ERUIT OF THE SPIRIT Galatians 5:13.28 ‘The result of being filled with the Spirit will be to produce the fruit of the Spirit. ‘Verse 13 - "brethren" shows this is written to Christians 1 Paul's writing o believers about the contrast betwen works ofthe flesh and fits of the spirit 2) When you are born again, you become alive unto God, a living spirit ‘You received a brand new nature on the inside~the very nature of God He himselfs implanted within your spirit 3) These fruits are the fruit of your human recreated, born again spirit 4) People want to see Jesus, just telling them isn't enough we must demonstrate Jesus to them 5) What we do and how we live specks louder than anything we can say 6) One way to demonstrate Jesus isby doing what Paul says in verse 16 i; a Definition of fruit - that which is outwardly expressed due to the nature of the thing: 1 genuine representation of what ison the inside Fnuitmust grow out of lieveritis Galatians 5 portrays the contrast between “Works” nd 1). Works require effort, labor, strain, toil. 2), When you think of fut we tink beauty, quietness, the unfolding of lif 53) The “Flesh” produces “Dead works" 4) The “Spit” produes “Living fruit” ‘Eni’. 1) When the Spirit produces fruit God gets all the Glory 2) When te les is at work the person becomes inwardly proud of him self and is pleased when others compliment him. 3) The work ofthe Spirit isto make us more like Christ for His Glory not forthe praise of men. believer the to manifest 1) Learning 1 walk in the spirit doesn take place ina day or month 2) Ht requites a process of time eventhough the nine fut of the Spirit, ‘were put in you asa seed when you were born again 3) Itcan be related toa tre's growth process it start witha seed~the Word of God 4) The seed must be planed in good sil~the good sol of your heart '5) Itmustbe fed every dayspend time each day inthe word "Nourishment causes the roots to grow down deep inthe soil~it establishes your heart 6) The seed germinates and brings forth a tender sprout~the word causes the fruit to begin to change you outwardly 7) Care must be taken with @ new sprout~it can easily be injured or hindered from growing‘What is the purpose of the Fruit ofthe Siri? 1) They give vou the power to fulfill your destiny in Christ ‘8) Without the Holy Spirit bearing spiritual fruit inside of you, you would be powerless ») You wouldn't have the endurance and faithfulness to complete the calling ‘that God has given you. You wouldn't even have the sel discipline to study your Bible or pray. ©) Without the Fruits of the Spirit, the gifts that Gd has hidden inside of you ‘would stay locked away forever. 2 what God uses to draw: Af th '8) Do you know anyone who no matter the situation always radiates a Godly Peace, they are unshakable. People are drawn o that kind of peace. ') With all the chaos surrounding them every day they search their entre lives for whatever peace and joy they can ge their hands on. ©) They end up trying to fil the void with fleeting counterfeits lke aleobol, drugs, and sex. Things that merely numb their pain fora short while but leaving them longing once again afte the party is over. 44) When they look at you ina time of erisis and see God's unshakable peace and {oy staring back at them through you eyes they will want to know what you ‘know. Then you can introduce them to who vou know, ive so much trouble manifes of | 8) Underdeveloped spirits b) Unerenewed minds ©) Uncontrolled flesh, or lack of discipline Matthew 12:20 - He doesn't crush the weak or quench the smallest hope 1) Jesus understands us in our growth process like we understand a natural baby in their growth process. 2) He gives us His merey and grace 3) He shows Himself strong when we exhaust our natural strength, 4) We must be gentle with baby and young Christians 5) Bearing fruit is not God's responsibilty, its ours. We have to choose to take the word of God, mix it with faith, and act upon it. Or we ean choose to believe and act upon a lie ofthe devil Galatians $:22-23 ‘The frit of the spirit are noted in the singular form “fruit” not "fits" even though there are nine. 1) Love 4) Long-sulfering 1) Faith 2) doy 5) Gentleness 8) Meekness 3) Peace 6) Goodness 9) Temperance a) These fruit are interlocked and they cooperate with each other. ») Example: love will bring joy Iways a source of peace ) The manifestation of one encourages another, and the absence of ‘one prohibits another 4) They az ke a cain-each ink is gomplte yet its only one part of the chainfut 1) Fruit is produced to be eaten not to be admired and put on display. 2) People all around us are starving for Love, joy, peace, and all the other graces of the Spirit. 3) We bear fuit that others might be helped, fed and that Christ be glorified. 8) Fruit cannot grow in just any type of climate ) — Wemust lear to develop the right atmosphere in order for the fruit to grow. ©) Spiritual fruit grows ina climate blessed with an abundance ofthe Spirit of God and the Word of God. ‘Tiree categories of Fruit - They effect thre vital areas of our daily lives 1) Our Emotions and how we fel 2) They effect our Relationships and we treat others 3) Our Attitudes and how we respond to others, circumstances and opposition from the enemy. Emotional fit - Lov, Joy, Peace 1) The emotional ft have todo with what’ onthe inside of us, our deepest personal feelings, cur emotions and wha the emotions cause us to do. 2) The emotions of ove joy and peace are inner qualities from which come all ‘the emotions of life. 3) Emotions are involuntary; they are either present or they're not. The more you try to manifest an emotion that isn't there, the more frustrated you become. ‘The Fruit of relationship - long-suffering (patience), gentleness, goodness 1) These fruit deal with how we relate to others, both believers and nonbelievers, ‘and how our lives affect them 2) Christianity isa faith of togethemness~sharing Christ with others i the nature ofa Christian 3) Mach of the New Testament teachings are directed to how we treat one another 42) Galatians 6:2 - bear one another's burdens ») Colossians 3:13 - forgiving one another ©) Galatians 5:13 - by love serve one another 4), Hebrews 3:13 - exhort one another daily ©) Lihess 5:1 - comfort yourseives together and edify one another 4) Jahn 15 love one another s is vital as itis ak 1) Christianity isnot intended to bea religion of everyone living alone and having a private faith 2) Jesus said in Matthew 18:20 "where two or three are gathered together, am in the midst of them" 3) James 5:16 "confess your faults one to another and pray one for another 4) The spirt-flled life is one of assisting others 5) Ifwe become self-centered we wil be unfruitful servants of Jesus‘The uit of attitude - faith (Faithfulness), meekness, temperance (Selfcontrol) 1) These have to do with our attitude towards God and how we yield {o His influences and will in our life 2) They deal with our no longer depending on ourselves our human strength and ability, but puting our confidence (our faith) in God and His resources 3) Its realizing God is everthing and without Him we are nothing 4) Galatians 5:16 “ye shall not fulfill he lust ofthe flesh” 5) We have to guard agaist being slf-willed, self-centered, self-indulgent, self-exalting, self-loving, and sel-dominated 6) We are these by our old nature. Life inthe spirits direely ‘opposed to these 7) Life in the sprit centers in our correct attitudes toward God. God and His will frst, not me first Attog inten - Deingcometin ss bn 5 "Abide means to continue ina place, to remain sabe or fixed in a state, to endure without yielding, to withstand, to conform. 