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Battling the Flesh to Produce the Fruit of the Spirit

Discover the importance of overcoming sinful desires and cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Explore the transformative power of God's Word and the essential role of love and obedience in developing godly character.

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Battling the Flesh to Produce the Fruit of the Spirit

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  1. Paul uses dual imageries: a battle must be fought before the fruit of the Spirit can be produced Ps 1 echoes how the way of sin must first be forsaken before the fruit of the Spirit can emerge 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The way of the flesh – Gal 5:19-21 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. The way (fruit) of the Spirit – v22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. The need to crucify the flesh so the fruit of the Spirit can emerge • And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh (the battle) with the affections and lusts.

  2. Renewed by the Spirit Word – Elpis Israel This word is the great instrument of holiness and purification. It changes men's minds; loosens their attachment to earthly things; causes them to place their affection on things above; creates a new and right spirit within them; diffuses the love of God abroad in their hearts; separates them from sinners; leads them into Christ; and develops in their lives, fruit... When the mental disposition, called “the heart” is renewed, it becomes a mirror in which one skilled in the word of the kingdom can discern the spirit, or behold a reflection of the Divine Nature. This image of God in a man’s character can only be created by the word of the truth of the gospel of the kingdom. The testimony of God came by the Holy Spirit...hence, the effects of the word believed are attributed to the spirit; and because the word sets men to breathing in God’s moral atmosphere, it is termed “spirit and life”. When a man is renewed by the truth, he is renewed by the spirit. Elpis Israel, pg 51-53

  3. All 9 fruit are needed – Lacking even a single one leaves a gaping hole in our character

  4. Godly love • A self-sacrificing love, putting others’ needs before our own (Jn 10) • Obedience to God’s commandments (Jn 14:15,21,23) • Done by faith, springs from faith (Gal 5:6) • Done in hope of a future reward (Heb 6) • Shown not because a person deserves our love, but because he needs our love and what it brings (Rom 5) • Gives to the need, whatever it might be (Deut 15; 1 Cor 8,9) • Requires our all – heart/soul/strength/mind (Mt 22:37) • Loves our neighbor as we would want to be loved (Mt 22:39) • Done as a servant, not as a master (Gal 5:13) • Restrains us from engaging in wrong conduct (Gal 5:15), and compels us to right conduct (2 Cor 5:14) • Provides a balance between the need for right doctrine/conduct (2 Jn) while not offending in matters of conscience (3 Jn) • Does good to all, is careful not to show partiality (Jm 2:8-9)

  5. Godly love and obedience are inseparable Exod 20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Deut 7:9 …he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant & mercy with them that love him & keep his commandments… Josh 22:5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law…to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments… Neh 1:5 …the great & terrible God, that keepeth covenant & mercy for them that love him & observe his commandments: Dan 9:4 …O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; John 14:15 if you love me, keep my commandments

  6. God’s love for us is the model and motivation of our love for each other Deut 10:18-19 He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. 19 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. 5:1 Be ye therefore followers (imitators) of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us.

  7. God defines love as our being willing to lay down our life for others (putting their needs before our own) John 10 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth (lay down) his life for the sheep. 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. • What was the commandment of the Father? • What was the Son’s response to the Father’s command? • What was the Father’s response to the Son’s response?

  8. God defines love as our being willing to lay down our life for others (putting their needs before our own) The Father loved the love of His Son! John 10 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth (lay down) his life for the sheep. 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. The cross (self denial) is what must be done to the flesh; learning to love with Godly love is how we live the cross. 1 Jn 3:16 “because he laid down his life for us, we ought to lay down our life for the brethren”

  9. Gal 5 – Fruit of Spirit Joy Peace Longsuffering/Patience Kindness/Gentleness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance 1 Cor 13 – Love Rejoiceth in the truth Not easily provoked Suffers long, bears/endures all things Kind Thinketh no evil Never fails; believeth all things Not vaunt itself, not puffed up Seeketh not her own The Fruit of the Spirit encapsulated in Love

