Bible Text: 1Corintians 13:4-8, 2 Peter 1:5-7.
Memory Verse: 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. (Galatians 5:22-23)
HOW TO DEVELOP FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
It’s significant to note that Paul never claims the nine characteristics of Christ are “the fruit of your labor.” The “fruit of the Spirit” includes these nine characteristics. Through God’s favor, only the Spirit can complete this duty. The Holy Spirit moves into a person’s life the moment they receive Christ as their Savior. And it is the power of the Spirit that conforms and shapes the individual into the image of Christ.
Why does that matter? How does the Holy Spirit perform this amazing act in a person’s life? Nothing merely “happens.” The Christian has a significant part to play in this development. Paul discusses how to ensure that the Holy Spirit can nurture the traits of Christ in one’s life in Galatians 5:25. “Keep moving in step with the Spirit,” is it?
To stay in step, one must trust and heed the guidance of the Spirit. The Christian must get close to God to discern the Spirit’s leading. How? Through spending time in God’s presence, immersing oneself in his word, and praying. The search and process of acquiring the fruit of the Spirit last a lifetime. Every Christian has spiritual dissonance from time to time.
However, the Spirit is forgiving and faithful. His followers are gently led back into step by him. And with every step made, the Christian evolves, develops, and produces more of the fruit that reflects Christ, thanks to God’s love and the power of the Holy Spirit! The fruit of the Spirit should not be preserved. It’s designed to be distributed!
By inspiring Christians to take action on behalf of others, the Holy Spirit helps Christians develop the characteristics of Christ in their lives. Millions worldwide have heeded the Holy Spirit’s call to action by assisting underprivileged youngsters. They are powerfully exemplifying the fruit of the Spirit by being sponsors with compassion for children in dire need.
The result of the fruit of the Spirit is sanctification. As our spiritual nature has been altered, those who follow Christ do not require any external law. He who started that good work in us will be faithful to finish it when the time is right. One cannot disregard the following propositions, which Paul places at the center of his case and are especially directed at new believers: We are not expected to live the Christian life by ourselves once we become Christ.
Sanctification must be taken seriously to avoid offending the Spirit of divine favor. The result of the fruit of the Spirit is sanctification. As our spiritual nature has been altered, those who follow Christ do not require any external law. He who started that good work in us will be faithful to finish it when the time is right.
Since it deals with what the Judaizers tried to take away from them, it serves as both the core and the centerpiece of Paul’s message to the Galatians. In other words, without the Gospel of salvation, religion is nothing more than a set of regulations, and adhering to them would only result in suffering. If there is such a saving Gospel—and there is—then it follows that we must live under a different system, culture, and set of rules. The Blessed Comforter, sent by Jesus, is in charge of this system.
To be continued…..