2) There is definite difference between being a believer in Jesus and being a disciple of Jesus 2) John831-ffwe abide in the word, then we are disciples b) _Llohn2:6- a disciple i one who walks as Jesus walked 3) A disciple is one who abides and continues in the doctrine and lifestyle of his master and teacher a) If we claim to be disciples of Jesus we must continue to walk in His teachings and lifestyle 4) Becoming bor again doesnot make you a disciple a) ‘This was true even in Jesus time (1) John 6:66 - rom that ime on many of His disciples followed Him no more (The spi of Ani-Christsriture) (@) Jesus was talking to them about His being the bread of life cand they didn't understand ) Vs.67-69 tells us the twelve remained. They didn't ‘understand either but they trusted Him anyway because they new He ad the words of life +) Always remain with Jesus. Don't tur back ©) Roman 12:2 - those who remain with Jesus are conformed to His image 5) Forpeople to recognize Jesus in ws: 2) Wenced to consciously be aware of who lives in us b) ‘Then we need to make every effort to allow the one who lives in us (the Holy Spirit) to flow through us continually 6) Youand are the branches, the extensions of the vine 4) Branches by themselves cant bear fit; they must be connected to the vineD 8) » b) The-vineis the source of lifes branches simply bear the fruit ‘The more we abide inthe word of God, the more sensitive we become to showing te character and nature of Jesus tothe world ) If youmeaitate in the word allowing it to become a pat of you, then sin eant remain in your ie 'b) Determine to let the word dwell richly in your heart and bring forth sn abundant harvest for the Lord ©) Orchards which consistently produce an abundant harvest are ones that have een properly cared for (1) As weallow ourselves (as God's garden or field) to be cared for by His Spirit and His word, we will bring forth many abundant harvests forthe Lord [John 3:6. “Whosoever abideth in him sineth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen him neither known him” Benefits. of abiding in the vine a) Webecome His diseiples- John 15:8 'b) — Whatsocver we ask it shall be done — John 15:7 (1) Psalms37:4 says delight yourself inthe Lord and ‘He'll give you the desires of your heart (2) There's a condition to this: ask anything according to His will- {John 514-15 °) Christ's joy will remain in us - John 15: 4) Webbecome friend of God - John 15:15 6) Weare chosen of Him - John 15:16. (Handpicked) Abiding in the vine is walking the love walk (walking in the Spirit) and the result is a fruitful life Spiritual maturity and development a. Sixthings that dont necessarily make you a mature Christian i. me youve been sa (1) Heb 5:12-14- they should have been mature @) Job 32:6-9- older men and women don't necessarily have the most wisdom Operating in spiritual gifs (visions, dreams, etc.). Gifts are for the edification ofthe Body not to show the maturity of the person operating in the gift ‘A lot of biblical knowledge (1) 1 Corinthians 8:1 - knowledge puffs up. The knowledge you have doesnt make you mature; its the knowledge you act on that makes you mature (Church work (1) Being a church worker doesnt make you mature @) Luke 10:38-42 - Mary and Martha (@ One thing is needful~to sit down and listen to Jesus rather 5than be constantly working and doing @ ‘Mary chose the good thing (i) Martha was troubled and full of care (0) There is a time to minister and work for God and there is a time to sit and listen—both are essential in a Christian's life v. Appearance (1) 2 Corinthians 5:12 "glory in appearance and notin heat” (2) Some people are more concerned about how they appear on the ‘outside before men than how their heart (the inside) is appearing before God @) A true test to judge yourself by is how do you act at home behind closed dors compared to how you act at church on Sunday ‘moming or in VBI class (4) Spiritual maturity is a matter of your heart attitude vi, Calling in the ministry (1) Judas Iscariot cast out devils, healed the sick, and preached as the other apostles did, but he was nota spiritually mature person because he was motivated by greed (@) Peter denied Jesus and eut ofthe guards ea in the Garden of Gethsemane. After Jesus died, though, he matured (Day of Pentecost in Acts 2) (2) Heedid some things that were not right, but his heart was right, He was teachable and willing to admit he was wrong and repent These six things can assist you and help you become mature, but they in themselves don't make you spiritually maturity ¢. Spiritual maturity i shown when a believer consistently shows the character and nature of God in his life ‘Definition of fruit - that which is outwardly expressed due to the nature of the thing a genuine representation of what is onthe inside The! iit ‘A. Learning to walk inthe spirit doesn't take place in a day or month B, _Itrequires a process of time even though the nine fruit ofthe Spirit were put in you as a seed when you were bom again Ican be related to the growth process of a tree C.__Itstarts witha seed~the word of God 1, The seed must be planted in good soil-the good soil of your heart 2: Itmmst be fed every day--spend time each day inthe word 3, Nourishment causes the rots to grow down deep inthe soil~it establishes your hear D. The seed germinates and brings forth a tender sprout~-the word causes the rut to begin to change you outwardly 1. Care must be taken witha new sprout~it an easily be injured or hindered ‘rom growing (Mt 12:20 - He doesnt crus the weak or quench the smallest hope) 62, Jesus understands us in our growth process like we understand a natural baby in his growth process. He gives us His merey and grace a. He shows Himself strong when we have exhausted our natural strength b. It’ important we lean to be gentle with baby and young Christians E. The sprout will then develop into a young seedling after it is cared for and properly nourished, 1. It'satthis point that many times string or ropes are ted around the ree and tied to stakes on each side ofthe tree to kep it straight and protec it from ‘being damaged by wind 2. We nced daily nourishment from the word of God, fellowship with other believers, teaching from the word and time in prayer to keep us from being swayed to and fro James 1:6); these four areas are our stakes F, The seedling then grows into a tree with eaves. At this point the tree gives shade and itis nie to look at 1. Weshouldnt stop here with our Christan life. Jesus wants us to goon 10 maturity and to bear fruit~He doesnt want us to be Caristians that are just nice to look at 2. Mark 11:12-14, 20-21 - Jesus and the fig tee a, The ig tree was deceptive b. _Froma distance it looked lke it had fruit on itt looked nice and inviting ¢. —_Butithad no fruit on it G. Thenext step is thatthe tree blossoms ‘The blossoms come asthe young tree matures ‘The blossoms are attractive ‘They have an aroma that ettracts ‘As you mature your "blossoms" will cause others tobe attracted to you to Jead to Christ 5. 2 Corinthians 2:15 - we are a sweet smelling savor of Christ both to those that are saved and to those that perish 6. The blossoms indicate fruit will soon be coming a Tiny fruit appear ’. Then the blossoms disappear, but the fruit remains 7. The fruit began small, but in the process of time it matures and becomes nourishment for others Factors of Christian growth related to trees/plants A. Soil~ourheart 1. Continual reading and study ofthe word, payer, and fellowship keeps “our soit’ stired up 2. Matthew 13:19-23 - dont allow pressures and cares harden your heart (oil). Keep yourself "stired up" in God B. Water 1, Waters a symbol of both the Holy Spirit and the word of God inthe Bible 2. Iewill help keep your soil (your heart) sft and workable 7© 3. You must seek the Lord forthe rains of the Spirit ofall in your life a Havea repentant heart 'b. Always be willing to change (Acts 3:19) 4, Isaiah 28:11-12 - Stammering lips means praying inthe Spirit~this waters ‘your soil (hear)~worshiping the Lord waters your heart Psalms 119:130- The entrance of God's word gives light. It gives, understanding to the simple 2. Psalms 119:105~- Your word isa amp to my feet anda light to my path 3. We must have light in the word of God and fellowship with other believers tohavea stable walk wit Jesus 4. Seek God's plans and purposes for your life. Ask God to enlighten (give ‘you light) in your understanding until the directions become clear and understandable Time 1. Indue season (Galatians 6:9) 2, Ecclesiastes 3:11 - God makes all things beautiful in His time. Everything takes time to develop and mature 3. seed > sprout ~> seedling —> tre with eaves ~> blossoms ~> fruit ‘4. Be patient but always be pressing on with God~never stop ‘How Important Is Fruitfulness to God? 1. Genesis 1:28 - the firs thing God told Adam to do was to “be fruitful” Genesis :11 -two principles of fruit bearing “after his kind’ - we have the ability as born again children of God to reproduce ‘the very nature and character of God "where seed isin itself" - what God created has the ability to be productive and reproduce itself 1. This applies to us today 2. Be productive for God 2. 