  10. Class 1 Review • God undertakes to achieve a massive change in our character; to transform us into new men/women • The fruit of the Spirit specify what the new character looks like that God is trying to develop within us • We are not born with the fruit of the Spirit, nor do they develop on their own; they only emerge if the flesh is first crucified • Paul uses the unusual dual imagery of fighting a battle and developing fruit to underscore how both are needed • All 9 fruit are necessary; a character lacking even a single one will leave a gaping hole • Love supercedes the other 8 & is connected with every facet of our discipleship; all disciples must learn to love with Godly love • There is a vast difference between Godly love & human love • Families, marriages & ecclesias that develop Godly love produce much different relationships than those based on human love

  11. The Fruit of JOY Man’s definition: a feeling of great pleasure & happiness; to rejoice God’s definition: happiness related to the joy of salvation Rom 5:2 – rejoice in hope of the glory of God Matt 5:11 – rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven Acts 8:39 – Ethiopian eunuch went on his way rejoicing Acts 13:48 – Gentiles had joy over the prospect of salvation Acts 16:34 – Philippian jailor had great joy at his baptism Ps 137 – Jerusalem in the age to come is “my chief joy”

  12. The Joy of the LORD over Israel’s repentance Nehemiah 8 • The nation spent the day hearing the Word read and explained • Their united, unsolicited response was to break out in mourning and weeping (v9) And Nehemiah…and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. • It’s a great scene! The nation weeping in response to the Word because of their sins • They are told not to mourn but to rejoice (v10)… Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

  13. Paul’s personal joy/rejoicing • Prospect of visiting with believers (Rom 15:32; 1 Cor 16:17; 2 Tim 1:4) • Believers’ obedience: Romans (16:19); Philemon (v7); John echoes this (3 Jn 1:4) • Hearing Corinthians had repented of their sin (2 Cor 7:7-9) • Praying for the Philippians (1:4) • Suffering for the advancement of the faith & joy of believers (Phil 2:16-17) • When an ecclesia was united & working together (Phil 2:2) • He visited ecclesias to increase their joy (Phil 1:26); John too (2 Jn 1:12) • To see his brethren in the Kingdom, having held firm to their faith! (2 Cor 1:14; Phil 2:16; 4:1; 1 Thes 2:19-20)

  14. The Joy of the Cross Jesus aims at instructing them, not that they might be distressed, but that they might know the secret of his life in the orbit of God’s love. Amidst all that appeared to contradict it, because of that secret Jesus knew joy. At that moment itseemed paradoxical to speak of joy—but the joy of Jesus could be theirs in fulness even in similar circumstances. The keeping of God’s commandments and the assurance of God’s love, combine to produce joy amidst physical pain and mental stress, amidst peril and persecution, and all the other circumstances which have beset in some measure those who are followers of the Man of Sorrows who yet knew joy. (John Carter, Gospel of John)

  15. The Fruit of PEACE Man’s definition: the absence of war, freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility God’s definition takes peace to a much higher level: having unity with God, being reconciled to God through Christ’s sacrifice, the outcome being forgiveness of sins and salvation • It brings us to a state of tranquility and serenity, regardless of our trials, sorrows or disappointments • Being reconciled, we are to: i) be peaceful in our relationships with others and ii) be peacemakers Rom 5:1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

  16. PEACE – by being reconciled to God Ephesians 2:13-14 – But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off (separated from God) are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, (both Jew & Gentile find peace with God) who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us (cited from Isa 59:17) Colossians 1:20 – having made peace (between God & man) through the blood of the cross…to reconcile all things unto himself

  17. Bro CC Walker on Rom 5:1 Peace departed from the earth in connection with Adam’s offence.It returns in connection with Christ’s obedience. The opening of this chapter (Rom. 5.) presents this bearing upon those individually who believe in Jesus: “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Here then is the true basis of peace: (our) humble and affectionate recognition of the will of God in Jesus Christ, in (our) obedience thereto according to divine appointment. Ministry of the Prophets – Isa 16

