Embracing the Inward Fruit of the Spirit
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we conclude our four-week series on the Fruit of the Spirit. We've been exploring the characteristics that the Holy Spirit cultivates within us, and today, we focus on the inward fruit: faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These traits are not something we can manufacture on our own; they are the result of the Holy Spirit's work in us.
We began by discussing how the fruit of the Spirit is a singular fruit with multiple characteristics, much like an apple can be described as crisp, juicy, and sweet. This fruit is produced in us by the Holy Spirit, and it reflects the character of Christ. Love is the root of this fruit, and without love, we cannot have true joy, peace, or patience.
We then delved into the inward fruit. Faithfulness is about remaining committed to God, even when distractions and challenges arise. It is a reflection of God's unwavering faithfulness to us. Gentleness, or meekness, is not weakness but strength under control. It involves submitting our power and strength to God's will. Self-control is about restraining our passions and desires, not through sheer willpower but by being Spirit-controlled.
We also discussed the importance of exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit to those around us. People are starving for love, joy, peace, and other fruits, and when they see these traits in us, they are drawn to Christ. Our purpose is not just to display these fruits but to let others experience them through us.
Finally, we emphasized the need for real-time obedience to the Holy Spirit. This involves listening to the Spirit's guidance in our daily lives and acting accordingly. It's not about white-knuckling our way through challenges but about yielding to the Spirit's control.
As we close, I encourage you to reflect on your own fruit. Ask God to show you where you need more faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control. Spend time in authentic conversation with Jesus, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform you from the inside out.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Singular Fruit of the Spirit: The fruit of the Spirit is one fruit with multiple characteristics, much like an apple can be described in various ways. These characteristics—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are produced in us by the Holy Spirit and reflect the character of Christ. We cannot manufacture these traits on our own; they are the result of the Spirit's work in us. [03:02]
2. Faithfulness as Love Abiding: Faithfulness is about remaining committed to God, reflecting His unwavering faithfulness to us. In a world where unfaithfulness is common, being a faithful person sets us apart and draws others to Christ. God's faithfulness transforms us, making us responsible, mature, and steadfast. [14:40]
3. Gentleness as Love Submitting: Gentleness, or meekness, is not weakness but strength under control. It involves submitting our power and strength to God's will, recognizing that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. This submission is not reluctant but a willing act of trust in God's perfect plan. [19:51]
4. Self-Control as Love Restraining: Self-control is about restraining our passions and desires, not through sheer willpower but by being Spirit-controlled. It helps us resist temptation and live a godly life. This requires developing self-disciplines and practicing real-time obedience to the Holy Spirit's guidance. [24:49]
5. Exhibiting the Fruit to Others: The fruit of the Spirit is not just for our benefit but for others to experience through us. People are starving for love, joy, peace, and other fruits, and when they see these traits in us, they are drawn to Christ. Our purpose is to let others taste and see Jesus through the fruit we bear. [11:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:34] - Introduction to the Fruit of the Spirit
[03:02] - The Singular Fruit with Multiple Characteristics
[04:22] - Love as the Root of the Fruit
[05:38] - Jesus' Teachings on Good Fruit
[07:08] - Our Purpose: Restored Relationship and Good Fruit
[08:35] - Abiding in Jesus
[09:56] - The Carpet Stain Analogy
[11:23] - Exhibiting the Fruit to Others
[14:40] - Faithfulness: Love Abiding
[16:20] - God's Unwavering Faithfulness
[18:09] - Gentleness: Love Submitting
[19:51] - Personal Transformation through Gentleness
[21:28] - Submission to God's Will
[23:13] - Real-Time Obedience
[24:49] - Self-Control: Love Restraining
[26:24] - Being Spirit-Controlled
[28:00] - Developing Self-Disciplines
[29:39] - Practicing Real-Time Obedience
[31:39] - Crucifying the Flesh
[33:14] - Keeping in Step with the Spirit
[34:45] - Reflecting on Your Own Fruit
[36:13] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[41:55] - Amen
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
2. John 15:4-5 (NIV): "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
3. Matthew 12:33 (NIV): "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5:22-23?
2. According to John 15:4-5, what is necessary for a branch to bear fruit?
3. In Matthew 12:33, how does Jesus describe the relationship between a tree and its fruit?
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of "faithfulness" in relation to God's faithfulness to us? ([14:40])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand that the fruit of the Spirit is a singular fruit with multiple characteristics rather than multiple fruits? ([03:02])
2. How does the analogy of the mulberry bush in the sermon help us understand our anticipation for the Holy Spirit's work in us? ([01:34])
3. What does it mean to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit to others, and why is this important for drawing people to Christ? ([11:23])
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of "gentleness" as strength under control, and how does this differ from common perceptions of gentleness? ([19:51])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: In what areas do you need to cultivate more faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control? How can you start working on these areas this week? ([34:45])
2. Think of a situation where you struggled with self-control. What practical steps can you take to be more Spirit-controlled in similar situations in the future? ([24:49])
3. Identify a person in your life who is "starving" for the fruit of the Spirit. How can you intentionally exhibit love, joy, peace, or another fruit to them this week? ([11:23])
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of real-time obedience to the Holy Spirit. Can you recall a recent moment when you felt the Spirit's guidance? How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience? ([29:39])
5. How can you practice "abiding in Jesus" in your daily routine? What specific changes can you make to ensure you remain connected to the vine? ([08:35])
6. The sermon discussed the idea of submitting our power and strength to God's will. What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to submit to God, and how can you work on this? ([21:28])
7. How can you develop self-disciplines that help you grow spiritually? Identify one discipline you want to focus on this month and create a plan to incorporate it into your daily life. ([26:24])
Devotional
Day 1: The Singular Fruit of the Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit is a singular entity with multiple characteristics, much like an apple can be described as crisp, juicy, and sweet. These characteristics—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are produced in us by the Holy Spirit and reflect the character of Christ. We cannot manufacture these traits on our own; they are the result of the Spirit's work in us. This fruit is a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, shaping us to be more like Christ.