1 Corinthians 3:9 - we are God's husbandry, His garden or field b. We determine our proiuction by what we put in ‘We have the potential to bring forth good out of our sprit and we have the potential of bringing forth bad out of our flesh ‘God wants an abundant crop out of our sprit. God wants us to be a fertile field for Him and a cement parking lot forthe devil 3. Genesis 3:6 - Three things motivated Eve when she was tempted a b ‘Good for food, pleasant to the eye, make wise. All thee are motivations ofthe flesh Jesus was tempted with the very three same things in the wildemess (Matthew 4:1-10). But instead of acting upon them, He acted upon the word, the motivation of the spirit ‘We are tempted by the very same things today (1 John 2:16) 1, These are the things ofthe world ‘We bring our flesh into subjection ofthe spirit the same way Jesus did, by 8feeding on and speaking the word 4. What will feed your flesh will starve your spirit and what will feed you spirit will starve your flesh 4, Pay attention io what youte putting in, the sceds you're planing Plant and feed on what you want produced in your life b. _Itisnoteasy especially right after you get saved. You have a baby sprit and. ADULT FLESH ©. Words are seeds in our spiritual garden. They are useless unless we speak (plant) them 1. Qurwords work for good or evil the same way 2. The power in words is activated (released) when we speak and act ‘upon them 4. Bearing fut is not God's responsibility, it's ours. We have to choose to take the ‘word of God, mix it with faith, and act upon it. Or we can choose to believe and actupon a le ofthe devil ‘The Love of God 1) Love isthe primary fuit~all th other fruit low through it 2) Love is God's character and nature (1 John 4:8 "God is love") 3) Jesus identified himself with this virtue. John 15:12 "This is my commandment that you love one another just as have love you" "This is my commandment", not a suggestion b.__ If we are going to please God, we don't have a choice Matthew 22:34-40 “Master which isthe greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said unto them “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This isthe first and great commandment. And the second is likened unto it, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyselt. a. Love makes fulfilling the laws of God a normal part of our lives b. Example: the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17) when we love God with all, ‘our heart, soul, and mind (intellect) we won't: 1) have any other gods before Him 2) worship graven idols/s 3) take the name of the Lord in vain 4) keep the Sabbath day holy 5) honor our mother and our father © When we love our neighbors as ourselves we won't: kill 2) commit adultery 3) steal 4) bear false witness (lie) 5) covet (desire something that’s not ours) 4. We cannot separate the love of God from the love of the brethrenJohn 1334-35 “A new commandment I give unto you that you love one another, as Ihave loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall a men know that you ae my disciples, if yehave Love one to another". ‘Liohn3:14 "We know we have passed from death unto lif, because we love the brethren. “He that loveth not his brother abeth in death” ‘When we're not motivated by ove we can become critical. We stop looking for good in them and see only ther faults, Soon the unity of believers is broken a) Have you talked behind someone's back? b) Have you focused on someone's shortcomings instead of their strengths? c) Remind yourself of Jesus command to love others a you love yourself. ) John 15:25 “they hated me without a cause” Matthew 22:39 “Love thy neighbor as thyself” ‘When you begin to feel critical of someone make a list ofthat person's postive qualities. [there are problems that need to be addressed it is beter to confront in love than to gossip. ‘The Power of walking in God's Love [Timothy 1:7 - God's Loveisa gift [Liohn 4:18 - As we mature in His Love we possess the ably to drive out Fear Song of Solomon 8:7 - Love is stronger than death itself, it cannot be destroyed or defeated by time, or disaster. Love is priceless it eannot be bought or purchased itis a gif from God. ‘Therefore whoever possesses this awesome gift becomes just as valuable, Romans 8:38-39 - The Love of God will protect us from all demonic powers. There are three kinds of love, ‘The Greek words are agape, Agape 1) The kind of love you received when you were born again 2) The God-kind of love (Supernatural) 3) It promotes a kindred between Christians 4) Aselfless love~you'r willing to deny yourself for the benefit of another person 5) Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” 2) Thislove wll goas fr as dying for its enemies b) John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his, ife for his fiends” Matthew 5:43-47 - we are required to: 2) Meet enemies with love b) Meet cursing with blessing ©) Meet hate with goodness ) Meet persecution with prayer 6) This loveis nota natural love. Its more than just a toleration for your enemies 7) Agape love is based ona quality decision, a deliberate choice, and not on felings b. Phileo 1) Brotherly, human love 2) Based on feelings 40 3) When you are operating only in phileo love, you can give love only toa personyou have feelings for 4) This love can be strong, but it ean stop when put under pressure 3) Relationships built on this love will often end when arguments or storms arise (friendships) 6) A good relationship, especially marriage is built fist on agape love, then phileo and eros 1) A physical love based on the five senses (See, hear, smell, tase, touch 2) The word erotic is built from this word 3) Many relations start on this level 4) Its based on gratifying self When self isnt satisfied (not feeling fulfilled) the relationship ends (Lus) 5) Loveisa real, active, vital force in a Christan’ life and it can easily be misdirected if we allow it ‘Corinthians 13:4-8 this is the Bible definition for agape love (NLD) “Love is patient and kind, Love is not jealous, or boast, oF proud, or rude. Love does not demand its own way, Love isnot irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been ‘wronged. Ii never glad about injustice, bu rejoices whenever the truth wins out, Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopefil, and endures through every circumstance” 1) Charity suffereth Jong - Love is patient Patient — bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint, ‘manifesting forbearance under provocation, not hasty or impetuous, steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity. (Peace under pressure) 8) God never gives up on people (1) Jesus never gave up on His disciples (2) Peter beyan to sink when he walked on water G3) Peter denied Jesus three times (4) James and Job fll of pride and wanted to bring fire down on Samaritan village that didn't receive them (5) Later Peter preached the very frst sermon about Jesus; his message was so powerful 3000 people got saved (6) John was later called the disciple of love (7) The Spirit transformed both Peter and John's ives, just lke Jesus had prayed for (8) The Holy Spirit will work in and transform your life as well as those you ae praying for 'b) Praying inthe spirit helps us to love each other past ou failures and to have patience with one another ©) If wedesire to become more like Jesus, be led by the Holy Spirit, and abide in Jesus, then we have to seek to become as patient as He is 4) Asthe body of Christ, we have to make every effort to walkin patience and love with others (1) Patience and lgye - will cover the faults of others (2) Itsometimes means sacrificing time, pride, money, ete.Kind the showing ofa gentle considerate nature it implies sympathy, and a ‘genuine interest in another's welfare stressing a desir tobe helpful 8) Kindness isa quality the world has almost forgotten about ') Everything is self-centered, me, my, mine ©) Ephesians 432 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving ‘one another, even as God for Chris's sake hath forgiven you". 