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lesson 9 THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Gal 5:22-23 Introduction There are Christians that want to be filled with the Holy Spirit but
think that they are not. To be sure
of the Spirit's presence
in their lives, they wait for a spectacular manifestation of the Spirit or
something very different from their previous
experiences. Nevertheless, the Bible
doesn't teach such ideas. Instead the
Bible teaches us that one knows of
the presence of the Holy Spirit in the Christian's life by means of the fruit
(character) that is manifested. 1. What
is the fruit of the Holy Spirit? The
fruit of the Holy Spirit is virtues (graces) that influence the character of
the Christian. In order to live the
life that God
wants us, His sons, to live, He didn't leave us alone, with only our own
abilities, but rather gave us His Spirit to produce
fruit (manifest itself) in our lives. a. The internal
character 1. Love - this is an
unselfish love like that found in Jesus Christ - 1 Cor 13:1-8 2.
Joy - this is a happiness or
contentment that lasts even when there are reasons to feel sad - 2 Cor 6:10; Phil 4:4; Heb 10:34 3. Peace - this is a
tranquillity of spirit that doesn't change as circumstances alter - Phil
4:7,9 b. The character as expressed toward
men (outwardly) 1.
Patience - this is not getting upset or
angry when one thinks he has a reason to do so or when someone "does
you wrong" - 1 Pet 2:20 2. Kindness - this is a kind attitude expressed
toward other people; it is not a weakness of conviction or character 3. Goodness - this is
doing (and being) good to other people, as the example God has given us
Gentleness - this is not having a higher opinion of
oneself than one should; not getting angrily easily; it is seen in our
relationships with others - Mt 11:29; Col 3:12 c. The character in its relationship
to God 1. Faith - here the idea
is faithfulness to the Lord and in what one does for Him - Lk 8:15 2.
Self-control - this is personal discipline or control in all aspects of one's
life, especially with regard to sexual passions - Mt 4:1-11; 1 Cor 10:13 Conclusion The manifestations of the Holy Spirit are known as the fruit of the
Spirit. If one is a true Christian,
he has received the Holy
Spirit and for that reason the fruit of the Spirit should be seen in his
life. It would be difficult to
recognize someone as
a Christian if these manifestations were not found in his life since these
are foundational characteristics of a life directed by
the Spirit. Memory
Verses: Gal 5:22-23 Questions 1. T F The presence of the Holy Spirit is
recognized by one's having miraculous gifts. 2. T F The fruit of the Spirit is seen in the
character of the Christian. 3. T F Since it comes from the Holy Spirit, the
fruit of the Spirit is manifested in the Christian without the Christian having
to do anything, with no effort on the part of the Christian. 4. What are the 9 manifestations of the
fruit of the Holy Spirit? 5. Which of the manifestations of the Holy
Spirit, fruit, is most lacking in your life?
What are you going to do so that this
characteristic is more present in your life? Lesson 9 - Chart The
Fruit Of The Holy Spirit Gal 5:22-23 The Fruit The
Fruit Explained Love - Selfless love; the love of God as
seen in the life of Jesus - Rom 5:5; 1 Cor 13 Joy - A contentment that lasts even when
there is reason for sadness - compare to Rom 5:11 Peace - This is a tranquillity of Spirit
that does not change according to external circumstances; it is in relation to God and others Patience -
Includes perseverance and not becoming upset or angered when one thinks he is
right or being mistreated Kindness - This is a desire to do good
toward other people; it does not reflect a weakness of conviction or
character Goodness - Is being good and generous with
others, like the example God has given us Faithfulness - This is the idea of
faithfulness toward the Lord and in what one does for Him Gentleness - Does not easily become angry;
this is seen in one's relationships with others Self-control - This is self-control,
particularly in sexual passions |