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THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

In the Greek text the word for spirit is not capitalized, all the letters are written in the same
register. I believe it should read “But the fruit of the spirit…”, referring to the human spirit, not
the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the One within us who makes us partakers of the divine nature
and endows us with new life, but the fruit grows out of our spirit to maturity; the fruit is produced
in the branches.

John 15:4-5, 8, 16
4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the
vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who
abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me You can do nothing.”
8 “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.”
16 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear
fruit, and that your fruit should remain…”

Fruit is borne on the branches, not on the trunk of the vine or on the roots. Jesus and the Father
want us to bear fruit. The fruit is the fruit of our re-created human spirit.

Romans 8:29 “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image
of his Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren.”

Romans 7:4 “Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of
Christ, that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, that we might
bear fruit for God.”

Galatians 5:23 The Law can find nothing to condemn in the person who has developed the fruit
of the spirit in their lives.

In Galatians the Law and the spirit are contrasted and are shown to be methods of living a life
that are totally opposed to one another for the Christian.

THREE CATEGORIES OF LIFE

1. Person living under law – which invites the sinful nature – legalism (I am going to do
this in my strength).
2. Person not under restraining influence of the law, but gives him the impression that it
leaves him without restraint of any kind, and this yields to the impulses of the sinful
nature.
3. Third way is not a balance of the two (which most Christians subconsciously use), but
walking above it all in freedom in dependence upon the Spirit.

God’s plan was, first, that we might become a new creation in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17), that
we would become born-again of the Holy spirit immersing us into Christ to form one (spiritual)
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body with Him and to drink of the same Spirit (the Fountain of Life in God). I Corinthians
12:13

At the new birth we are not only forgiven, but we are also cleansed of sin and given right
standing (righteousness) in God’s sight. We have as much right to come into the Holy of Holies,
into the presence of God, as the holiest of God’s saints, because our righteousness is a gift by the
blood of Jesus and is not earned by our good deeds.

But the Bible talks about “being filled with the fruit of righteousness” (Philippians 1:11). What
is the Fruit produced in us out of the righteous nature planted in us at the new birth?

· The character of Jesus – He is the vine; we are the branches. Fruit that grows out of the
life of Jesus in us will be a reflection of that life force. Romans 8:29 tells us that God the
Father intended from all eternity that we should become reflections of Jesus in our
character.
We are not meant to become God’s children and remain babies and children, but we
are to “grow up unto Him in all things.” Ephesians 4:15
· The fruit was planted in us at the new birth. The law of Genesis is that each produces
after its own kind. That fruit may not have come to maturity yet in us, but it will grow
and mature as we allow and as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit who indwells us.
Philippians 2:12-13 tells us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, but it is
clear that the life-giving power to do so comes from God who “works in us both to will
and to bring to pass according to his good pleasure”. His “good pleasure” is that we
should bear abundant fruit. John 15:8, 16
· This fruit is the very character, nature and life of God.
Until we are with HIM in what He wants to do nothing good in terms of fruit will happen
for us or in us. WE bear the fruit; HE supplies the seed, the water, the life-power. But
God will never force us to become what He wants us to be.

In John 15:1 the Father is called the vinedresser. By the Holy Spirit our Father cleans and
prunes out of us all that is not like Jesus in its character. But He can’t do it if we don’t want it
and don’t allow it to happen. If we refuse, we will not be pleasing to God and will be cut off
from Him (John 15:2, 6).