4) Paulexhorts us to be considerate of people and situations before thinking of ourselves ©) Philippians 2:4 “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (SLD “Don’t think only about your ow aftirs, but be interested in ‘others, to, and what they are doing” 1) Love sees a need and steps out to fill it 3) Charity envieth not ~ Love is not envious ‘Envy — painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage 8) No jealousy, rejoices when good things happen to others 4) Charity vaunteth not itself is not puffed up Vaunt — to make a vain display of one’s own worth, or what onc ias, or done, t means to brag a) Love is not boastful, vainglorious, or conceited. » Don't promote yourself 5) Doth.not behave itself unseemly Unseemly — to be rude, unreasonable, to bicker 2) Always consider the feelings of others b) Always try not to offend others by what you say or do 6) Secketh not er own ‘Selfish - concerned excessively, or exclusively with oneself. Seeking and concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well being without regard for others. (1) Love seeks God's will not elf will 2) Love doesn' insist upon its own way @) _Jesusin the Garden of Gethsemane prayed "not my will bu thy will be done” (Matthew 26:39) (4) Luke 9:23 “And he said to them al, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow (5) Ifanyone wishes to follow Jesus, they must leave self behind everyday and take up their cross~lay down their will and do the will of God. 7) Isnoteasily provoked Provoke —to arouse, oro stir1@ anger, o imitate» » a) —_Loveisn' touchy, or resent ) Think on things that are true, honest, pure, lovely, of a good report and youll be more conscious of God's word than your own personal feelings Philippians 4:8 “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” ‘Thinketh no evil - Love doesn't keep a list of wrongs 8) God's love forgives and forgets b) Weare to forgive others just as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13) He forgave all our sins ©) Bringing up past mistakes will only put stress on a relationship 4) Forgiveness isa big part of agape love, Jesus was very clear about forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15) ) _Peterasked Jesus how many times we should forgive someone. Jesus answered 7x 70 (Not 490 but all the time) £) Wedon't have the right “Not to foruive” someone who has done us wrong, 2) Matthew 18:23-31 -a parable about un-foriveness ($10.million in debt as compared to $20 owed) 1h) A good way for our prayers and our faith not to work is by walking in uun-forgiveness i) We forgive by faith, not by how we feel, or feelings. ‘We must forgive others no matter what--total and complete forgiveness from the hneat. Instant forgiveness will close the door to Satan and His schemes in your life ‘Rejoiceth not in iniquity - Love is not happy when evil befalls another 8) When youhave been offended, your fist thoughts may be bad thoughts about the offender b) Hebrews 12:14-15 “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without ‘which no man shal sce the Lord. Looking diligently lest any maa fil ofthe grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” ©) Follow peace with all men and their will be no roo of bitteness allowed the opportunity to form Fruit of Emotion - Joy (Gr.-Chars) Joy ~ which means a feeling of gladness happiness, great pleasure or delight based on Love, Grace, Blessings, Promises, and the neamess of God by those who believe in Jesus Christ. Psalms $:11-12 “But let all those rejoice who put their trust in thee rejoice; lt them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them; let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, Lord wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield” 13[Peter 1:3-9 “Whom having not seen you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” ‘Romans 15:13 “Now the God of hope fll you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye ‘may abound in hope, through the power ofthe Holy Ghost” ‘What proivees Joy? Jetemiah 15.16 “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart; for I am called by thy name, © Lord God of hosts” 1) This Joy is based on reconilition with God and the Presence ofthe Spirit of God in our lives 2) Ivis maintained by the assurance that we have been forgiven in Chis and restored to fellowship with God, and that we now live in harmony with His will. 3) Such Joy will produce and act asa 2) Fortes o guard ws from troubles and temptations of each day. ') Italo produces the power and the motivation to persevere in faith until the end, cor when Vietory ot Deliverance comes. LJohn 3-4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my chiiren walkin truth” Proverbs 12:20 “Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil; but tothe counselors of peace isjoy Proverbs 15:30 “The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; and a good report maketh the bones, a Psalms 51:10-12 “Restore unto me the joy of ty Salvation” Psalms 16:11 “Thou wilt show me the path of life; in thy Presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” | Thessalonians 1:6 “And ye became followers of us, and ofthe Lord, having received the Word in much aflicton, with joy ofthe Holy Ghost” ‘Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of Gd in Christ Jesus concerning you" Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice inthe Lord always; and again I say rejoice” Joy is the state of well-being and assurance that makes us content even in the face of adversity Itisa quality ad not simply an emotion grounded upon God himself and indeed derived from him, to become exited. Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who forthe joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down atthe right hand ofthe throne of God” 1) In times of trouble is when the fruit of joy is most apparent 2) Jesus is our example enduring the cross and the shame for the joy of our Salvation. 3) Our joy can be constant because it is not based on circumstances or things, but based ‘om an inner awareness of God who isthe source of our joy and that source never fades, fails, or comes to an end. 4James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count itll joy when you fll into divers temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience, But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entre, wanting nothing”. ‘What does the Word of God say about God and jov. Romans 14:17 “Forte kingdom of God isnot meat and dink; but righteousness and peace, and joy inthe Holy Ghost. 1) Thekingdom of God is relationship of ight standing with God resulting in peace and joy 2) Notalistof d's and don's, rules and regulations, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. ‘Zephaniah 3:17. “The Lord thy God inthe midst ofthee is mighty; he will save, he wil rejoice ‘over the with joy; he wil rest in his love, he will oy over thee with singing”. (Celebrates over vou with shouts of joy 1) God is a God of joy. 2) He rejoice over us wth singing pitt aap ae ‘8. Natural joy ~ happiness when everyting is going well and pleasure when someone gives you gifts 1) The world is looking for joy through material possessions, music, events, natural relationships, etc. 2) Joy may come fora while through these avenues but this joy never lass 3) This oy is never satisfied and is always look for more and better, always changing . Spiritual joy - a joy not based on circumstances 1) This joy seems contradictory in the eyes of natural man 2) There's no pleasure or happiness during times of testing but there can be joy 2) Jesus endured the cross with joy - Hebrews 12:2 ) Paul and Silas praised God with oy after they were beaten and thrown into jil- Acts 16:25 ©) Tames 1:2- count it all joy when you encounter trials 4) Matthew 5:11-12 - with persecution comes joy and rewards in heaven c. Job 16:22 “Your joy no man taketh from you" 1) Noman could take Jesus life. He had to frely give up His li 2) Inthe same respect, no one can tke our jy; we have to give it up for us not tohave it 4. Eternal Spiritual Joy isan inner joy, a knowing God will never fail you, leave, you, nor His word return in your life yD Joy will cause you not to stagger at God's promises and will cause you to be like ‘Abraham (Romans 420-21) (Amp, “He grew sttong and was empowered by faith a he gave praise and alory to God” 2) Joy will give you a postive atgude and a smile on your face even when you're in the middle of tough times3 Joy keeps you looking atthe word and expecting it to come alive in your life like it did for Abraham Joy brings deliverance ‘Acts 16:25-26 - Paul and Silas in prison a) They rejoiced in spite of their circumstances b) The result was an earthquake shook the prison doors open and loosened all their bonds ©) They didnot praise God forthe situation but in it (1) Thessalonians 5:18 says to give praise in every situation not for every situation | @) Wecando this because He's stil King of kings and Lord of Lords and His mercy endures forever even in the worst of situations (3) John 10:10 “Ihave come that ye may have life, and that ye might have it more a 4) Immediate results of praising the Lord (1) Gets your mind off you and onto the Lord Q) twill shake the circumstances G)__Itwill open prison doors in your if (change bad habits) (4) twill loosen those bands off you and from those around you (form of taking your authority) Joy brings the supernatural manifestations of God on the scene, which may lead sinners to salvation [Luke 24:51-53. “And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and catied up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and retuned to Jerusalem with great joy, And were continually