrives. By disconnecting from the world and connecting with God, we allow His Spirit to work in us and through us.

Key Takeaways:

- Dedication to God: Starting the year with 21 days of prayer is a powerful way to dedicate the first part of the year to God, seeking His guidance and preparing our hearts for His purposes. This time of prayer is an opportunity to align our lives with God's will and to experience His presence in a deeper way. [43:22]

- Living by the Spirit: The Fruit of the Spirit is not produced by human effort but by living in the Spirit. It is about abiding in Christ and allowing His life to flow through us, producing love, joy, peace, and other virtues. This requires a daily commitment to walk in the Spirit and to crucify the flesh. [49:45]

- The Power of the Cross: The cross is not just a symbol of Christianity but the secret to the Christian life. It is through the cross that we are saved and empowered to live victoriously over sin. By dying to self and living by faith, we experience the abundant life that God has for us. [01:02:03]

- Love as the Foundation: Love is the foundation of the Fruit of the Spirit because God is love. It is through His love that we are able to love others, including our neighbors and enemies. This love is not just a feeling but a choice and a commitment to act in love. [01:04:56]

- Prayer and Fasting: Fasting is a way to put the flesh to death and to disconnect from the world, while prayer connects us to God. By engaging in prayer and fasting, we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, transforming our lives and relationships. [01:09:06]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - New Year Greetings
[02:30] - 21 Days of Prayer
[05:00] - Introduction to the Fruit of the Spirit
[07:30] - Missionary Introductions
[10:00] - Prayer for Missionaries
[15:00] - Understanding Freedom in Christ
[20:00] - Living by the Spirit
[25:00] - The Power of the Cross
[30:00] - Love as the Foundation
[35:00] - Prayer and Fasting
[40:00] - The Secret to the Christian Life
[45:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[50:00] - Altar Call and Worship
[55:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Galatians 5:1, 13-26
- John 15:5
- Romans 5:5

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Galatians 5:1 say about the purpose of the freedom we have in Christ? How does this relate to the concept of living by the Spirit? [45:21]

2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned that the Fruit of the Spirit is not produced by human effort but by living in the Spirit. What analogy did he use to explain this concept? [49:45]

3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the cross in the Christian life, and how does it relate to living by the Spirit? [01:02:03]

4. How does the pastor describe the relationship between love and the other aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit? [01:04:56]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "abiding in Christ" from John 15:5 help us understand the process of bearing the Fruit of the Spirit? What does it mean to abide in Christ practically? [57:02]

2. The sermon emphasized the importance of prayer and fasting. How do these practices help in crucifying the flesh and living by the Spirit? [01:09:06]

3. In Romans 5:5, it is mentioned that God's love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. How does this enable us to love others, including our enemies? [01:07:50]

4. The pastor mentioned that the Fruit of the Spirit is singular, not plural. How does this understanding affect the way we view the development of these virtues in our lives? [01:02:34]

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Application Questions:

1. The sermon encourages starting the year with 21 days of prayer. How can you incorporate a dedicated time of prayer into your daily routine to seek God's guidance for the year ahead? [43:22]

2. Reflect on the analogy of the apple tree used in the sermon. What are some practical ways you can "abide in Christ" to naturally produce the Fruit of the Spirit in your life? [49:45]

3. The pastor spoke about the power of the cross in living victoriously over sin. What is one area of your life where you need to apply the power of the cross to overcome a specific sin or struggle? [01:02:03]

4. Love is described as a choice and a commitment. Identify a relationship in your life where you can make a conscious effort to act in love, even when it is challenging. What specific actions can you take? [01:04:56]

5. During the 21 days of prayer and fasting, what is one thing you can fast from to disconnect from the world and connect more deeply with God? How will you ensure you stay committed to this fast? [01:09:06]

6. The sermon mentioned the importance of living by the Spirit rather than the flesh. What are some practical steps you can take to be more aware of the Holy Spirit's leading in your daily decisions? [01:02:03]

7. Consider the idea of being a "river Christian" rather than a "lake Christian." How can you ensure that your spiritual life is dynamic and flowing, rather than stagnant? What changes might you need to make? [57:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Dedicate the Year to God

As the new year begins, dedicating the first part of the year to God through 21 days of prayer is a powerful practice. This period is an opportunity to seek God's guidance, wisdom, and discernment, preparing our hearts for the journey ahead. By setting aside this time, we align our lives with God's will and open ourselves to experiencing His presence in a deeper way. This dedication is not just a ritual but a heartfelt commitment to prioritize our relationship with God, allowing Him to shape our paths and purposes. [43:22]

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to dedicate this year to God, ensuring that His guidance and wisdom are at the forefront of your plans?


Day 2: Abide in the Spirit

Living by the Spirit is not about human effort but about abiding in Christ and allowing His life to flow through us. The Fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace, is produced not by trying harder but by living in the Spirit. This requires a daily commitment to walk in the Spirit and to crucify the flesh, choosing God's ways over our own. By doing so, we allow the Spirit to transform us, reflecting the character of Christ in our lives. [49:45]

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to walk by the Spirit? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in this area today?


Day 3: Embrace the Power of the Cross

The cross is central to the Christian life, not just as a symbol but as the means through which we are saved and empowered to live victoriously over sin. By dying to self and living by faith, we experience the abundant life that God has for us. The cross reminds us of the sacrifice of Jesus and the victory over sin and death, empowering us to live in freedom and purpose. Embracing the power of the cross means allowing its truth to transform our lives daily. [01:02:03]

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of the cross impact your daily life? What is one way you can live out the power of the cross today?


