Introductory sermon on the Fruit of the Spirit based in Galatians 5:22-23

2. Introductory Thoughts
In the miraculous age of Christianity (the
first century) the apostles could work
miracles.
The miraculous enabled people to do
certain things.
1 Corinthians 12 reveals 9 manifestations of the
Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 reveal 9 characteristics
of the fruit of the Spirit.

3. Introductory Thoughts
The "fruit of the spirit" involves the way
people live.
Galatians 5:22-23 reveal 9 characteristics of
the fruit of the Spirit.
Note the fruit is singular, yet it requires a
balance of the characteristics listed.
These characteristics may be classified in
three categories.
Toward God – Toward Others – Toward Self

4. Characteristics That Look Toward God
Love.
God should be the object of love.
Matthew 22:34-40
Love for God moves one to obey him.
1 John 5:3 - John 14:15
Love is the motive that prompts one to
faithfully serve God.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 13

5. Characteristics That Look Toward God
Joy.
Salvation from the Lord brings joy to the heart.
Acts 2:46; 8:8;'8:39; 16:34
God's people are exhorted to "rejoice in the
Lord".
Philippians 4:4
The hope of eternal salvation gives Christians a
"joy unspeakable".
1 Peter 1:8

6. Characteristics That Look Toward God
Peace.
Salvation by God's grace brings peace from
God.
Romans 5:1
Those who make peace with God obtain the
peace of God.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Peace" is not at the mercy of external
circumstances.

7. Characteristics That Look Toward Others
Longsuffering – Suffering a long time.
In trying to teach and reach the lost.
In attempting to get along with ill-tempered
members of the church.
Ephesians 4:31-32
In resisting temptation.
Hebrews 12:3-4

8. Characteristics That Look Toward Others
Kindness.
“Longsuffering endures wrong;
kindness overcomes it".
God's people must be kind.
Ephesians 4:31-32

9. Characteristics That Look Toward Others
Goodness.
Goodness signifies, "not merely goodness as a
quality, rather it is goodness in action.
God's people are to "do good".
Galatians 6:10

10. Characteristics That Look Toward Self
Faith – faithfulness.
Christians have built into their characters a
quality that causes them to be reliable.
They continue "steadfastly" in the apostles
doctrine, etc.
Acts 2:42

11. Characteristics That Look Toward Self
Meekness – strength under control.
The meek are submissive to God's will.
The meek are teachable.
James 1:21
The meek are considerate of others.
Ephesians 4:2

12. Characteristics That Look Toward Self
Self-control.
A contrast to many of the works of the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-21
The body must be controlled.
1 Corinthians 9:27
The mind must be controlled.
2 Corinthians 10:5

13. Concluding Thoughts
If the Holy Spirit guides one's life, by the
word of Christ, then one will produce the
"fruit of the spirit".
One is "free" to produce the fruit of the
Spirit.
Over the next several weeks we will look
more in depth at each of these
characteristics.