inthe temple, praising and blessing God. Amen” ‘Scriptural ways to release joy and praise to God peege J » 2) Singing. ~ Psalms 28:7 “with my song wil praise him” Clapping - Psalms 47:1 “O, clap your hands all ye people” ‘With instruments and dance ~ Psalms 14:3 / 180:4 ‘Shouting - Psalms 5:1] “"let them ever shout for joy” Uplifted hands - Psalms 63:4 “I will lift up my hands in thy name Nehemiah 8:10 - the joy ofthe Lord is our strength ‘When you are joyful in the Lord, weakness will leave and God's strength will sustain you in any situation ues heal ‘Proverbs 17:22 - a mem beart does good like a medicine Rejoicng in the Lord allows the healing power of God to flow through your physical body ‘You can rejoice because of wht Jesus has done for you before you see the resultsts will ‘Psalms 40:8 -"I delight to do Your will, O my God" 2) We experience joy in living out God’ plans and purposes for our lives 3) Jesus delighted in doing His Father's will. He said many times "I came not to do ‘my will but the will of the one who sent me” 4) When we resist Goe!s will, joy will leave and frustration will eome Joy will come as vou meditate on God's word 1) Aeremiah 15:16 2) Meditating on God's word will cause the scriptures to become alive to you 3) Youmay have to chew it many times, like physical food, before it can be swallowed and digested Joyserves ws a protective guard against he enemy 1) Jehoshaphat sent the Praise and Worship team out before the army and the enemy was defeated - Il Chronicles 20:21 2) Praising God puts a supernatural hedge around you that confuses and defeats the enemy and changes circumstances Joy brings Jesus on the scene 1) Psalms 16:11 - In your presence is fullness of joy 2) Sometimes your rejoicing will be a sacrifice 8) Sactifice- an offering you give that takes effort because you don't fee! Tike doin Psalms 27:6 “I will offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I wil sing, Yea, Iwill sing praises unto the Lond” Joy indoing the Father's will John 4:34 (Relates to our joy as the fruit ofthe spirit) in seeking "I "= Luke 15:410 (Relates to our joy in service) 1) Leading someone to the Lord isthe greatest joy a Christian can ever experience 2) Lake 10:17 After the seventy returned from doing the work of the Lord, they returned with great oy 3) Matthew 13:44 - the greatest joy isto receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior itis likened unto a treasure hid in afield and of great value and priceless Joy in the Father's wisdom, Jove - Luke 10:21, 1) The secret things were revealed tothe simple-minded not the wise and prudent (by the world’s standards) 2) The fullest joy is when we receive the revelation that God loves me 3) Joy is resting in God's love and wisdom 4) Joyis expressing our love back to Him Avoid blockages of ov a. Uneforgiveness b. Resentment © Bitteress a 4. Keep your hearts clear nd you will keep your joyPsalms $1:10-12 - David allowed sin to rob him of his joy in the Lord a “Serve the Lord with gladness” nthians 8:2 “Joy in sacrificial giving and supporting the ministry” HAESKEAC SA-LE “its possible eee when everthing ht cold possibly go wong ‘has gone wrong” Matthew 5:10-12 Double blessing for being persecuted for righteousness sake and when they say ell manner of evi against you falsely for my name sake” Luke 6:22.23 Blessed when they separate you from their company and east your name out as evil Eruit of Emotion - Peace Peace -a state of individual harmony with life which includes Jesus first, others second, ourselves last Peace is the absence of turmoil, struggle, and war. ‘Shalom - harmony, wholeness, soundness, well-being, success in all areas of life. True peace is one ofthe most difficult fruits to develop and maintain. tis, infact, impossible ‘without the nature of Christ in us Jesus and peace Isiah 9:6 “For unto uss child bor, unto us isa son given; and the government shall be upon hs shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, ‘The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” a. Peace was associated with His birth (Inthe beginning) Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” . Peace was associated with His death nthe end) John 14:27 “Peace [leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world give, give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let tbe afaid” . Jesus possessed absolute inner peace throughout His entire life and ministry even during ‘conflicts, and that peace was felt by those around Him 8) When a group wanted to stone Hin, in peace He walked through the crowd (John 10:30-33) (Persecution) ') __Inpeace He slept when their boat was threatened wo capsize (Matthew 8:23-27) (Storms of Life, don’t be afraid trust in me) 4. He experienced peace not because He was passive, complacent, or uninvolved; it was a ‘peace experienced even during trials and conflicts © This is the peace Jesus left with us John 16:33) 1) This spiritual peace will enable us to live vitoriously even when there is turmoil and confusion around us ace with God (Romans 5:1-5) “Ths is the most important peace” 4. Without harmony with God there canbe no genuine peace in ou ives, >. Without peace with God you can't bear His fruit. “He isthe vie and weer the branches” (John 1S) . This the reason for anxieties and frustration - people are not in unit with Christ 4. Weobtain peace with God by receiving Jesus as our Lord and we maintain this peace by constantly submitting to His will© Reasons our peace with God is broke 1) Putting our own will before His, causes tension, anxiety, and fear 2) Simin our life 3) Worldly living Peace with others a. By receiving Jesus as Lord we can also have peace with others . Hebrews 12:14-15 -we are commanded to have peace with ll men In this reference peace is linked with diligence. Peace i the result of persistent and diligent efforts ‘Peace with others does always come naturally and is difficult to maintain Romans 14:19 all men arent peaceable, but we must do our best to beat peace with them ‘4, Matthew 5:39 - tur the other cheek even when we want to strike back Colossians 3:12-17 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, tothe which ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” £ Some people have trouble geting along with anyone Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God” Ezekiel 37:26 “Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting ‘covenant with them; and I will place them, and multiply them, and will st my sanctuary in the ‘midst of them for evermore” Jeremiah 29:7 “And sek the peace ofthe city whither Ihave caused you tobe earied away captives, and pray unt the Lond frit; fr inthe peace thereof shall ye have peace” 1). Shalom can be refered to peace between two waring nations 2) team alo be experienced asa settled feeting within a nation during times of prosperity and no evil war 3) Peace can also be sen as wholeness and harmony in human eationships, both inside the home and outside of the home. 4) Peace can refer to one's personnel sense of wholeness and wel being, a being free from anxiety and at peace within our own souls and with God. 5) Shalom describes the original created word tht existe in perfect harmony and wholeness. When God created the heavens and the earth, he created a world at peace. The total well bing of creation is reflected in the suramary statement; after God had finished creating the world, "swerything was very good” (Genesis 1:31) Waking in the peace of God 1) Wemust be united with Christ and walking in an active faith (Romans $1) 2), We must walkin obedience to His commandments (Leviticus 2633.6) 3) We must allow the Holy Spirit to develop and work into out ives the peace of God (Enuit of the Spirit) (Galatians 5:22) 4) We must pray for peace (Philippians 4:6-7) 5) We must allow peace to rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15) 6) We must seek peace and pursue it (Psalms 34:14) Dn ‘Sve oven peas wil het (Romans 12:18)Psalms 119:165 “Great peace have they which love thy law, and. ‘nothing shall offend them” Isaiah 263-4 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thes, ‘because he trusteth in thee” (GW) “With perfect peace you will protect those whose minds cannot ’be changed because they trust you” (NLT) “all whose thoughts are fixed on you” (Message) “People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole” Fruit of Relationship - Longsuffering Patienc Definition - Long and patient endurance ofan offense; being good-tempered, being patient. Peace under pressure, Patience is actually a deep trast inthe Lord as we wait upon Him for the answer, it isa trust that develops into faith