I want to welcome everyone to this first of a 10 part series on the Fruit of the Spirit. In this series I will try to define the individual attributes that should be working in the life of a Christian who is spirit filled. However, before I go on to define the individual attributes I want to set a starting point so that when I speak of the fruit of the Spirit there is a generally accepted point of reference.
What is the Fruit of the Spirit?
Consider this, the bible uses the word “fruit” to mean a product produced from a specific tree. With respect to a specific product being the results of a specific tree. This is much the same way we know that a grape vine produces grapes, and an apple tree produces apples, and a fig tree will produce figs. Therefore a tree produces fruit after itself.
A fig tree, must produce a fig, it cannot produce an apple, nor can it produce a grape, this is the natural selection of all that is created. Luke 6:44 tell us “For each tree is known and identified by its own fruit; for figs are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor is a cluster of grapes picked from a bramble bush. (Amp Bible) verse 43 from the amplified bible says “For there is no good (healthy) tree that bears decayed (worthless, stale) fruit, nor on the other hand does a decayed (worthless, sickly) tree bear good fruit.”
If the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and He should dwell in all regenerated believers, than the fruit of the spirit should be visibly recognized in our behavior. Matthews 7:17 says "Ye shall know them by their fruits." This statement is contrary to what we are taught which is that no one can tell if a person is truly in the faith. But believe me this is the devil’s deceptive way of trying to deceive even the elect of God. (Matthew 24:24)
Because by our nature there is nothing good in us, we cannot of our own ability develop these qualities (Fruit) in our lives. It is the Holy Spirit which dwells in us that changes us from our no good self, to being good by nature and we cultivate that transformation with prayer, meditation, reading our bible, fellowship and submitting ourselves to God’s Will. Through the work of the Holy Spirit and the submission of our will we become less like our old self and more like Christ and the fruit of the spirit are visible to everyone we come in contact with.
Therefore the Fruit of the Spirit (singular) are the 9 biblical attributes of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance” which characterize a Christian who is living his life under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Let’s close with Matthew 7:16-20
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:16-20
Bible References
Your Brother in Christ
Soli Deo Gloria