RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-05-12	The Fruit of the Spirit (Part 2 of 3)
		Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Gal 5:23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Previously, we discussed the first section from the Fruit of the Spirit text in Galatians. These included LOVE, JOY, and PEACE. These are associated with and in relation to our attitude toward God. Section 1: LOVE; JOY; PEACE - Godward Section 2: PATIENCE; KINDNESS; GOODNESS - Manward Section 3: FAITHFULNESS; MEEKNESS; SELF-CONTROL - Selfward In this discussion we will consider section 2 which includes PATIENCE, KINDNESS, and GOODNESS. These spiritual fruit words relate to our attitude toward mankind or others. As with all the fruit of the Spirit, these are first based on God's grace toward us. When we realize the grace of God in our lives, then the fruit is expressed in us toward others. PATIENCE This attitude is revealed in us when we have a willingness to obey and learn the lessons God wants us to know (Ja.5:11). Jas 5:11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. This fruit shows an ability to willingly endure injuries by others or painful situations (Ep.4:2; Cl.3:12; 1Tm.1:15-16). 1Ti 1:15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1Ti 1:16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. If God was patient and gracious enough to save Paul, He is patient and gracious enough to save anyone. So when we realize God's patience and grace toward us, it motivates us to show patience toward others. The spiritually patient person does not wish difficulties on those who oppose him. The non-patience's normal response is to react against those who oppose us. So the patient person will sow goodness where others would sow evil. >> The best evidence that we are NOT growing in patience is that we are UNWILLING TO SUBMIT to God's leading << KINDNESS This attitude is seen as a tender spirit expressed toward others. He is especially kind toward believers (Jn.13:34-35; Ga.6:10). Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. Joh 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Gal 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. He desires to treat others gently as the Lord treats believers (Mt.11:28-29; 19:13-14; 2Tm.2:24) Mat 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Mat 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 2Ti 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient >> The best evidence that we are NOT growing in kindness is that we have a JUDGMENTAL SPIRIT << GOODNESS The person who shows goodness toward others has a focused resolve to do that. That resolve drives us to be involved in the lives of others. It is usually expressed through acts of generosity (Nh.9:25). Neh 9:25 And they took strong cities and a rich land, And possessed houses full of all goods, Cisterns already dug, vineyards, olive groves, And fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled and grew fat, And delighted themselves in Your great goodness. This is a moral spiritual excellence that seeks to be active in kindness toward others (Rm.5:7). Rom 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. He looks for opportunities to show acts of kindness and good toward others. I pray we look for opportunities to show goodness toward others. Even if they do not or will not show it in return. >> The best evidence that we are NOT growing in goodness is that we are SELFISH <<
		The link below is the entire lesson of The Fruit of the Spirit: http://www.otischurch.com/resources/topics/fruit-of-the-spirit/fruit-of-the-spirit.pdf Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Independent and Evangelical Church

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