God is patient with us. James 5:7-8 tells us that full growth, fruit, maturity and harvest take
time. I may only be a small shoot coming out of the ground so far as patience is concerned, but
at least the seed has sprouted; I may have a long way to go to reflect the patience of Jesus, but if I
keep on hungering after it and trying to grow in it the power of the Holy Spirit in my born-again
nature will be released and will not fail to reach its goal. However long it takes we are to keep
seeking it with all of our hearts. When we fail we are to confess our sins, receive cleansing and
get back on His plan for our lives. He will never fail to forgive us, prune us, help and encourage
us. John 1:7-9

Luke 8:14-15 “And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones whom have heard,
and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and
bring no fruit to maturity. And the seed on the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the
word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with steadfastness.”
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While we are still in the flesh there will always be those things which try to influence us to stop
seeking God’s kingdom and his righteousness. There are things within our hearts coming from
our own souls and from our flesh nature which will discourage us and keep us from growing to
maturity in Christ.

What can we do? We can make a decision to follow Jesus in every circumstance of life, and we
can ask the Father for help. The Holy Spirit, who is called the Helping One (Paraclete in the
Greek) will be given in abundance, and as we allow Him to work things out in us, and for us, and
with us nothing will be able to keep us from becoming like Jesus by the process of gradual, but
continual and unstoppable spiritual growth.

As we follow the notes prepared for this course I pray you will be encouraged to follow Jesus
with resolute courage and determination to please Him by becoming the fruitful person He wants
you to be.

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

PART 1
INTRODUCTION

Galatians 5:22-23 is an exact definition of the total Christian personality. These are not just
ordinary words. Jesus said, “…the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” John
6:63. The word could be likened to priceless jewels, invaluable, precious. “He has granted to us
His precious and magnificent promise, in order that by them you might become partakers of the
divine nature…” II Peter 1:4. The true work and beauty of jewels can only be seen as light
shines on them. The priceless truths from the word can only be understood and seen as the Holy
Spirit sheds His light on them.

Prayerfully read and meditate on the scriptures from each lesson. This will allow the Holy Spirit
to illuminate His word in your heart.

This course is about Christian character, a subject of supreme importance. According to God’s
eternal purpose you have been chosen, called and set apart to become like His Son. Through His
Spirit, God is ceaselessly at work in the world, shaping people like you and me into the likeness
of Jesus Christ.

Many people who are born again and filled with the Spirit have neglected to develop a personal
relationship with their Father. Many are content to belong to the family of God, but make little or
no effort to know Him intimately. He longs for you to take on His nature and character and begin
to cultivate every fruit of the Spirit.

Through the faithfulness of committed Christians, God is advertised, exhibited, made known.
What does your life show to the world?

John 15:8 AMP “When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honoured and glorified;
and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.”

Jesus can express Himself to the world only through the fruit that the branches produce. It is
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only through Christian conduct that He can be revealed. Is your life showing the world His
nature? Do you desire more of His love and character to be evident in your life?

Don’t be discouraged. It is not and impossible task or Jesus would not have asked us to produce
His virtues. Remember that it is always God who gives the increase. I Corinthians 3:5-6

It is the Spirit who will provide in us the virtues of Christ in our present circumstances and within
our existing relationships. But the Spirit doesn’t do this work apart from us; He takes us into
partnership.

Do you desire to be more loving and joyful, peaceable and patient, kind and good, faithful, gentle
and self-controlled? Do you want to play an effective part in God’s plan for the great last day
harvest?

Each fruit of the Spirit enables the individual believer to better cope with adverse situations that
arise in his life. The character of Jesus (the fruit of the Spirit) will enable the believer to
overcome any situation, trial or temptation. We need to learn to cultivate all the fruit of the Spirit
so we can be over-comers. A believer cannot be a totally successful over-comer if any one of the
fruit is missing in his life. Therefore we must cultivate and develop all of the fruit. None are
optional. You cannot select and develop only those that offer the least resistance to your
personality or temperament.