  18. Godly peace = knowing we are reconciled to God, it creates within us an inner quietness & confidence An Old Testament concept too: Num 6:25 – the LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace Isa 53:5 –…the chastisement of (NKJ: for) our peace(the suffering needed to obtain our peace with God) was upon him and with his stripes we are healed This is why Paul begins all 13 of his epistles describing the peace that comes from God and the Lord Jesus Christ – it’s not a simple greeting, it’s a reminder of the peace we have with God and Christ because of Christ’s saving work Lk 2:14 – glory to God in the highest and on earth peace Lk 19:38 – blessed be the King that cometh…peace in heaven Jn 16:33 – these things I have spoken, that…ye might have peace Acts 10:36 – …preaching peace by Jesus Christ Rom 3:17 – the way of peace have they (those under sin) not known Eph 6:15 – your feet shod with…the gospel of peace Phil 4:7 – the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus Heb 13:20 – now the God of peace, that (raised Jesus) 2 Thes 3:16 – the Lord of peace himself give you peace always 2 Pet 3:14 – be diligent to be found of him in peace, without spot

  19. There is a caution related to peace: our obedience must still be added to Christ’s saving work Romans 2:10 But glory, honor and peace to every man that worketh good Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is (eternal) life and peace (of mind) Phil 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, DO!; and the God of peace shall be with you We obtain peace and reconciliation with God through Christ’s saving work, but we retain that peace only if we remain obedient to his commands

  20. Having been reconciled to Him, God expects us to be men/women of peace • In the world – Rom 12:18; Heb 12:14 • But especially between brethren: • Rom 14:19 follow after things which make for peace • 2 Cor 13:11 be of one mind, live in peace • Eph 4:3 keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace • 1 Thes 5:13 be at peace among yourselves • Matt 5:9 blessed are the peacemakers • James 3:17-18 the wisdom…from above is first pure then peaceable…the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace

  21. The peace of God with man (reconciliation) will be heralded in the Kingdom Isa 52:7 the gospel of salvation is called the gospel of peace Isa 9:6 Jesus will be the Prince of peace Heb 7:2 Jerusalem’s future role will be the city of peace Ps 122:6-8 Jerusalem to be at peace Ps 85:8-9 God will speak peace unto his people Isa 32:17-18 the work of righteousness shall be peace Ezek 37:26 God to make a covenant of peace with Israel Zech 9:10 Jesus shall speak peace to the nations

  22. Longsuffering and Kindness

  23. The fruit of Joy – a review • Godly JOY cannot be understood by man’s definition; it is not just happiness, but is bound up with salvation • There was great JOY at Jesus’ birth • God and heaven JOY when sinners repent • Our JOY needs to align with the joy of the Father and Son • It brought Christ/Paul JOY to see disciples in the Kingdom • Christ viewed the cross with JOY because he saw beyond it; he wants us to embrace it, not view it with sorrow; it’s how God is glorified and the flesh defeated • We should never let anyone or anything take away our JOY

  24. The fruit of Peace – a review • Godly peace is the result of our being reconciled to God through the saving work of Christ (Rom 5:1) • Knowing our standing with God is secure provides tranquility and serenity, creating an inner quietness and confidence • Having peace with God, He then expects us to be peaceful in our relationships with others; to be peacemakers, especially among brethren • Godly peace doesn’t depend upon circumstances and can’t be destroyed by them; on the eve of his crucifixion, the world couldn’t take away Jesus’ peace • There is a warning related to peace: to Christ’s saving work, we must still add our obedience

  25. A character missing the fruit of longsuffering would leave a gaping hole so large as to overshadow all other fruit that might develop

  26. The Fruit of Longsuffering(Patience) New Testament: makro (long/large) thumeo: temper • Strong’s: it means longanimity (patient endurance) • Practically: it takes God a very very long time to get angry • Vine’s: it is the opposite of angry; synonym = forbearance Old Testament: arek (long) & aph (face/nostrils) • a Hebrew idiom: long in the face = longsuffering, slow to anger • 1 of the 5 characteristics of God (Ex 34) revealing His glory; all of which contribute to His forgiving character

  27. Longsuffering: part of God’s forgiving character Num 14:18 – the LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression Neh 9:17 – thou art God, ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness Ps 86:15 – thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth Ps 103:8 – the LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy Ps 145:8 – the LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy

  28. God’s longsuffering is designed to save, to lead sinners to repent Rom 2:4 – Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 2 Pet 3:9 – The Lord is not slack…but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance v15 – the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation Conclusion: Longsuffering, as part of God’s character (glory) is closely connected with forgiveness; if we are to properly reflect His character, developing the fruit of longsuffering, to forgive and save, should be our aim

  29. The wisdom behind longsuffering Prov 14:29 – he that is slow to wrath is of great understanding Prov 15:18 – a wrathful man stirreth up strife; but he that is slow to angerappeaseth strife Prov 16:32 – he that is slow to anger is better than the mighty and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city 1 Cor 13:4 – Love suffereth long (allows time to repent Isa 48:9) Eph 4:2 – with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace Col 3:12-13 –Put on therefore…longsuffering…if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you 2 Tim 4:2 – preach the word…reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering & doctrine

  30. The Fruit of GENTLENESS(Kindness) Man’s definition: mild, soft spoken, considerate, tender (this is not God’s definition) Greek meaning: chrestos (adjective) or chrestotes (noun) • Together appear 17 times in NT • Vine's: goodness, in the sense of what is upright; goodness or kindness in action, goodness in deeds God’s definition: kindness, in the sense of being useful to others • Included in the definition is the idea of friendship • Chrestos is not about being gentle as a lamb; rather, being kind as a friend • The purpose of kindness is to save, not just to be kind

  31. The Kindness of God 9 of the 17 NT references are to God’s kindness (chrestos/otes) Titus 3:4 the kindness & love of God..toward man appeared Eph 2:7 the…riches of his grace in his kindnesstoward us Luke 6:35 he is kind unto the unthankful Rom 2:4 despisest thou the riches of his goodness…the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance Rom 11:22 the goodness and severity of God…but toward thee goodness if thou continue in his goodness Eph 4:32 be ye kind…tenderhearted…forgiving…even as God…hath forgiven you 1 Pet 2:3 the Lord is gracious 1st point of recognition: Scripture defines God’s kindness as sending a Savior 1st point of recognition: Scripture defines God’s kindness as sending a Savior 2nd point of recognition: Godly kindness cannot be earned; it is extended as a result of grace

  32. The Intended Outcome of God’s Kindness God extends His kindness to us for a reason! So that we will forsake our former way of life and grow in the Word and become living stones, in His temple, replicas of His Son, the cornerstone God’s kindness provides His Son for our redemption; as newborn babes we partake of the milk of the Word, we then grow up and are transformed and become living stones to offer our lives in sacrifice and devotion to God (Rom 12:1) What begins with God’s kindness should end with our transformation, becoming holy priests, during our probation Paraphrase: V1: we should lay aside (grk: put away, get rid of) all sinful ways – the malice, guile, etc V2: as newborn babes in Christ we should desire the teachings of the Word so we can grow unto salvation V3: what should motivate us? God’s kindness (chrestos)! i.e. because we have tasted God is gracious 1 Peter 2:1-5 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (unto salvation – RV): 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (chrestos) 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

  33. The Kindness of God 9 of the 17 NT references are to God’s kindness (chrestos/otes) Titus 3:4 the kindness & love of God..toward man appeared Eph 2:7 the…riches of his grace in his kindnesstoward us Luke 6:35 he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil Rom 2:4 despisest thou the riches of his goodness…the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance Rom 11:22 the goodness and severity of God…but toward thee goodness if thou continue in his goodness Eph 4:32 be ye kind…tenderhearted…forgiving…even as God…hath forgiven you 1 Pet 2:3 the Lord is gracious Luke 6:35 Anyone can be kind to those who are kind to them (human kindness); Godly kindness is extended to all Godly kindness isn’t just a feeling; it loves, does good, lends, expecting nothing in return: it’s visible & tangible & can be seen in action

  34. Longsuffering – a review • The longsuffering of God is 1 of His 5 primary characteristics • God is far more longsuffering toward us and gives us far more time than we tend to give each other • A person cannot be quick tempered, and forgiving • Parents know how to be longsuffering because their children would be unrecoverable if they were not • God is longsuffering because He is trying to save people, to lead sinners to repentance, to give them time to change • There is great wisdom in longsuffering:  it prevents us from acting in haste and creating folly;  it appeases strife and removes its destructive power;  it’s of greater value than being a mighty warrior • The very thing a person or group who have erred need is for others to be longsuffering, to help return them to right living