Exodus 34:6 - God is mereiful and longsuffering 1) God’ longsuffering with the Israelites. They constantly complained and filed ‘many times in keeping their covenant with God. Whenever they cred out and repented oftheir sins, He forgave them and with His infinite love, mercy, and longsuffering delivered them 2) Tonah at Ninevah (Jonah 3-4) 8) V3.1 Jonah was told by God to go to Nineveh with a word of warming repent or judgment will come ») Vs. 10- God showed His longsuffering and mercy to Nineveh by not ‘destroying them because they repented ©) Jonah-:1-2 - This angered Jonah. He wanted them to be punished for their sin 4) Dont treat people that have filed God and are living sin badly. Pray fr them. They need God's love and mercy. Show it to them. (Romans 2:4, I Peter 3:9) Paul, an example of longsuffering ‘a, Heatone time was highly regarded by the Jews b. Then he became hated and despised by them solely because he followed the way of Christ ©. [Corinthians 11:24-27 /1 Corinthians 4:13 - Paul talks about his sufferings 4. Weareto face our sufferings with courage (IL Corinthians 9-10) ‘There isa difference between endurance and Godly longsufferingthe fruit of joy Feeling sory for your self and showing it will actually drive people away. This attitude is not characteristic of the fruit ofthe sprit '. Goaly longsuffering will not bring atetion to yourself but will glorify God James 1:2-4 ‘a. Youite not joyful because you are tried, but in the midst of trials you should begin to rejoice inthe Lord b. Realize that trials, tribulations and temptations are just another opportunity forthe word. of God to prevail in your life c. The fruit of longsuffering is needed in the trial of your faith 4. _Longsuffering isn't developed by the trial itself but it’s developed when you tur othe word of God and prayer ¢. Trials and tribulations do not develop Rongsuffering10. Many have tured from God in trials and tribulations instead of to Him & A steady diet of God's word and prayer will develop patience in your life whether youie going through a trial or not Godly longsuffering is standing and maintaining an attitude of joy anda vision of God's word perfecting everything that concems you ‘Your growth in longsuffering should be a daily process not just an experience for difficult times a. James 1:4- If we let patience have her perfect work we will be perfectly and fully developed (with no defects, lacking in nothing) b. Hebrews 6:12 - Faith with patience wil bring forth the promises of God in your life Longsuffering in ministering to others a. [Timothy 2:24.26 1) Compassion and patience are most important when ministering to people, ‘when witnessing tothe unsaved, when helping people grow to maturity }. —LCorimthians 13:4 love suffers long 1) If we walkin love, longsuffering will be a by-product 2) _Longsuffering is like a tough fiber which keeps the love bond from breaking under stress and strain ©. Towalk inthe Spirit you must pursue longsuffering (patience) in every area of your life People are always saying it must be done now & God has never moved by man's timepiece 1) God heard the ery ofthe Israelites in Egypt and answered it withthe birth ‘of Moses. But more than 80 years passed before Moses was prepared to be the deliverer 2) The children of Israel lived under the rule of the Philistines for 40 years before God answered with the birth of Semson 3) God's promise to Abraham took 2000 years before Jesus came b. God is always at work even when it seems like He is doing nothing 1) Tttook 10 yeas after God told Noah the earth would flod before it rained. Thad never rained on the earth before 2) Joseph spent 10 years in prison even though he was innocent and when released Ihe was free from bittemess and full of faith and love. Then God exalted him [Corinthians 6:4-6 a. Asborm again Christians our lives speak louder than anything we say. We have to develop longsuffering if we ae to bring others to Christ b. We have the opportunity to develop the fuit of longsuffering everyday with our spouses, children, brothers and sisters in Christ, co-workers, family members Fruit of Relat Gentleness ‘Two fruits which are often confused are gentleness and meckness Gentleness is an action we display, meekness is a state of humility Gentleness is power under perfect control John 8:1-11 - Jesus isan example of this controlled strength and power toward the woman ‘caught in adultery a. Vs. 5-6- the Pharisees attempted to catch Jesus in eror of the law~should she be stoned? Bb. Vs.6- Jesus ignored them for awhile ©. Vs.7-then He stood up with great passion and said "He that is without sin among You let him first casta stone at her”=the result was they departed one by one ‘Vs. 10- only Jesus and the accused woman were left. Jesus asked her "Where are your ‘ecusers? Has no man condemned you" She answered "No man, Lord’ Vs. 11 - Jesus responded with gentleness and compassion "Neither do I condemn you. Go ‘and sin no more” Jesus didnt condemn her but He didnt condone he sin ether He always ministered His love to people caught in sins bondage John 3:17 - Jesus didnt come to condemn the world, He came to save it ‘The woman Jesus set fre with His gentleness and love (the adultere) probably had never ‘known such gentleness 1) The gentleness of Jesus won her heart This is a lesson for us. Never point your finger atthe sin of people 1) React withthe fruit ofthe spirit gentleness and get the results Jesus did 2) Wete not to condemn te sinners but love them and tell them of Jesus Fruit of gentleness in ministering to others Timothy 224-26 1) We must lea to dal with people with gentleness and compassion and to gently share God's word of encouragement and instruction with people regardless of their situation 2) How would we have responded with the woman eaught in adultery? Anger? Conderanation? Gentleness? Compassion? Gentleness and patience will always change people 1) Wemust have compassion for people especially for babes in Christ 2) They still have habits and sins which God wil remove from their life, bu et God do it 3) Encourage them and build them up withthe milk of the word; don' condemn ‘or shame them 4) If done God's way it will last and bring forth fruit and glory to God 3) Done the wrong way it wil bring condemnation, built, bondage and will hinder the person's walk with the Lord 6) This will sometimes even cause the person to tur from the Lord, They wil think they are displeasing to God | Thessalonians 2:7-8 1) Baby-amother will pour out her life for that baby, giving it everything it needs to s70W and develop 8) Weneed tobe this way when disciplining baby Chrstians~sactifice, gentleness, patience 2) Tddler~ fall many times when leaming to walk. The mother gently picks up the child, loves him, and puts him on his feet again 4) She doesnt scold, ridicule, or criticize him; she encourages him and is patient with him until e's abe to walk without falling 1b) Weneed tobe this way with Christians who are learning to walk in the word, They may fail (all down) many times, but we need o gently encourage them, continue to love them, and help them back on ther feet Matthew 12:1820 1) The bruise reed and smoking ax represent weak, young Christians who are not yet established in their faith2) They are still having difficulty living a Christian life 3) Jesus doesn't discourage, reject, or cast them away, but with gentle compassion He helps them on toward maturity There are times tobe firm and straightforward with people, but you can doit in a gentle way Ephesians 4:15) Matthew 10:16 a. Weare be like a serpent~cautious, wise, shar-sighted, discerning, knowing b. Weare tobe like the dove-remaining at peae, in innovenee, and clean from any sin; honest and sincere wit no deceit 1) Jesus displayed this wisdom in discerning the character of Judas Iscariot 8) He knew Judas would betray Him b) Yet He was gentle and compassionate towards Judas ©) Its the gentleness of Jesus that would not retaliate against Judas 44) Judas did not respond tothe gentleness of Jesus. The result: is life ended in disaster 2) David on the other hand responded tothe gentleness of God. David's success and exaltation. Psalms 18:35 "Your gentleness has made me great” ‘God has promised to be ou shield and defender if we trust Him ‘God's gentleness allowed David to overcome the obstacles in his life and rise to greatness God's gentleness is much like the touch ofthe potter at his wheel. The sensitivity of his fingers can permanently shape apie of clay with the slightest touch (Colossians 3:12 "put on, therefore, as the elect of God, «heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” Sf Good Definition - The state of being good, kind, benevolent, generous and God-like in life and conduct Its received winen your born again, but its only a seed; it needs to be nourished with the word of God to grow and produce Goodness is not simply the not doing of wrong, but its the doing ofthat which is beneficial and helpful and good to others The goodness of God a. Psalms 33:5-6 - God created the whole world for the habitation and enjoyment of man. He provided the best for us b. John 3:16-17 - God is so good He gave us His most precious gift, His son, Jesus c. God shows us His goodness, love and mercy not because of what we have done but in spite of what we have done 4. He looks at our past, our faults and failures, and loves us anyway © God's goodness draws people to Him (Romans 2:4) ‘Goodness isthe nature of God John 14:9- Jesus said ifyou have seen me you have seen the Father 1) Jesus is the expressed will of God 2) Acts 10:38 shows what Jesus did 3) John 10:10 - Jesus came to bring abundant life. God wants us to have abundant life Like a good Father, God corrects us - Hebrews 12:5-7 1) God cores us by the word, gt by killing stealing, destroying (Timothy 3:16-17)2) Correction - to restore to an upright state a) ‘We need to stay in the word to stay in this upright position b) John we are sanctified (set apart) by the word of God ©) Ephesians 5:25.26 we ar cleansed by the word b. How are we to respond to God's conection 1) Revelations 3:19-20 - repent; God will begin to knock. That's why we continually need to check up on ourselves 2) Psalms 94:12 - being corrected is no fun to our flesh, but our spirit says yes, I want and need correction: c. The purpose of coretion VW) John 15:1-3 8) Tobring forth more frit ') Sickness and tragedy do not bring forth fruit; they bring forth fear. So they cannot be God's way of correcting us ©) When you cooperate withthe Lord you wil bring forth more frit E of a. Acts 9:36-41 - Dorcas was a disciple of Christ's, was full of ood works, and met the needs of the poor. Peter raised her from the dead b. Luke 23:50 - Joseph of Arimathea was a good man and a doer of good deeds. He put ‘Jesus in his own tomb © Acts 11:22 Bamabas was one of the frst Christians. He was a man of great wealth. He sold his land and contributed the money tothe church 4. These three were not known forthe absence of evil but forthe practice of good works €. The fruit of goodness isa spiritual virtue that exists through the diligent doing of good ‘works Goodness in our own life a. Aste of being good, kind, benevolent, generous, and Godlike in life and conduct Remember its received when you're bom again and it grows by the word c. Wedont need to work a trying to be good: we need to let the naure of God mature in us and flow out of us (LPeter 2:12) 4. Ephesians 2:10 tells us were not saved by good works, but good works will accompany ‘our salvation ¢. Philippians 2:12-13 - the good works are working or carrying out your salvation 1) Become a doer ofthe word 2) These works are a reflection of the life of Christin you £ —Titus2:4- Jesus redeemed us so we could be a peculiar people zealous of good works 8 Thessalonians 5:15 - follow after what is good both among Christians and before all men Mathew 5.16 - our lifestyle (the words we speak and the life we lead) should show the nature and character of Jesus so clearly that people will be drawn to Jesus just by ‘watching us i. Matthew 5:13 tells us we ae te salt ofthe earth. Characteristics of salt 1) Ifseverywhere, in vegetables, minerals, oceans, caves 8) God's people are everywhere in every nation and walk of life 2) Sallis apreservative 8) Christians presence on the earth keeps the forces of evil from bringing total destruction3) Salt produces thirst a) Our lives should make people thirsty for God. When they see how we are blessed, have joy, peace and contentment, they will desire to have what we have, Even when we mess up, admit we were wrong and ask forgiveness, this will make them thirsty 4) Salts healing agent a) Weare God's healing agent because ofthe Holy Spirit in us b) God has given us His word to minister to those who are hurting physically, spiritually, and emotionally 5) Salt willl melt ice a) God will use us to melt the coldness and hardness of people's hearts by speaking the word and by the Holy Spirit in us 6) Matthew 5:13 also tells us if salt has lost its flavor, it's not good for anything. thas tobe thrown away a) ‘But Christians aren't like that. If we lose our flavor (our zeal) we can ‘become full of flavor again by repenting (turning) and seeking God b) Cares ofthe world, laziness, not earing ean rob us of our flavor (usefulness) °) Salt can lose its savor, but it never loses its potency. What is meant for the good Micah 6:8 - God's goodness and power is in us helping us to live a life that will glorify God and bear much fruit for His kingdom a. Simple fit/Saving faith 1) Ephesians 2:8 -"for by grace are you saved by faith” b. The gift of faith - 1 Corinthians 12:9 1) This faiths to meet special needs superaturally ©. Faithfulness - Galatians 5 1) A fruit ofthe spirit Definition - trustworthiness, loyalty, reliability, constancy, steadfastness, sincerity; a fidelity to God ‘Lamentations 3:22-23 "Great and abundant is the Lord's stability and faithfulness” a. Thereisno greater example of faithfulness than our Father God b, He as always been faithful to keep His covenant ¢. —_ Heremains faithful even when we aren 1) Example: Children of Israel 2) He continued delivering them from their sin and enemies 3) He remained loyal to them even when they rejected Him 4. Psalms 89:34 - God isnot going to change 1) Weave acovenant of grace as born again believers 2) If we fil or sin we only have to repent of our sins and Gods grace wil restore ‘our fellowship with Him (LJohn 1:2) 3) Weare cleansed and reconciled beck to God through the blood of Jesus (shrews 2:17) ie8) Jesus is our faithful and merciful high priest. He made reconciliation for our sins. He is always interceding for us (Hebrews 725) ‘There are times when God will prove your faithfulness a ». e a & Hell put you in a positon that may seem of no value or unimportant to you He will observe your faithfulness inthe small things before promoting you (Matthews 25:21 God will never promote a person who isnot faithful (responsible) inthe litle things Nehemiah 13:13 1) There were four men found in Israel who were counted faithful 2) They were placed as treasurers over the storerooms inthe house of God to distribute grain, wine and ol othe people 3) Their faithfulness was observed before they were given the task This is the way to let the fruit of faithfulness mature in you: Be willing to step out at God's direction. Sometimes the step willbe farther then you can see, but God will always uphold you ‘Sometimes a person without much talent will be promoted over a more talented person because they are more faithful 1) Godis looking for faithful people not just talented ones Proverbs 24:19 - an unfaithful person is lke a pain God can take an unfaithful person and transform them into a faithful one by the power of the Holy Spirit Example: Peter 1) He denied Jesus tre times but on the Day of Pentecost 3000 were saved when he preached 2) Why -he had become faithful to God, to do what God called hima to do and to proclaim God's word with boldness wherever he went God wants us fitful in 1) Church atendance 2) tithes. 