GOODNESS JOY
SELF-CONTROL PATIENCE
PEACE KINDNESS
FAITHFULNESS GENTLENESS
LOVE

THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES

The productive tree is an expression of the inner life of the tree. Although it grows
conspicuously above the ground, it also has adequate unseen roots. Colossians 2:7

Slowly read and meditate upon John 15:1-17 and answer the following questions:

1. Who is the vine?

2. Who are the branches?

3. Who is the gardener?

4. What is the gardener’s job?

5. Why is it necessary for the branch to be united to the vine?

6. What can you do if you are separated from the vine?

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7. If you abide in the vine, what will you produce? (list 9)

8. What is God’s promise to those who abide, remain and stay vitally united with the vine?

9. When you bear much fruit who is honoured?

10. How can you remain in His love? (vs. 9, 10)

11. Why is Jesus telling us these things? (v. 11)

12. What is His command? (v. 12)

13. Could you be considered a friend of Jesus? (v. 14)

14. Why has He chosen you? (v. 16)

15. What promise follows?

16. What is His command to you?

GIFTS AND FRUIT

S GIFTS FRUIT C
Revelation To God
E Wisdom Love H
Knowledge Joy
R Discerning Peace A
HOLY
V Power To Others R
Healings Long-suffering
I Faith Gentleness A
Miracles Goodness
C SPIRIT C
Utterance To Self
E Tongues Faith(fullness) T
Interpretation Meekness
Prophecy Temperance E

Spirit upon us Spirit within us R

to express the to express the
Power of God Virtues of Christ

“The fruit of the spirit can operate without the gifts of the spirit, but the gifts of the Spirit can
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never successfully operate without the fruit.” Briefly outline your thoughts about this statement.

The gifts are given by the grace of God to believers as the Spirit wills. Operating in the gifts of
the Spirit does not ensure that a person will posses the character of Jesus.

The means of acquiring the fruit of the Spirit are quite different. Fruit must be cultivated, and
that requires time and effort. A cost is definitely involved in the development of the fruit of the
Spirit. This is the reason why many operate in the gifts but don’t give evidence of the fruit. They
simply are not willing to pay the price.

SON – huios

Romans 8:14

The Greek word huios denotes the relationship of an offspring to its parent, with the emphasis
upon the nature of the parent being evident in the child.

The Christian who is led by the Spirit is not the person who often makes reference to the fact that
God told them to do this or that, and they felt compelled to obey. Neither is he necessarily the
one who operates in the gifts of the Spirit.

Being led of God’s Spirit implies not only being obedient to the voice of the Spirit, but also
developing in His character. It is those who demonstrate the nature and character of Christ who
will be recognized and revealed as sons of God.

Romans 8:19

Please record these verses and note the characteristics of a mature son.

Matthew 5:9

Matthew 5:45

A COMPARISON OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

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AND THE WORKS OF THE FLESH

Galatians 5:16-26

Fruit Of The Spirit Works Of The Flesh

1. Love 1. Immorality 9. Outburst of Anger

2. Joy 2. Impurity 10. Disputes

3. Peace 3. Sensuality 11. Dissension

4. Patience 4. Idolatry 12. Factions

5. Kindness 5. Sorcery 13. Envying

6. Goodness 6. Enmities 14. Drunkeness

7. Faithfulness 7. Strife 15. Carousing

8. Gentleness 8. Jealousy 16. Things Like These

9. Self-Control

Galatians 5:16

It is not hard to walk in the Spirit. You can do that while you drive the car, teach a class, do the
dishes, or operate a business. Walking in the Spirit is not a mystical exercise in which a person
falls into some sort of trance. Nor is it a feeling. Walking in the Spirit is simply walking in
constant fellowship and communion with the Spirit of God resident within you. It is walking in
line with the Word of God moment by moment.

Please read Romans 8:1-26 and record verse 6.

John 3:30

Do not remain content in just belonging to the family of God; God desires you to know Him
intimately – to take on His nature and character.

Are you willing to develop and cultivate each fruit of the Spirit and to receive all that the Holy
Spirit has to offer – especially the character of Jesus?

PART 2
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JESUS CHRIST OUR EXAMPLE

As we study the fruit of the Spirit, we must be reminded that Jesus Christ is our ultimate
example. Please record the following verses regarding the fullness of Christ.

