12/1/17

"THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS" The Fruit Of The Spirit - I (5:22-23) by Mark Copeland 

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS"

                 The Fruit Of The Spirit - I (5:22-23)

INTRODUCTION

1. In Galatians, Paul warned regarding the works of the flesh...
   a. They can destroy the liberty we enjoy in Christ - Ga 5:13-15
   b. They prevent us from following the Spirit and doing the things we
      wish - Ga 5:16-17
   c. They keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God - Ga 5:21

2. He also wrote concerning those led by the Spirit...
   a. They are not under the law (in particular, the Law of Moses) 
      - Ga 5:18
   b. They produce fruit against which there is no law (i.e., no
      condemnation) - Ga 5:22-23

[Having examined the works of the flesh in previous lessons, let's now
turn our attention to the fruit of the Spirit (Ga 5:22-23). When we walk
by the Spirit instead of indulging the flesh, what fruit does the Spirit
produce in our lives...?]

I. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE

   A. THE LOVE THE SPIRIT PRODUCES...
      1. Grk., agape - that love which seeks only the highest good of
         others
      2. Is the love of God poured into our hearts - Ro 5:5
      3. Which engenders a deeper love for God as our Father 
         - Ro 8:14-15; Ga 4:6
      4. A love in Christ which "surpasses knowledge" - Ep 3:16-19
      5. And should produce love for one another - 1Jn 4:10-11,16,21
      -- Those "led by the Spirit" will produce the fruit of LOVE in
         their lives

   B. LOVE IN THE LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN...
      1. We are to walk in love - Ep 5:1-2
      2. We are to love one another fervently - 1Pe 1:22
      3. Love is to be the "tie that binds" the "garment" the Christian
         is to put on - Col 3:12-14
      4. It is to be the "universal motive" for all that we do 
          - 1Co 16:14
      5. It is to prevent our Christian liberty from turning into
         destructive selfishness - Ga 5:13
      -- Do we manifest that we "walk by the Spirit" in regards to our
         LOVE?

[When the love which the Spirit produces is a dominant presence in our
lives, it is only natural that it be accompanied by joy...]

II. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS JOY

   A. THE JOY THE SPIRIT PRODUCES...
      1. Grk., chara - joy, gladness (Thayer), delight (Vine)
      2. Is integral to the kingdom of God - Ro 14:17
      3. Is a gift from God, closely related to our faith and hope 
         - Ro 15:13
      4. Is a blessing to sustain us in times of persecution - 1Th 1:6
      5. Can be described as "inexpressible and full of glory" 
         - 1Pe 1:6-8
      -- Those "led by the Spirit" will produce the fruit of JOY in
         their lives

   B. JOY IN THE LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN...
      1. Should be a constant presence in our lives - Php 4:4
      2. Finding joy in our association together 
         - Phm 1:7,20; 1Th 2:19-20
      3. Finding joy even in difficult circumstances - Jm 1:2-4
      4. Especially when suffering for Christ - 1Pe 4:13
      -- Do we manifest that we "walk by the Spirit" in regards to our
         JOY?

[Walking in love, experiencing joy, it is understandable that those led
by the Spirit would also have peace...]

III. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS PEACE

   A. THE PEACE THE SPIRIT PRODUCES...
      1. Grk., eireine- "peace between individuals, i.e., harmony,
         concord" - Thayer
      2. Is the result of those who set their minds on the things of the
         Spirit - Ro 8:5-6
      3. Is also integral to the kingdom of God - Ro 14:17
      4. Is also a gift from God, closely related to our faith and hope
         - Ro 15:13
      -- Those "led by the Spirit" will produce the fruit of PEACE in
         their lives

   B. PEACE IN THE LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN...
      1. Involves peace with God, when justified by faith - Ro 5:1
      2. Involves peace with man, made possible by Jesus' death 
         - Ep 2:11-19
      3. Involves peace within self, received from God through prayer
         - Php 4:6-7
      -- Do we manifest that we "walk by the Spirit" in regards to our
         PEACE?

CONCLUSION

1. What a contrast between the Spirit and the flesh...!
   a. Those who walk by the Spirit experience love, joy, and peace
   b. Those who indulge lusts of the flesh experience hatred,
      jealousies, and outbursts of wrath

2. Which would you rather have...?
   a. A life infused with love, joy, and peace, by the Spirit of
      Almighty God?
   b. A life inflicted by hatred, jealousies, and outbursts of wrath,
      due to fleshly lusts?

By the grace of God, all who have been born again of water and the
Spirit, and are willing to walk in the Spirit can experience this
wonderful love, joy, and peace (with even more, as we'll see in our next
two lessons).  How about you...?




Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016





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