A Study on the Fruit of the Spirit

The Fruit of the Spirit: A Study Guide (by Mark A. Erickson, DMin).

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Introduction: 1. The Greatness of the Fruit of the Spirit

A. The Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, and peace, in particular - are what the world is searching for. But they are often searching in the wrong places. Christ has this fruit, in abundance. Walking with Christ is the path for the Fruit of the Spirit.

B. Jesus Exemplified and Expressed all of the Fruit of the Spirit.

1. Jesus Christ is our example. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” (Eph. 5:1-2 NASB).

2. We are also being transformed to become more like Jesus: “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:29 NLT).

3. Transformation by the Spirit: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor. 3:18 ESV).

4. The various fruit of the Spirit point to Jesus, to glorify the Lord.

C. The Fruit of the Spirit is Everlasting. Love lasts forever: “Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.” (1 Cor. 13:8-10 ESV).

D. Daily Importance of the Fruit of the Spirit:

1. In times of weariness and stress, God wants to pour in the fruit of the Holy Spirit to renew you and restore you. He wants to pour in his love. He wants to pour in his joy and his peace. He wants to renew your strength; He wants to give you extra patience, extra kindness, more love. He wants to pour in his goodness, when we don't feel we are good enough in ourselves. When we try to "produce, produce," in our own strength, we get weary. He wants to pour in his peace, in the midst of the storms.

Application: In times of weariness or stress, ask God to fill you with his Holy Spirit. Ask God to fill you with his love. Ask God to fill you with his peace. Ask God to fill you with his goodness and his strength. When you are weary, ask God to fill you.

2. Preparation: How does preparation in prayer help you, when you are facing challenging or stressful situations? (In Matthew 26:41, Jesus said, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” ESV. cf. Matt. 26:36-46). This is the theme of spiritual preparation. Daily preparation helps you to experience and express the fruit of the Spirit more abundantly.

3. Daily choices: Do you allow the fruit of the Spirit to be expressed through you, in your daily life? What are some daily choices, where you can allow the fruit of the Spirit to be expressed through you?

E. New Testament Examples

1. Jesus on the cross: What fruit of the Spirit was Jesus expressing when he said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” ? (Luke 23:33-34).

2. The fruit of the Spirit in prison - Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25; see Acts 16:16-34; Phil. 4:4). The fruit is not dependent on circumstances.

a. Paul before King Agrippa – in Acts 26. See Acts 26:27-29 (cf. Acts 25: 23-27). What fruit of the Spirit was Paul expressing here?

F. The Christ-centered life – John 15:4-8; Galatians 2:20 / The fruit of the Spirit are not ends in themselves; they are evidences of God’s love, the supreme importance of the Christ centered life, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Christ is the foundation.

Prayer for Others: Can you pray for other people to have the fruit of the Spirit?

Paul’s prayer: “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment.” (Philippians 1:9 NKJV). Paul prayed for the fruit of the Spirit, love, to abound. (See also Eph. 3:14-19; 2 Thess. 3:16). Are there other such prayers?

*A life that is surrendered to Christ is the beginning point, to experience the fruit of the Spirit.

A Prayer of Surrender to Christ:

Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to you. I ask you to be my Lord and Savior. I trust that you died on the cross for me, to forgive my sins. And I believe that you rose again to give me eternal life with you. I turn from my sins, and ask you to forgive me for them.

I ask you to give me the power of the Holy Spirit, to enable me to live in your love, joy, peace, and all the other fruit of the Spirit. Help me to grow, as I live each day for you.

In Jesus name, Amen

The rest of this study guide will help you to grow and experience the fruit of the Spirit.

M. Erickson

The Fruit of the Spirit: A Study Guide – Part 2

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Part 2. The Greatness of Love, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

A. The Greatness of Love:

1. For God so Loved the World: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NASB).

2. God’s Nature is Love: “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8 NKJV).

3. God Loved us First: “This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. (1 John 4:10-11 NLT; see also Rom. 5:6-8).

4. The Two Greatest Commandments are based on love:

“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:28-31 ESV).