Ephesians 1:22-23

Ephesians 3:19

Ephesians 4:13

Colossians 1:19

Colossians 2:9-10

What do the following scriptures tell you about His character, and about what you are meant to
be as His follower?

II Corinthians 10:1

Ephesians 4:32

Philippians 2:5-8

Colossians 3:12-14

II Thessalonians 3:3-5

I Peter 2:21

Do you remember learning to print when you were in the first grade? You may have had to fill in
a whole page of simple words or letters of the alphabet. The first line was neatly printed on the
top for you to copy from. Do you recall the task of getting each line and shape to be identical to
the master at the top of the page? Was it difficult to stay within the lines?

Only as you persistently kept looking at the master and continued to practice each movement
were you able to improve your skill.

We are scholars in the school of life, and we can only learn to live by copying the perfect pattern
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of the life of Jesus. His virtues and character will develop and grow in us as we patiently
exercise and practice His example.

We will progress to be more like Him in each fruit of the Spirit as we persevere and continue to
‘put on Christ’. We cannot make ourselves like Christ, but we can keep on directing our
attention to Him.

Colossians 3:1-2

Hebrews 12:1-2a

WHY STUDY THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT?

God’s plan from the beginning was for His children “to be moulded into the image of His Son
(and share inwardly His likeness).” Romans 8:29 AMP

II Corinthians 3:18

The more we take on His character and attributes, the more our lives are enriched and fulfilled.
We are able to cope better with difficult situations and life in general is more enjoyable and
pleasant for us. But is that all there is to it? Is He shaping and melding us to be more like Him
for our own benefit alone?

Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses”.

Acts 1:8

Isaiah 43:10-12 (record v. 10a)

Psalms 119:46

Psalms 145:11-12

Luke 8:26-40 (record vs. 39-40)

Please read the account of Paul speaking his defence to King Agrippa in Acts 26:12-23. What
was his commission?

We need to become like Him so we can be witnesses to the unsaved. It is not the slack,
indifferent, half-hearted Christian who will make an impact on the world for the Kingdom. It is
the one who has grown steadily into His likeness and is consistently being salt and light in this
dark and thirsty world that will be an effective witness.

In Jesus’ sermon on the mount, He teaches His followers how to live by kingdom principles.
Matthew 5:13-16 gives three symbolic comparisons describing how our lives should be an
effective witness to the world.
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First He declares that we are by our new nature salt. Yet if our lives do not create a thirst for God
to those around us, we are as useless as salt that is not salty. In verse 14 Jesus tells us that we are
light, and just as a city automatically gives light if it is set on a hill, we too should instinctively
radiate His light. The third comparison that He makes is that it is as foolish to light a lamp and
then cover it up, as it is for us to hide His splendour to the world. But the world will give God
the glory if we show to them what we are – salt and light.

Let us allow the light of His word to penetrate into our very inner being as we study about His
character and His nature so we will be dynamic evidence of His love.

“I cannot express Myself to the world except through the fruit that the branches produce. I can
only reveal Myself to the world through Christian conduct.”

Psalms 119:18, 37

FRUIT OF LOVE

DEFINITION:
· Phileo love – more in line with emotions – human source (soulical)
· Agape – God kind of love – source in spirit – beyond our emotions.
- can only be known by actions it prompts, e.g. Genesis 6:5-7 in spite of God’s feelings
toward man and sin – God so loved the world that He gave His only Son
- not the love of affection we are used to
- this love was not drawn out of God by any excellency in us (the objects of His love), e.g.
Jesus in the garden if there be any other way – love drove Jesus to the Cross (love and
obedience to Father and love for us)
- not the love of complacency – it moves us to do things whether we feel like it or not
II Corinthians 5:14

God is love – this is the main attribute that motivates God to do what He does concerning
mankind and you in particular.