Day 4: Love as a Choice and Commitment

Love is the foundation of the Fruit of the Spirit because God is love. It is through His love that we are able to love others, including our neighbors and even our enemies. This love is not just a feeling but a choice and a commitment to act in love. By choosing to love, we reflect God's character and fulfill His command to love one another. This love transforms relationships and communities, demonstrating the power of God's love in action. [01:04:56]

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you find difficult to love? How can you choose to act in love towards them today?


Day 5: Transform through Prayer and Fasting

Prayer and fasting are powerful spiritual disciplines that help us disconnect from the world and connect with God. By engaging in these practices, we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, transforming our lives and relationships. Fasting puts the flesh to death, while prayer opens our hearts to God's presence and guidance. As we commit to these disciplines, we create space for God to move in our lives, leading to spiritual growth and renewal. [01:09:06]

"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need transformation? How can you incorporate prayer and fasting to seek God's guidance and power in this area?

Quotes



So let me tell you how this works. For those, it's new to you. We give the first. Everybody say the first. We give the first to God. The first of our year, 21 days we're going to spend in prayer. 21 days, that's three weeks. That's three Sundays. So at the end of the sermon for those three Sundays, we'll have an altar call. You can come and stand at the altar at our campuses. [00:40:28] (22 seconds)


Real freedom is not giving in to do anything you want to do. Real freedom is when you give your life to doing what God wants you to do. That may mean that you're called to be a missionary like those that we just prayed for. It may be that you're called to the marketplace. Public, private sector. And you are a missionary. And your mission field where you are. [00:46:19] (24 seconds)


He wants to grow us. He wants us to bear fruit. He wants us to be a blessing to others and point others to him. Now I told you three places it talks about the spirit. There are three phrases that I want you to get. The first one is this. Write it down. Number one. Live by the spirit. You can't live the Christian life living in the. flesh or living according to the old nature. You have to live by the Spirit. [00:48:57] (25 seconds)


They're in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want. Now we're talking about fruit of the Spirit, and it's produced by the Spirit. It's produced by the Spirit. by live by the spirit all right life everybody say life fruit is the outcome of life it's not external it's internal it's not like a christmas tree that's artificial and you just hang some beautiful pretty ornaments on it love and joy and no no no no it's like an apple tree and an apple tree produces apples why because of that source of life within it and an orange tree will produce oranges why because of the sap and the source of life that's in it [00:50:03] (45 seconds)


Fasting is a way to put your flesh to death. Write this down. What you starve dies and what you feed thrives. So we're talking about put your flesh to death. You can do a complete fast, that's liquid only. You can do a selective fast, and that would be a certain food, like vegetables only. You can do a partial fast, like you eat one meal a day. Or you can do a soul fast, you just give up social media or TV or secular music or video games or whatever. [00:56:50] (27 seconds)


And you do what the Holy Spirit leads you to do. We're talking about the crucified life here, living by the Spirit. Prayer is going to connect you to God. Fasting is going to disconnect you from the world. And people, listen, Christians try to live the Christian life apart from Christ, and you can't do it. John 15, 5 says, I am the vine, you're the branches. If you abide in me, remain in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from me, you can do how much? How much? You can do nothing. [00:57:31] (36 seconds)


And the Bible says that in the believer, we've got a river of life that is rising up within us. And so, I ask you, are you a lake Christian or a river Christian? And let me tell you, there are lake churches and there are river churches, all right? We want to be a river Christian and a river church. Live by the Spirit means it's not just church. It's life. [00:58:21] (25 seconds)


You can't love God, love your neighbor, and love your enemies in your own flesh. It's only by the Spirit of God. So he starts out here, but the fruit of the Spirit is love. All right? The fruit of the Spirit. It's love. Fruit. It comes as a total package. It's singular, not plural. So it's not nine different fruits, but rather it's like a bouquet of mixed flowers. All right? And they come in bunches of three. [01:02:29] (33 seconds)


Love's at the top of the list, because God is, you say it, love. Love. Love. Cannot love without someone to love. So the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, the triune God, has been in love and loving one another for all of eternity, and God didn't create us because he needed us. He created us because he wanted to share that love with us. [01:04:07] (23 seconds)


And what I'm preaching is what I want you. And what I want you to long for and pray and ask God to do inside of you in these 21 days of prayer. Are you getting anything out of this sermon? Listen, God is love. It's who he is. It's who he makes us to be. And we love him only because he first loved us. Love. Everybody say love. It's a noun and it's a verb. It's something you say and it's something you do. Don't love just in word, but love in deed. Word and deed. It's vertical. And it's horizontal. [01:09:46] (34 seconds)


God demonstrated his love for us in this, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. And you know the verse. God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son, one and only son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have life. Everlasting life. Bow with me for prayer. [01:14:47] (19 seconds)


Heavenly Father, I thank you for this journey you're going to take us on for 21 days. I thank you for the journey of studying the fruit of the Spirit and what you want to produce in us, making us more like Jesus. And God, I pray, knowing that we are aware of our need, we can't do this without you. I pray, knowing apart from you, we can do nothing. So we abandon ourself. We abandon our sin. [01:17:05] (28 seconds)


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Transcript
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