5. The Love of God is Poured into our Hearts by the Holy Spirit: “And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5 ESV).

6. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

7. Perfect Love casts out fear: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18 ESV).

a. What are some areas of fear which are impacting people today?

b. What are some ways that the fruit of the Spirit “love,” can remove fear?

B. The fruit of the Spirit, love, includes both giving love, and receiving love. Love includes times of preparation. Daily preparation helps you to experience and express the fruit of the Spirit more abundantly.

1. We receive love from God, in prayer. “Ask, and it shall be given to you” (see Matt. 7:7-8). You can spend time with God in prayer, to receive more of His love. Then, you will have more love to give. The promises of God’s Word will also strengthen you.

2. Giving Love: We give love to God (the greatest commandment) and we give love to others (the second greatest commandment). We forgive and pray for others.

a. Take time to express your love to God (in worship & thanksgiving, for example).

b. Also, spend time with God, to be strengthened in your love for people. Take time to ask for God’s love to fill you. Love people by praying for them; pray that they will receive more of the fruit of the Spirit. Then, love them with words, and with actions.

3. We also receive love from one another. The body of believers builds itself up in love (Ephesians 4:15-16). We must forgive others, to continue to walk in love.

C. Hindrances to Love come from the Sinful Nature, and Must be Conquered:

Galatians 5:13-23 (NLT) “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

SUMMARY: 1. Through love, we serve one another (Gal. 5:13). We have the fruit of the Spirit in various measures (Gal. 5:22-23).

2. The sinful nature, however, craves what is selfish (see Gal. 5:17-21; Rom. 8:5-9).

3. The Holy Spirit who lives in you empowers you, to say no to the sinful nature.

4. You can choose to express the fruit of the Spirit, instead of the sinful nature, in each situation. Ask to be empowered with the Holy Spirit, so that you can express the fruit of the Spirit, including love, more readily (see Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:1-13; Luke 11:9-13).

The Fruit of the Spirit: A Study Guide – Part 3

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Part 3. Joy, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

A. The Truth that Jesus Spoke, is Intended to Give You Joy: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). (See John 15:9-14; also John 17:13; Heb. 12:1-2).

1. What is the joy of Jesus? Why do you think he has this joy?

2. How does the Word which Jesus speaks to us, increase our joy? How can God’s Words protect our joy? “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10).

3. Satan is the killjoy: how does he try to rob you of your joy?

B. Answered Prayer, leads to Joy: Jesus said, “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24 ESV).

1. What are some specific ways that answered prayer can lead to joy?

C. Rejoicing in the Lord, vs Living by Circumstances:

1. “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). Paul wrote these words while in prison…. Why can we rejoice in the Lord at all times?

2. A radical response: rejoicing in the Lord, and praising the Lord, even while in difficult circumstances. See Acts 16:22-35 - Paul and Silas in prison.

3. “Count it all joy when you meet various trials” (James 1:2). Why is this a radical response? Why should we do this? (See James 1:2-4; Rom. 8:28; Lu. 6:22-23).

D. Freedom from Circumstances, and Joy: How do the nine fruit of the Spirit enable you to walk in freedom from the controlling influences of circumstances? What are some examples? How are your choices involved? “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Cor. 3:17). (See also Galatians 5:1).

E. Joy and the Holy Spirit: Acts 13:52 “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (See also Rom. 14:17). We can ask to be filled! (Luke 11:9-13).

F. Additional passages for further study: Psalm 4:7; Psalm 5:11; Romans 15:13; Psalm 32:11; Psalm 43:4; Zeph. 3:17; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; Rom. 12:12; Rom. 5:2-5.

The Fruit of the Spirit: A Study Guide – Part 4

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Part 4. Peace, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

A. Peace with God

1. Peace with God comes to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. Through faith in Christ, we are justified (declared righteous) and fully reconciled to God: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).

2. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). How does this lead you to peace?

3. When you receive Christ, you are fully reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:17-20; see also Colossians 1:19-20).

B. Peace is Promised, as an Overflow of the Life of Prayer: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil.4:6-7).