Agape love for us then is to always do the right thing in accordance with Word of God, wisdom
of God, the character of God in every situation and circumstance of life – in spite of our feelings
and emotions.

Love covers a multitude of sins. The heart wants justice and retaliation - love says, forgive,
forget and have compassion.

We need to live beyond justice or retaliation – walk in a superior way of life – walk in love.
Love is beyond justice (our justice or what we deserved was placed on Jesus through the love of
God for us). Love is beyond every negative emotion.

This sacrificial motivation for other will cause us to live beyond what’s in ourselves. Matthew
5:38-48
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PART 3
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE

There are not nine separate fruits of the Spirit. Joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – each is an aspect of the fruit of love.

It could be described as a golden chain of love, which binds everything together completely in
ideal harmony. Colossians 3:14 AMP

In the English language we use the same verb for parental and romantic love, for friendship,
adoration, brotherly love and God’s love. For example, Mary loves pizza. John loves his dog.
Frank loves preaching. The young couple love each other and they all love God.

4 Greek words for love:

Eros - desire, intense and passionate

- love between the sexes
- physical sexual love

Storge - natural and warm affection in a family

- parental and child love
- sibling love

Philia - friendship - love

Agape - love of God

- God’s spontaneous love for man
- sacrificial, unconditional love

The natural loves – eros, storge and philia – are enhanced by agape. The love of one person for
another can be enriched by the love that seeks the welfare of the other and gives without counting
the cost. Do you need God’s agape love to infuse new life into your relationship?

“Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty
or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not
hold grudges and will hardly ever notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about
injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no
matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always
stand your ground in defending him. All the special gifts and powers from God will someday
come to an end, but love goes on forever.” I Corinthians 13:4-8 LB

LOVING PEOPLE AND LOVING GOD GO TOGETHER; THEY ARE UNSEPARABLE.

Matthew 22:37-40

“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your
name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never
knew you. Away from Me, you evil doers!” Matthew 7:22-23 NIV
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Knew – Gnosko
- to know by experience or effort
- knowledge as the result of prolonged practice
- knowledge grounded in personal experience
- to get to know

“I never got to know you, for you did not cultivate that fruit of love and develop an intimate,
loving relationship with Me.”

John 14:21 Obedience is a result of loving God and it is only through loving others that we can
experience God in our hearts.

When He comes will He have any problem recognizing you?

God’s love is shown clearly to us. The whole of God’s word is a love letter to man, His unique
creation. Following are some scriptures on love – God’s love for you and your love for God.
You may want to choose some of your own to include here.

What do these scriptures relate about love? Take notes also if there are requirements and/or
benefits on your part.

SCRIPTURE REQUIREMENTS BENEFITS

Deuteronomy 7:9

Deuteronomy 10:12-13

Psalms 91:14-16

Psalms 97:10

Psalms 145:20

Proverbs 8:17

Romans 5:5

Romans 8:28
I John 2:5

I John 3:1
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I John 4:18

Jude 20-21

Have these scriptures made you more aware of the many advantages and benefits that we have in
our covenant with God?

“He has given us ALL THINGS that pertain to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of
Him who called us…” II Peter 1:3

Knowledge – Gnosis
- from same root as gnosko
- to become fully acquainted with

As we continue to develop an intimate, loving relationship with Him, not only will He recognize
us as His own, but the blessings and benefits will come upon us and overtake us in all areas of
our lives. Then, when we see His great love and mercy to us we are more able to show
unconditional love to the world, our families and “especially to the household of faith”.
Galatians 6:10

Please take time now to carefully read the book of First John.

