Use Freedom to Bear Fruit (Galatians 5:22-26)

Christians have been called to freedom and our freedom is only a blessing if the Holy Spirit guides our lives. Paul wrote, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (5:16). What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? First, it means that you have received the Spirit. Ephesians 1:13-14 says, “having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Second, once the Holy Spirit indwells you, He gives you gifts to share (1 Cor 12) and fruit to bear (Gal 5). In today’s sermon, we will briefly discuss the difference between Spiritual Gifts and the fruit of the Spirit, then discuss the fruit we should bear.

Fruit is Different than Gifts

Christians receive the Holy Spirit by faith and He produces fruit within us. It is called “Fruit” because it is the result of the action taken by God in giving us the Holy Spirit. Those who are born again (John 3:3) have the Spirit of God within them. We must also not confuse the “Fruit of the Spirit” with “Spiritual Gifts” (Rom 12; 1 Cor 12). Spiritual gifts are given to Christians by the Holy Spirit and they vary amongst His children. Some Christians are gifted teachers and/or preachers. Some Christians are gifted in service or exhortation or discernment. Spiritual Gifts are given to be used “for the common good” (1 Cor 12:7). Romans 12:6 tells us that we each have “gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.” The Fruit of the Spirit is similar but different from Spiritual Gifts. Whereas, different Christians are gifted differently, every Christian who has the Holy Spirit should be producing the same fruit.

It is Fruit not Fruits

It is important to remember that the fruit mentioned is singular, not plural. There is one (1) fruit with nine (9) aspects to it. These aspects work in conjunction to make up the fruit of the Spirit. Think of an apple. It has a peel, core, stem, etc.; likewise, the fruit of the Spirit has many aspects. The Fruit of the Spirit is the natural result of being saved by Jesus Christ and the nine (9) aspects are unified. They are meant to be displayed simultaneously as proof of being born again and of a godly character. Does this mean that you must be showing all nine aspects simultaneously or you do not have the Spirit within you? No. Different people struggle with different aspects of the fruit of the Spirit in their life. Some may be very patient with others, but struggle with self-control (in various areas). Another person may have great self-control but struggles with showing kindness to others. The point is that these aspects are the fruit that is visible (in varying degrees) in Christians.

The Fruit of the Spirit

What is the Fruit of the Spirit? Paul writes it is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Let’s consider them in more detail:

• Love – Love is crucial because God is love (1 John 4:8). It is God’s unconditional love (sacrificial) that flows to us, in us, and through us. Our love for one another (and our enemies) is part of our testimony. Love clearly reflects the character of God. Ask yourself: “Is my love selfish or godly? How can I show Christ-like love this week?”
• Joy – John Piper defines joy as, “a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as he causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the Word and in the world.” We are to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil 4:4). With the Spirit of God within us, we always have a reason to rejoice. Ask yourself: “What do I delight in? Is it selfish or godly?” 
• Peace – Peace is mentioned because it is the result of a heart reconciled to God through Christ (Rom 5:1). The worst thing that can happen to you (eternal damnation) is now impossible because you have been redeemed. Because of Jesus, we have no reason to worry. Ask yourself: “Why am I anxious? Am I seeking peace with others?”
• Longsuffering – Longsuffering or Patience is related to peace because it means we submit to God’s will and plan and forsake our own. We are still and wait for the Lord because we know His purpose and plan is far better than ours. Ask yourself: “Am I trying to make something happen or am I trusting God? Am I able to wait for the Lord to give an answer or try to get God to approve my answer? Will I work as God directs?”
• Kindness – Kindness means showing goodness, sympathy, empathy, hospitality, and generosity towards others. It is being considerate of others and thinking of their needs before yourself. Ask yourself: “Am I friendly to others or am I only friendly to certain people? Am I able to empathize with others or do I try to keep my distance?”
• Goodness – Goodness is working for what is right. It is the repulsion of sin and a desire for what is good. It is the focus on doing everything for God’s glory and the good of others, rather than for selfish gain. Ask yourself: “Do I delight in sin or do I abhor it? What do I delight in? What do I admire and desire?”
• Faithfulness – Faithfulness is trustworthiness. It means we consistently do what we say we will do and we make a practice of doing what is good. Ask yourself: “Do I make promises I don’t keep or cannot keep? Do I do what I say I will do?”
• Gentleness – Gentleness means not being easily provoked or irritable or getting easily angered. Gentleness does not mean being weak or frightened, but it is the ability to focus less on yourself and more on strengthening and encouraging others. Ask yourself: “What usually makes me angry? Am I kind to others? Who can I encourage this week?”
• Self-Control – Self-control is the discipline given by the Holy Spirit that allows Christians to deny themselves, resist the power of the flesh, and to desire what is good. The devil doesn’t make you do anything! Your spouse and your children cannot make you react sinfully. The Spirit of God has given us the ability to control our thoughts, words, and actions. Ask yourself: “When was the last time I resisted temptation? Do I excuse my bad behavior or do I seek to control my behavior in the pursuit of godliness?”

Examine your life. Is there evidence of the Holy Spirit within you? Are your desires and affections impacted by a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Paul wrote, “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (5:24). Christians are set free from sin’s power and “if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (5:25-26). Keep cultivating the fruit of the Spirit and “live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil 1:27). You have fruit to bear and this fruit will bring glory to God.