1. Pray over everything, worry about nothing. Release all worries to God.

2. How can letting God into in your circumstances lead you to peace?

C. The Peace of God is not Based on Circumstances. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). What are some situations where you have allowed your heart to be troubled? You can choose, to not allow your heart to be troubled. Then, you can abide in the peace of Jesus.

1. John Wesley and the Mob (story from Wesley's Journal).

2. Allow Christ’s peace to rule in your heart: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Col. 3:15).

3. While people are not our source of peace, we are to be peacemakers wherever possible, and seek to live at peace with all people (Matt. 5:9; Rom. 12:18).

D. Additional passages for further study: Eph. 2:14-22; Eph. 4:1-6; Isaiah 26:3-4; Mark 4:36-41; Mark 5:25-34).

The Fruit of the Spirit: A Study Guide – Part 5

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Part 5. The Power of Patience, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

A. Dependence on the Lord leads us to all of God’s resources. Growing in the fruit of the Spirit includes times of preparation, to receive strength and encouragement from the Lord. Daily preparation helps you to experience and express the fruit of the Spirit more abundantly.

1. We are to seek the Lord and His strength (Psalm 105:4). As we wait upon the Lord it is promised that he will renew our strength (Isaiah 40:29-31). God’s grace can strengthen you (2 Tim. 2:1). To be patient requires inner strength, and the Lord wants to strengthen you!

B. Patience can have a very helpful impact on our relationships, as we grow more consistent in exercising this fruit of the Holy Spirit, and are patient with all people: “We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” (1 Thess.5:14 NASB).

1. What are some things that you have found most helpful, in navigating your relationship challenges?

2. How has the fruit of the Spirit helped you navigate those challenges?

C. Relationships: Our relationships include those who are not believers, and those who follow Christ. The fruit of the Spirit can help those relationships. Some relationship dimensions include:

1. Common Relationships in This World

a. Relationships of mutual benefit. Jesus said, “"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.” (Luke 6:32) (I’ll scratch your back, you scratch mine; symbiotic relationships). The fruit of the Spirit goes beyond this.

b. Relationships which can be impacted by selfishness - See the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these” (Galatians 5:19-21).

2. Levels of Maturity among Christians:

a. Infants, young babies: “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” (1 Cor. 3:1-3 ESV).

b. Those who are spiritually mature people: “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted” (Galatians 6:1; cf. Romans 15:1-7). Patience will also be needed, when restoring someone or helping someone (1 Thess. 5:14)

(Reflection: Any believer can still become selfish at some point, and yield to the selfish or sinful nature. Mature believers will be on guard against doing this, knowing the damage to relationships that results. God forgives and restores those who ask).

D. Patience is a key to strengthen and protect your relationships:

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-2 ESV).

1. Patience during relationship conflicts: “The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 2:24-26).

2. The Lord is patient; he is patient with people, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). So, growing in patience includes becoming more like the Lord, and growing in patient love (1 Cor. 13:4). We are to be patient in waiting on the Lord.

E. Patience in Other Key Areas:

1. Patience in relation to God includes patience while waiting for God’s timing, and God’s answers. (James 5:7-11). Abraham and Sarah waited many years to receive their child, Isaac.

2. Patience in the midst of difficult circumstances: Difficult work situations, difficult health issues or financial issues, unforeseen changes: each is a test of our patience.

3. Patience with one’s self - does impatience with yourself lead to problems at times.

4. Trials can produce steadfastness (also translated patience or endurance - Rom. 5:3-5; James 1:2-4).

F. Additional passages for further study: Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Timothy 1:15-16; Colossians 1:9-12; Luke 8:15; Romans 12:12.

The Fruit of the Spirit: A Study Guide – Part 6

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Part 6. The Power of Kindness, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

A. Kindness is a choice, and kindness is a fruit of the Spirit: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

1. In the fruit of the Spirit, there is both God’s part, and our part. God’s part is to strengthen us by his grace and with the Holy Spirit; our part is to make the choices that allow the fruit of the Spirit to be expressed, such as kindness.

