RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-05-13	The Fruit of the Spirit (Part 3 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. Today we will continue our walk through the Fruit of the Spirit from the fifth chapter of Galatians. In this discussion we will consider section 3 which includes FAITHFULNESS, MEEKNESS, and SELF-CONTROL. These are associated with and in relation to our attitude toward our own self. 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. These are inward maturity indicators. That is, we become more like Christ in our lives. So today's fruit are spiritual growth or sanctification traits. FAITHFULNESS When you are faithful your life is a promise to keep your word (Rm.3:3). Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? God remains faithful to His Word and becomes our example of faithfulness in our character. As believers in Christ we have a new and consistent relationship with others. We should be known as faithful! Lam 3:23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 1Th 5:24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. Are we known by others to be faithful to our word? We seek our Master's approval in all things (Mt.25:21) Mat 25:21 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' >> The best evidence that we are NOT growing in faithfulness is that we show persistent WEARINESS in our attitude << GENTLENESS It can also be translated as “meekness”. As wisdom is the right use of knowledge, so meekness is the right use of power. This is power under control. This describes Moses (Nu.12:3) and Jesus (Mt.11:29; 21:5). This is an attitude of humility (Ja.1:21), that is stirred by a grateful spirit (Nu.12:3). Consequently, if you do not have a grateful attitude you will not show gentleness toward others. Jas 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. In Paul's day, the Greeks list of virtues did not include gentleness. Thus, it was uniquely Christian (1Co.4:21; 2Co.10:1; Ep.4:2; Cl.3:12; 1Tm.6:11). 1Co 4:21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness? >> The best evidence that we are NOT growing in gentleness is that we show persistent BITTERNESS in our attitude << SELF-CONTROL This has the idea of realizing that one's desire to please self was crucified with Christ. We no longer seek what we want, but what Christ wants (Ga.2:20). Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. This is Christlike maturity. When we have self-control we restrain our passions to do God's will in everything. 2Pe 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 2Pe 1:6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 2Pe 1:7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 2Pe 1:8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. >> The best evidence that we are NOT growing in self-control is that we show persistent PRIDE in our attitude << AGAINST SUCH THERE IS NO LAW There is a new law in the life of the believer which shows its presence by living in godliness (Rm.6:19; 8:4; Ja.1:25; 2:8,12) Rom 8:4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Jas 1:25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. Christlikeness is the goal of the New Covenant for every Christian (Je.31:31-34; EK.36:22-32).
		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

 

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