  35. Kindness (Gentleness) – a review • Godly kindness is being useful to others, to help save them; think useful like a godly friend, not gentle like a lamb • Our kindness to others should align with that of the Father and Son; God’s greatest act of kindness was providing a Savior (Titus 3:4); He shows kindness by grace, it cannot be earned • 1 Pet 2 reveals God’s kindness is intended to motivate us to put away sin, desire His word as newborn babes, and grow up into living stones in His temple as a holy priesthood • God’s kindness is not restricted to believers, but is shown to all men (Lk 6:35); it does good, and it can be seen in action • Godly kindness forgives those who mistreat us and it does so tenderheartedly (Eph 4:32) • The kindness of the Lord is seen in his offer of friendship (Mt 11); his yoke is called kindness and he offers to share our burdens to encourage us to persevere in the face of trial

  36. The Fruit of GOODNESS Grk: ‘agathosune’: goodness, virtue, acting in a way to benefit others (Strong’s #19) For our purposes, we will take the English word at face value; goodness = doing what is right, doing good to others Simple way to remember the meaning: the Good Samaritan – he did what was right; that’s what goodness is and does Goodness is closely related to Kindness (fruit #5), but the emphasis is on doing good, doing what’s right Kindness and Goodness often will overlap; it’s not always helpful to try to figure out if an action is one fruit to the exclusion of another; the fruit typically overlap

  37. The fruit of Goodness – doing good • Goodness is about what kind of person we are, what kind of treasures we have, what we do with those treasures, and the impact we have on others • The fruit of Goodness not only does good, it has a positive spiritual impact on others • When we teach our children the need to be good boys & girls, we are introducing them to goodness, to choose right over wrong, good over evil Luke 6:9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? Matt 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 3 Jn 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Rom 12:9 Let love be (sincere) without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 1 Tim 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

  38. God’s goodness is done to save people 2 Thes 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power Verses helpful in understanding 2 Thes 1:11 Rom 1:16 – “the work of faith with power” – the gospel is God’s power unto salvation Rom 12:2 – God’s will is that we be transformed Lk 12:32 – it is God’s good pleasure to give us the Kingdom Phil 2:12 – God works in us both to will and to do his good pleasure to make us fit for salvation It is the good pleasure of God’s goodness to prepare us for the Kingdom; it’s what He finds pleasure in doing and He does it because of His goodness The fruit of goodness is designed to save people What brings us pleasure?

  39. Goodness is also doing good, giving good counsel, being a good influence Rom 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. The context begins in 14:1 – ecclesia needed to live in harmony In ch15, Paul pleads with the Romans to work together: V3: Christ didn’t please himself V5: Paul’s prayer was that they would be likeminded V6: be of one mind and one mouth to glorify God (together) V7: receive one another (Christ didn’t discriminate; don’t you) V8: Christ ministered to all (Jew & Gentile) to include all • The believers were full of goodness (a desire to do what’s right) because they were filled with God’s knowledge • To do good, we must have a knowledge of God’s Word • Godly goodness will not arise from man’s knowledge; we must know our Bible in order to show goodness • The more Bible we know, the greater our ability to live this fruit, but we must still do the good; knowledge isn’t enough • Goodness includes counsel & admonishment, always based on God’s principles – a pre-requisite for any admonishment

  40. The moral power of faith • Faith is the substance (confidence, assurance) and the evidence (a conviction based upon overwhelming evidence) • God wants us to live with the Kingdom as a reality • The greater our ability to see the reality of the Kingdom, the greater our ability to live as if we will be part of it • A person with a clear vision of the Kingdom will live differently than if they are unsure of its certainty • It’s never too early to teach our children how to develop: 1) their vision of the Kingdom; and 2) their faith it is coming • Heb 11: the moral power of faith! living for the Kingdom • The moral power of faith enables us to do (for God) what we otherwise would never have the power to do apart from faith