2. As we are kind to others, how can that strengthen our relationships? If you are kind to a person who is unkind or unloving, how can this have an impact for the Lord’s work in a person’s life, or those who are observing?

B. Relationships in the world: how has social media reduced or removed kindness from areas of public life?

1. Our witness in this world: How can kindness point people towards Christ?

2. Kind Words: How can kind words help someone? Overall, what are some examples of how the fruit of the Spirit can guide our words?

3. Kind Actions: Random “acts of kindness” have become an emphasis in recent years. What would be some examples of acts of kindness, and how they can have a positive impact?

C. Kindness reflects God’s character; the Lord was kind in bringing the ultimate gift, our salvation: “But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:4-5 CSB; see also Rom. 2:4).

1. Ephesians 2:4-10 – God’s kindness shown in salvation, and the life to come.

D. Working together with God.

1. 1 Corinthians 3:9 says, “For we are God's fellow workers.” Fellow workers here is the Greek word, συνεργοί (sunergoi, literally means, working together with; this is the root of our word, synergism). In this, there is God’s part, and our part. We choose to allow the fruit to be expressed, but God is the one who provides the fruit and strengthens us in the first place. We are strengthened through prayer, reading God’s word, fellowship with other believers, and God’s gift of the Spirit who dwells in us.

E. Additional passages for further study: Proverbs 21:21; Micah 6:8; Proverbs 31:26; Zechariah 7:9-10; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 138:3; James 5:7-8.

The Fruit of the Spirit: A Study Guide – Part 7

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Part 7. Goodness, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

A. God is Good. God’s goodness is the foundation and fountain of all goodness. As we rely on God’s goodness, we can also manifest his goodness in our own lives.

Psalm 100:5 “For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (cf. Nahum 1:7).

Psalm 25:8 “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.”

Psalm 119:68 “You are good and do good; teach me your statutes” (cf. Psalm 145:7-9).

The Lord is good – this is part of the foundation for our trust in him.

B. God also Does Good (Ps. 119:68). But we also need to ask him to do good things.

1. Prayer brings in God’s goodness, based on this truth: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17).

2. Jesus said, “Ask, and it shall be given to you” (Matt. 7:7). God does good things and demonstrates his goodness, in answer to prayer (Matt. 7:11). What are some things that you can ask for, that will bring God’s goodness and God’s good gifts into people’s lives? _____________________________

C. In this fallen world, human corruption and evil principalities tend to hinder people’s vision and appreciation of God’s goodness. We can respond with faith and actions:

1. We can overcome: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21). Our choices are necessary, to conquer evil (cf. Luke 6:27-36).

2. Good works glorify God: “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14,16; see also 2 Thess. 1:11-12).

3. In addition to doing good, and overcoming evil with good, answers to prayer will glorify God and meet people’s needs in this world.

D. We see two aspects of Human Nature, in relation to Goodness:

1. As sinners separated from Christ, goodness is absent from the sinful nature: “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh (sinful nature). For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” (Rom. 7:18 ESV). (see also Rom. 3:12).

2. With the presence and fruit of the Spirit, goodness can abound. Paul wrote to the Romans, and said, “I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another” (Romans 15:14 NIV). The fruit of the Spirit, goodness, should abound in us.

E. What we store up in our heart, determines whether or not we express goodness in our lives: “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” (Matt. 12:35 NIV). (cf. Luke 6:45). What are you storing up in your heart? How can we store up good in our hearts?

F. To conquer the influence of the sinful nature:

1. Put off the things of the sinful nature (“put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires” – Eph. 4:22).

2. "Be made new in the attitude of your minds” (Eph. 4:23). Renew your mind and your thoughts with the truths of God’s word, daily.

3. “Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Eph. 4:24 ESV); (cf. Col. 3:1-10). These are choices you can make, daily.

4. Ask for God’s help and provisions, in every area.

5. Ask and receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and you will not fulfill the desires of the sinful nature (Gal.5:16). We must fill our hearts with the Spirit, and what is good (Luke 11:13: Matt.12:35). What are some of those good things?