“And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other,
whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And
beyond all these things put on love which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:12-14

Prayer

Lord, as I get better acquainted with you through Your word, I desire to progressively live a life
in obedience to what I see I am to be. I thank you that Your Spirit is at work in me causing Me to
increase and abound in love for You, for my family, for my neighbours, for my friends, for Your
church, for the lonely, and for the ones that may not be as I think they should be. Help me to see
all of Your creation as you do through eyes of Agape love. Help me to consider and love each
one from a pure heart and not through the measurement of my own standard. Lord may I live in
the harmony of Your love. May I be compassionate and courteous and where there is hatred, may
I bring love. May I not seek so much to be loved as to love and may that love be sincere,
genuine, the real thing. Thank You, Lord, that as I love I abide in Your light. Is there any better
place to be? Thank You My Lord. Amen.

FRUIT OF JOY

DEFINITION:
· Cheerfulness, delight, gladness.
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Fruit of the Spirit – as love it has its source in God and is of spiritual origin.

There is a superficial fleeting joy of the emotions which has its source in circumstances feelings –
but the joy of the Spirit is based on eternal values and relationship with God. It is a deeper
stronger joy that stands up under trials and adversity and becomes an inner strength for us. That
is not easily discouraged. Nehemiah 8:8-12 During rebuilding of Jerusalem the people were
told that the joy of the Lord was their strength.

Fruit of joy is based 100% on eternal considerations and values – when trials occur in the
temporal realm they do not affect the eternal realm. Example – trial in finances does not affect
eternal riches – this joy does not depend on momentary fleeting circumstances, it is based on
eternal values. Are you governed by this world of eternal values?

People may abuse you, but remember God chose you in spite of their opinion.

Hebrews 12:2-7

Discipline – training that develops self-control, character, or orderliness and efficiency.

Discipline is not punishment.

For the joy set before Him Jesus endured the cross – not an emotional joy in going to the cross in
itself, but a joy of the Spirit in what lay in store for Him beyond the cross. It was rooted or based
on eternal values. Hebrews 12:11

FUNCTIONS OF JOY

James 1:2-4
1. Preventative fruit – not overcome by trials, same as love is not overcome by negative
emotions – joy becomes the source of your perseverance (joy of the Lord is your strength).
Matthew 28:8 In the midst of their trial, joy became their motivation.
2. Needful for endurance and the production of all things, and needful for abundant life – to
receive the promise of verse 4 – not lacking anything.
3. Breaks the yoke of iron on your neck – breaks the weight of the trial – praise the Lord
anyways.

Joy - produces victory

- provides fulfillment
- protects against oppression

Isaiah 12:3 With joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation.
- joy is the bucket
- through joy we scoop down into the wells of salvation and draw out whatever is lacking in
life; through joy, endurance and faith we receive
Joy is so needful for end times tribulation period.

If we change our countenance or character during a trial then we are to some extent overcome by
that trial – pressure reveals a weak spot.
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This fruit of joy, when there are no trials, expresses itself in fullness and happiness, and little
things don’t even bother us. It minimizes any adversity. During more severe trials it expresses
itself in steadfastness – patience – endurance and unmovableness. Jesus wasn’t smiling on the
cross, but joy helped Him to endure it!!! I Peter 4:12-14

HOW TO CULTIVATETHE FRUIT OF JOY

1. Through love – obedience – covenant keeping and relationship. We must have love in our
lives first.
- Love – is to be obedient and keeps our part of the covenant – which develops a personal
relationship with God who is the source of love and joy. Love and relationship also provide
the basis for faith through which joy comes.
- John 15:5-14 verse 11 AMP
Love – obedience – relationship = complete joy. This joy is not something that can be
emotionally worked up through singing and clapping of hands, hype or telling jokes. It
comes through our walk with the Lord!
- John 17:11-13 AMP
Jesus in His prayer to the Father says that He has revealed the Father to them, brought them
the Word, and He prays for the disciples to have the same protection and relationship with
the Father that He has had, so that the joy He has in His own soul because of His experience
and relationship with the Father will be in them also.