Understanding that the fruit of the Spirit is singular helps us realize that these characteristics are interconnected. Love is the root of this fruit, and without love, we cannot have true joy, peace, or patience. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, the Holy Spirit cultivates these traits within us, making us more effective witnesses to those around us. Our lives become a reflection of Christ's character, drawing others to Him through the love, joy, and peace they see in us. [03:02]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit do you feel is most lacking in your life right now? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to cultivate this trait in you today?
Day 2: Faithfulness as Love Abiding
Faithfulness is about remaining committed to God, reflecting His unwavering faithfulness to us. In a world where unfaithfulness is common, being a faithful person sets us apart and draws others to Christ. God's faithfulness transforms us, making us responsible, mature, and steadfast. This faithfulness is not just about loyalty but about a deep, abiding love that remains steadfast even in the face of challenges and distractions.
Faithfulness involves trusting in God's promises and staying true to His word, even when it is difficult. It means being reliable and trustworthy in our relationships and commitments, mirroring the faithfulness of God in our own lives. As we grow in faithfulness, we become more like Christ, who is the ultimate example of faithfulness. This transformation not only strengthens our relationship with God but also impacts those around us, drawing them to the steadfast love of Christ. [14:40]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to remain faithful to God? How can you take a step today to demonstrate your commitment to Him?
Day 3: Gentleness as Love Submitting
Gentleness, or meekness, is not weakness but strength under control. It involves submitting our power and strength to God's will, recognizing that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. This submission is not reluctant but a willing act of trust in God's perfect plan. Gentleness is about approaching others with humility and grace, reflecting the gentle and humble heart of Christ.
When we practice gentleness, we are able to respond to others with kindness and patience, even in difficult situations. This trait allows us to build stronger, more compassionate relationships and to be a calming presence in a world often filled with conflict and aggression. By submitting our strength to God's control, we demonstrate our trust in His sovereignty and our willingness to follow His lead. [19:51]
Matthew 11:29 (ESV): "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you reacted with frustration or anger. How could you have responded with gentleness instead? What steps can you take to cultivate a gentle spirit?
Day 4: Self-Control as Love Restraining
Self-control is about restraining our passions and desires, not through sheer willpower but by being Spirit-controlled. It helps us resist temptation and live a godly life. This requires developing self-disciplines and practicing real-time obedience to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Self-control is essential for maintaining a life that honors God and reflects His character to those around us.
By yielding to the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the impulses and desires that lead us away from God's will. Self-control enables us to make wise choices, avoid sin, and live in a way that is pleasing to God. It is a daily practice of surrendering our will to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide our actions and decisions. As we grow in self-control, we become more disciplined and focused on living a life that glorifies God. [24:49]
Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with self-control? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you exercise self-control in this area today?
Day 5: Exhibiting the Fruit to Others
The fruit of the Spirit is not just for our benefit but for others to experience through us. People are starving for love, joy, peace, and other fruits, and when they see these traits in us, they are drawn to Christ. Our purpose is to let others taste and see Jesus through the fruit we bear. By living out these characteristics, we become a living testimony of God's love and grace.
Exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit to others involves being intentional about our interactions and relationships. It means showing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our daily lives. As we do so, we become a reflection of Christ's character, drawing others to Him and fulfilling our purpose as His followers. This outward display of the fruit of the Spirit is a powerful witness to the transformative power of God's love. [11:23]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to experience the love and grace of Christ. How can you intentionally exhibit the fruit of the Spirit to them today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "And so when we talk about the fruit of the Spirit, I think we should have that same excitement and that same anticipation for what the Holy Spirit is going to do in us and the fruit that He is going to produce." [02:12] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So everything starts with love. And so we've taken the fruit of the Spirit over the last few weeks, and we've broken it up into three different categories. And two weeks ago, we talked about the upward fruit of love, joy, and peace. And this fruit, these characteristics deal with our relationship with God." [04:22] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So we must live in obedience in real time. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." [31:39] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We live in a world today where there are people around us that are absolutely starving, starving to experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness. They're starving for it." [11:23] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What is our purpose in life? What is the purpose that God has for us? Well, the first purpose is that he wants us to be restored into a relationship with him, right? He desires for all people to know him, all people to have a relationship with him." [07:08] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Faithfulness is love abiding. We love any love that you have to give. It's because God loved you. First, any faithfulness that we have is because God was first faithful to us. That's how we know what faithfulness is, is by looking at God. Again, he's our bullseye. He's our mark. He's what we are aiming to." [14:40] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Gentleness is love submitting. Probably better translated into meekness. Don't be tempted to think that meek is weak, because it's not. It's not weak at all. What this means is to take power and strength and bring it under control." [18:09] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Self-control is love restraining. It's the control or restraint of one's passions, appetites, and desires. And it's not just restraint for the sake of restraining. It's restraint from things that are bad for us." [24:49] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have to develop self-disciplines. And I hate self-disciplines. I hate that. I shouldn't say hate, but sorry, it's just me. But yet still, I do it because I want to be the best me that I can be. And self-disciplines help me do that." [26:24] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have to practice real time obedience. Most of us in this room probably don't need a burning bush with God's voice coming out of it to tell us not to lie. Right? I mean, most of us know that. You know, we have a habit of saying, well, I just need God to tell me what's right or what's wrong. But for the most part, we have a pretty good idea." [28:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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