G. Additional passages for further study: Ephesians 2:8-10; Galatians 6:10; Titus 3:1; 1 Thess. 5:15.

There is evil in this world, because of sin and because of Satan. God is good, and he does what is good. Evil comes especially from corrupt human nature, or from the evil forces of Satan. God’s people can be instruments of good, and as we store up what is good in our hearts (Matt. 12:35), we can also bring forth what is good to bless others.

The Fruit of the Spirit: A Study Guide – Part 8

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Part 8. Faithfulness, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

A. God is Faithful. Being completely faithful, God picks us up when we stumble or fall short. If we confess our sins, “He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). As dearly loved children, we are to imitate God (Eph. 5:1), and this includes imitating the example of God’s faithfulness. We are to be faithful to God, and faithful to love one another. We can rely on God’s faithfulness:

1. “Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell” (Psalm 43:3 NIV).

2. “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9 NIV). What is God’s priority here? _____________.

3. “Pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (2 Thess. 3:2-3). God’s faithfulness is expressed by ______________.

4. God is faithful to provide a way of escape from temptation: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13 NKJV).

B. With God’s help, we can become faithful. The Holy Spirit is at work, forming more and more faithfulness as part of our character. We must also make ongoing choices, to be faithful and to grow in faithfulness.

1. The Lord’s commendation: “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” (Matt. 25:21).

2. We are to be faithful to the Lord, even unto death (Rev. 2:10; cf. Acts 11:23).

3. We are to be faithful in ministry (2 Tim. 2:2).

4. As we are faithful to the Lord in all areas, we will abound in blessings (Prov.28:20).

C. For further study, see: Heb. 10:23; 1 Tim. 1:12; Psalm 89:14; 91:4; Prov. 3:1-4.

The Fruit of the Spirit: A Study Guide – Part 9

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Part 9. Gentleness, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23).

A. Gentleness is a Powerful Ally. There are many benefits to speaking and responding to situations with gentleness.

1. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV). What are some examples in family life, or work life, where this can be especially helpful?

2. Gentleness does not mean being a pushover. Gentleness can be very persuasive: “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone” (Proverbs 25:15 NIV). Hardness can be broken down by gentle words.

3. “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1 NIV). Why is gentleness important, when seeking to restore someone who has fallen into an area of sin or fault? ______________

4. We are told, “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV). How does gentleness help preserve the unity of the Spirit in relationships? _____________.

B. Gentleness is a character quality we choose to express. Philippians 4:5 says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (NIV). You can choose to let gentleness be expressed in daily situations. How does the next statement, “The Lord is near,” help you to choose to express gentleness? _________________

C. Gentleness is a powerful part of our witness for Christ. Example: An unbelieving husband can be won over to Christ by the gentle spirit, and the reverence and purity of his wife (1 Peter 3:1-4).

1. Our witness to those who ask of us is to be done with gentleness (1 Pt. 3:15-16). It is crucial to maintain gentleness, with unbelievers!

D. For additional study, see: Matthew 11:28-30 NIV; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:1-2.

The Fruit of the Spirit: A Study Guide – Part 10

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Part 10. Self-control, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23).

Self-control is part of the training that the Lord gives you, so that you can walk in victory in your life. A lack of self-control can allow Satan to strip away God’s blessing in our lives. Self-control illustrates how we participate in the various fruit of the Spirit. Self control is something we must choose, but it is also made possible by the strength and ongoing help of the Holy Spirit within us.

A. Self-control is powerful in areas such as: our words (Prov.10:19; Prov.12:18); our thoughts (2 Cor. 10:4-5); our sexuality (Matt. 5:27-30; 1 Cor. 7:1-9); control of anger (Prov. 16:32); our use of time (Eph. 5:15-16), internet use, and other areas of the Christian life (1 Cor. 9:25).

1. What are some examples, of the impact of self-control? _______________

B. Self-control provides protection against destructive impulses which could damage your life: “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls” (Prov. 25:28). In ancient times, an enemy could easily invade a city without walls.