3) abilities 4) Prvers 5) Time given tothe work ofthe Lord 6) Reading the word 7) Spouse / family 1) Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) 8) Qualities of fitful servant (verse 21) (1) Trustworthy responsible, submitted to authority (2) Dependabie - completes assignments 3) Honest in all affairs (4) Does what needs to be done (5) Does more than what is expected of him (6) Eaters int the joy of the Lord +) Qualities ofan unfaithful servant (Matthew 25) (1) He accused his master in order to excuse his own slothfulness (Ws.24) 2) He was fuilure-conssious (@) He thought everything others did prospered (©) Joshua 1:8 - formula for success 3) He was afraid to step out in faith @) A faithful person will step out as God directs The rewards of faithfulness a b, Proverbs 31:28 -(a faithful mother) her children rise up and call her blessed trots 2520 will aound in bess“Matthew 25:2 - wil become ruler over much 1 Timothy 1:12 - will be put into the ministry e. Revelations 2:10 - will receive a crown of life 0 Fruit of Attitude - Meekness 1. Definition -total dependence on God; mildness, forbearance, be submissive and humble 2 Gentleness and meekness are often confused 4. —Gentleness - outward, ative; something you say or do b. —_Meckness- inward, passive; a state of being » 2 9 ‘A meek person is able to control his mind, will and emotions He doesn't tolerate pride, anger, jealousy, competition to become a part of him He has trained his soulish realm to submit tothe will of God €. —_Apperson feels meek but he acts gentle d. Life of Moses (Numbers 12:3) y 2 3) 4) » 9 0 8) %» 10) 1) 12) 13) 14) Moses was the most humble (meek) person onthe face of the earth He was born during the time the Israelites were slaves of the Egyptians Pharoah had decreed all Hebrew (Israelite) boy babies were tobe killed Pharoat's daughter found Moses and adopted him He was brought up in Pharoah's house and had a good education, training and luxuries He tured away from these things He recognized the call of God on his life to set the Hebrew people free He tried to do it in his own power by killing the Eeyptians a) Take time to get the how to" and the "when" to fulfill God's plans. Its important to get the fall details of Goss plan While inthe wildemess he couldnt escape God! call, but while he was there he ‘came into an intimate fellowship with God God showed Moses he would fulfil is call (lead the Israelites out of bondage) by total dependence on God ‘Because Moses became totally dependent on God, God was able to use the natural training Moses received in Pharoah's household~-his talents and abilities ) Don't depend on your talents and abilities to fulfil God’ call Submit and depend on God and then He can use them for His purposes ‘Moses continued with an attitude of meekness he was totally dependent on God He continued with meekness, not weakness 8) Exodus 32:20 - Moses made the worshipers ofthe golden calf drink the dust of their ow idol ) Numbers 12 When Aeron and Miriam spoke against him, Moses didnt retaliate (he showed forbearance and humility). He let God judge them, Miriam was struck with leprosy ‘Moses became one of the greatest leaders inthe Bible 8) He always remembered that he was nothing and God was everything. He sought guidance and help from God continually © Ifyou ae eve placed ina position of leadership, there will be times you will have to be forbearing with others regardless of thir actions toward you 3. Jesus, our example "He was forbearng with his diseiples?Grhen mothers brought their children, thedisciples thought this was a waste of Jesus time. Jesus overheard them and called the children to Him. He corrected the disciples with love and patience, I's often the ‘small things in life which are most important 'b. He was patient with the crowds that surrounded Him ¢. Matthew 11:28-29 ‘The opposite of meekness is pride a. John the Baptist John 3:30 "He must increase but I must decrease” 1) John realized if God's kingdom was to come, he must be selfless and filled with God Proverbs 16:18 says pride goes before destruction God wants us to be successful. He just doesn't want success to have us ‘Mark 1043-45 - Bea servant! 1) If we apply this scripture to our lives we will keep ourselves from pride and destruction God's commandments regarding meekness (commandments are not options) Galatians 6:1 Paul is talking to mature Christians 1) Were not to be judgmental or critical 2) We're to minister with meekness, humility, and love 3) Were to exhort, encourage, uphold and uplift 4) Were to pray for ther restoration b. LPeter 3:15 1) Tfsomeone asks you about your joy, peace, love (fruit) you cam share it with them ina spirit of meekness 2) Aselfrighteous attitude will tum them away 3) People will receive from you if youre not looking down on them. You never ‘want to come across as not ral, but real and genuine c.— James 1:21 - always have an open heart to receive Gods word; be god soil 4 James3: 1) People who have true wisdom share it wth meekness and gentleness, not pride and overbearance 2) Paul told Timothy to instruct those that appose him with meekness (Timothy 2:25) Fruit of Attitude - Temperance (Self-control) Definition - Inward strength, to be strong/powerfl; restraint exercised over one's own impalses, emotions, and desires, a. Temperance enables us to crucify our flesh Physical temperance 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 1) Paul is making ¢ comparison between an athlete and the spiritual race of 2 Cristian. Stivin for mastery - striving to be what God expects of you 1) Inthe Christian race the prize is available to all of us. We arent competing with each other but against the devil 2) Weave the same rigorous training in the spiritual race that an athlete has ina physical race (Philippians 3:14) - that same driving determination to excel, to be more than average; proper dit, rest, physical workouts, 3) Christians exercise the spirit fin by prayer and applying God's word.‘You can control your life and resist temptations of the devil by the words you speak Jeremiah 15:16, Matthew 4:4 a) Jesus was able to overcome the devil and control Himself inthe ‘wilderness by speaking the word 4) Isaiah 28:11-12 - rest and refreshing ae needed a) Weget rest by praying inthe spirit ') _Ittakes self-control to take time each day to pray 5) Amathlete always has goal - | Corinthians 9:26 - "I don't run without a goal” 6) Philippians 3:13-14 8) Paul kept pressing forward toward the mark. He didnt think (@well on) the ground ne had already covered (stoned, past victories, beatings, persecutions) b)Wecant stop and become complacent. We must keep pressing forward 7) The key for a Christan is to keep is eyes fixed on Jesus 8) When you get knocked down, getup and keep on going b) Push yourself past human abilities and let the supernatural power of God take you across the finish line Proverbs 16:32 - keep emotions under control 1) How? By praying inthe spirit and speaking the Word. It will ealm you and build you up your spirit man to take control your feelings Jude 20 2) Ephesians 426-27 8) Righteous anger is a Godiy emotion expressed against sin b) Example: Jesus and the money changers in the temple (Matthew 21:12-14, John 2:13-17) ©) Wecan't cover-up personal anger (wrath) with righteous anger (Games 1:19-20) James 3:1-10 - the tongue a b. c 4 e ‘Vs. 3-4 - the tongue controls the whole body ‘¥s.6- the tongue can destroy (backbiting, criticism, gossip) 1) The tongue can build-up, confess scriptures, sing edifying songs (Eph. 4:29) ‘Vs. 4- the tongue is ike ¢ rudder ofa ship 1) Outof the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34) 2) Example: Ifyou squeeze a lemon, you get sour juice. Ifyou squeeze an orange, you get sweet juice. Did the pressure ofthe squeeze cause the difference in the juices? No, The pressure just brings out what's on the inside Vs.3 - The tongue is like abit in a horse's mouth Proverbs 15:4 LPeter4:1-2 - put the flesh down. Have selfcontrol and don sin Romans 12:1-2 ‘Aids to develop self-control b, a Word of God - Ephesians 6:17 ‘Cast down wrong thoughts - [I Corinthians 10:4-5 Don't be distracted with worldliness - I Timothy 2:4 Put on the whole armor of God - Ephesians 6:11-18 29ble definite Svitit 1) Gift ofthe Spirit - Salvation 2) Gifts of the Spirit - Service and ministry 3) Graces of the Spirit - Christian character Itis possible for the old nature to “counterfeit” some ofthe frit ofthe Spirit, but the flesh can never produce the fruit ofthe Spirit. six unscessar jure Christian 1) The length of time you've been saved a) Heb. = they should have been mature b) Job 32:6-9-- older believers dont always have the most wisdom 2) Operating in spiritual gifts. Gifts are forthe edification of the Body not to show the maturity ofthe person operating inthe gift 3) Biblical ‘@) 1 Corinthians 8:1 - knowledge puffs up. The knowledge you have doesnt ‘make you mature; its the knowiedge you at on that makes you mature 4) Church work - Being church worker doesnt make you mature 5) Appearance - Il Corinthians 5:12 "glory in appearance and not in heart” Some ‘People are more concemed on how they appear before men than how their hearts appear before God. A true test to judge yourself is how you act behind closed doors compared to how you act at church 6) Calling in the ministry Judas Iscariot cast out devils, healed the sick, and preached as the other apostles did, but he was not a spiritually mature person because he was motivated by greed ‘These six things can assist you and help you become mature, but they in themselves don't make you spiritually mature ‘Spiritual maturity is shown when a believer consistently shows the character and nature of God Lear torus the Lord in everthing Grow in Revelation Knowledge ‘Draw closer tothe Lord through Prayer Walk in Obedience tothe Word of God Lear to Walk inthe Spirit 30