  41. The four levels of “faith/belief” John 14:4-6 “I am the way (follow my path), the truth (follow my teachings), and the life (follow how I have lived): no man cometh unto the Father but by me” Faith in Christ means we take on Jesus’ everything: Name: Acts 9:14,21; 2 Tim 2:19; Jms 2:7; Rev 2;13, 3:8 Life: Gal 2:20 Love: 2 Cor 5:14; Eph 3:19; 5:25; 1 Jn 3:16 Commands: Jn 14:21 Faith: Heb 12:2; Jms 2:1; Rev 14:12 Mind: Phil 2:5 Forgiveness: Acts 7:60; 2 Tim 4:16 • “Faith in Christ Jesus” saves because it is a commitment to live like him, to become like him • When a person makes this commitment, they are reckoned righteous by God, placed alongside Abraham as heirs of the Kingdom • We must still continue in faithful obedience, but salvation begins with a commitment to live like Christ • Believing something is true, even though you haven’t seen it proven – i.e. Christopher Columbus lived in 1492; the sun is 93 million miles from the earth • Believing a person is capable of doing something they haven’t done before – “I believe a young sister would make a good ‘kitchen sister’, even though she has never had this responsibility” (athlete, general, politician) • Believing in someone – a young lady might believe a young man would make a good husband/father; even though he’s never been either, she is still willing to marry him • Believing in Christ –that the way he lived is how I should live and pattern my life after his example; taking on his name, faith, love, life, teachings, etc; and giving up my own; making him my Lord and Master – LEVEL 4 HAS POWER!

  42. What level of faith in Christ do I have? Level 1: That he lived 2000 years ago? Level 2: That he is capable of ruling as future King of the world? Level 3: That he makes a good Savior, someone I should unite myself to so I can have my sins forgiven and be saved? Level 4: the way he lived is the way I must live; making his life, love, faith, teachings, preaching and forgiveness of others, my life, love, faith, teachings, preaching and forgiveness of others • The moral power of faith only exists at level 4 • Faith in Christ saves because it creates a moral power in our life stronger than Sin

  43. “That ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ” John 20:30-31 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: • But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. I Jn 5:13 = the companion verse to Jn 20:30-31 13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

  44. The 5 power points of belief in Christ – 1 Jn 5 • Recognize that the Bible usually speaks of faith without identifying its moral power • True (level 4) faith in Christ will cause a person to live differently, to be transformed into a new person • Level 4 faith is a faith: • That leads to obedience (Jn 14:15) • Made perfect by works/obedience (Jms 2:22) • Working by love & leading to love (Gal 5:6) Vv1-3 (what is the power point?) #1: we are born of God, love God and Christ, and obey God Vv4-5 (what is the power point?) #2: we overcome the world (our faith in Christ enables this!) Vv6-10 (skip v7) (what is the power point?) #3: we become a living witness that Jesus is the Christ (1:4; 4:14) V13 (what is the power point?) #4: the confidence in knowing we have eternal life V14 (what is the power point?) #5: the confidence of our access to God

  45. A new look at a familiar passage John 3:14-18 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever [hath level 4 faith] in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever [hath level 4 faith] in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that [hath level 4 faith] on him is not condemned: but he that [hath not level 4 faith] is condemned already, because he hath not [level 4 faith] in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

  46. A quick review • God’s desire is to transform us into new men/women; the Fruit of the Spirit provide specificity for what a transformed character looks like • The 9 Fruit are not independent of each other; they comprise ONE character with many interrelated aspects; all are needed • We need to understand each Fruit as the Bible defines it, not man; follow God’s model; within the parameters of righteousness • Developing the Fruit begins with a battle – crucifying the flesh • LOVE: laying down our life to save others (love does? no, love saves!) • JOY: happiness arising from the prospect of salvation • PEACE: tranquility and serenity due to being reconciled to God • LONGSUFFERING: patience to enable time for repentance • KINDNESS (gentleness): to be useful to others; God provided the Savior; Jesus offers friendship with a yoke called kindness • GOODNESS: doing good to help save (Good Samaritan; 2 Thes 1:11) • FAITH: making Christ’s name/life/love our own The Fruit of the Spirit describes, in detail, what the character of a disciple should look like; this is what it means to “put on the new man”, to “walk in the light,” to be a “servant of righteousness,” and “to put on Christ.”

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