1. What are some areas where this could apply to your life? ___________ God wants to strengthen us (2 Tim. 2:2), and this includes strengthening our self-control. It includes fortifying our defenses. It includes our part, and God’s part.

2. Self-control includes being able to “deny self.” This was clearly taught by Jesus: “And he (Jesus) said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me’ (Luke 9:23 ESV). What does self-denial involve? Why is self-denial essential? ______________________

C. Self-control is part of the Spirit’s empowerment, and is contrasted with fear: “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control” (2 Tim.1:7 MEV); (NIV – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”). The Holy Spirit imparts strength to you to help you to make good choices and exercise self-control. He is growing this fruit, in your life!

D. For additional study: See Proverbs 16:32; 2 Timothy 3:1-3; Titus 2:11-12.

_______________________________

Summary of Principles for Walking in the Fruit of the Holy Spirit

The principles below have been highlighted in various ways in this study. The biblical passages which are included below, along with a number of others found in the study, should be meditated on more fully in their context for encouragement in walking in all of the fruit of the Spirit.

1. To enjoy and express the fruit of the Holy Spirit, we need to ask regularly to be filled with the Spirit (Luke 11:9-13).

2. In order to experience and express the full dimensions of all of the fruit of the Spirit, we must take regular time for spiritual preparation (Matt. 26:36-46; Psalm 105:4, etc..). This includes time in prayer and worship, time in God’s word, and time to receive such fruit as God’s love, peace, and joy (Matt. 7:7-11).

3. Each of the fruit of the Spirit also involve choices, to express love, to walk in peace, to rejoice in the Lord, to express kindness, to express patience, gentleness, and so on (John 15:12; John 14:27; Phil. 4:4; 1 Thess.5:14; Eph. 4:32; Gal. 6:1. etc..).

4. There is a battle between living according to the sinful nature (selfish living), and living according to fruit of the Spirit (generous and compassionate living). We must make the consistent choices to express and walk in the fruit of the Spirit (Romans 8:3-13; Gal. 5:16-24; etc.). The foundation for this is receiving Christ and experiencing the new birth.

5. Relying on Jesus’ work on the cross is essential to grow in the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Your old nature was crucified with Christ; you were raised with Christ; and you are then empowered by the Holy Spirit to express the fruit of the Spirit. You appropriate these gifts of Christ by faith. Daily dependence on Christ is essential! (Rom. 6:1-14; Col. 3:1-15, Gal.3:13-14, Gal.5:16-24…).

6. We must regularly store up what is good in our hearts (Matt. 12:35), in order to express what is good in our daily life.

7. We can rely on God’s faithfulness, so that we can faithfully express the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. When we fall short, God is very willing to forgive us and help us grow in the fruit of the Holy Spirit so that we can minister in love (1 John 1:9; Gal. 5:22, etc).

8. Growing more like Jesus includes growing in each of the fruit of the Spirit. We are being transformed to become more like Jesus; we are becoming conformed to the image of God’s Son (Rom. 8:29; Eph. 4:21-24; 2 Cor. 3:18; Col. 3:9-10, etc.).

9. Love is received and love is expressed; love is how we fulfill the two greatest commandments (Mark 12:28-31; 1 John 4:19). Love and the other fruit of the Spirit are what we will take into eternity (1 Cor. 13:1-8).

You can find out more about God's love, and His purpose for your life, by reading His Word. You can download a free New Testament as a PDF file, at: http://www.mediafire.com/?o1gtbd1thtm

(Download the file, and then save a copy on your device).

To read an article on how to restore your relationship with God, you can go to:

Restoring Your Relationship with God.

To find out more about following Jesus, and connecting with other believers... You can go to the following site for further info: https://journeyonline.org/get-started/

For a book which explains the changes from the Old to New Testament in a clear fashion, see Key Connections: Understanding the Changes from the Old to New Testament by M. A. Erickson (Wipf & Stock, Dec. 2023).

The book is available in print or Kindle formats at the following Amazon link:

Amazon.com, Key Connections:Understanding the Changes from the Old to New Testament

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