2. Cultivate joy through faith.

- I Peter 1:8-9 Faith in Christ, in Word, in God’s plan and provision – joy set before us.
- Psalms 19:8 The statues of the Lord are right rejoicing the heart.
- Jeremiah 15:16 “Thy words were found and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the
joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts!”
- Philippians 1:21 Convinced of this I know that I will remain and I will continue with all of
you for your progress and joy in the faith – faith and the word and joy are inseparable.
- Happiness - a form of joy - is dependant upon circumstances (emotional realm). Joy in
realm of spirit is independent of all circumstances or situations, but there must be faith in the
spirit realm through Jesus and the Word.

3. Joy is developed through ministering to others.

- I Thessalonians 2:19-20 To see your life change is my joy.
- Psalms 126:6 He who goes out weeping carrying seed to sow will return with songs of joy
carrying sheaves with Him.
- Luke 10:17 “Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are
subject to us in Your name.”
- John 4:32-36 AMP Explain the inner joy of ministering to others.
It is our spiritual purpose – our goal, our vision fulfilled – which brings spiritual joy. It puts
us on a high, it sustains us spiritually even as food sustains us physically. If I can’t teach and
minister I feel useless and dead it’s my life.
4. Joy in the presence of God.
Psalms 16:11 Now and in the future.
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FRUIT OF PEACE

DEFINITION:
· Peace is a state of tranquility.

Leviticus 3:1-5

Peace offerings have their root in the state of grace with its fellowship with God, and find their
culminating point in the sacrificial feast (can’t have peace offering without sacrificial offering of
covenant oneness with God).

Peace offerings served to establish the Hebrew more firmly in the fellowship of divine grace. It
caused him to be mindful of God when in possession and enjoyment of the divine mercies. Also
when adversities threatened to obscure his feeling and consciousness of God’s nearness and
mercy, he might be enabled through the peace offering to maintain this feeling and
consciousness, and quicken them afresh.

The offering itself plus all the meticulous instructions in the way it was to be offered all had
certain meaning and purpose which were to have certain effect on the heart of the person making
the offering. It served to put his heart in remembrance and appreciation of his relationship to
God and his covenant with Him and the provisions of that covenant. This brought an assurance
and peace to his heart and put his heart in a condition to receive that peace from God.

Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Peace comes to our heart as we meditate on righteousness by
faith.

We don’t make sacrifices because we have the reality of it in our spirits, but we also don’t
experience it if we don’t live in the reality of the spiritual realm by abiding in Christ and having
faith in the Word (same as love and joy). This peace of the spirit man has its source and is based
100% on spiritual truth and values!

I John 3:18-24 Sacrifice of love brings peace to our self-condemning heart.

The peace offering was placed on top of burnt offering which signified total consecration to God
spiritually speaking.

FRUIT OF PEACE WORKS IN THREE AREAS OF OUR LIVES

1. Peace within ourselves and with God.

The fact that we are at peace with God concerning our sin (through Jesus) gives us peace
within ourselves – when we became born again His peace flooded our hearts.
Romans 14:17 Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Isaiah 53:5 “But He was pierced for our transgressions He was crushed for our iniquities; the
punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

2. Peace in circumstances.
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Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee because he
trusted in thee.” (faith)
Love is your motivation, joy is your strength – peace is stabilizer (tranquility).

3. Peace with others.

Ephesians 2:14 “For He Himself is our peace who has made the two one and has destroyed
the barrier the dividing wall of hostility.” (Jew and Greek)

FUNCTIONS OF PEACE

John 14:27

1. The presence of peace is the thing that will keep trouble out of the heart as well as worry,
anxiety, fear and emotional disturbance which would cause iradical decisions.

Mark 4:36-41

Matthew 24:6 Signs of last days. “See that you be not troubled” (Luke 21:26, 34). It is the
responsibility of each believer to develop fruit of peace. You must see to it, it is not going to
be automatically provided. When we get into diverse situations we wonder where God is and
why He doesn’t make us feel better when we ask Him. He wants us to grow up. The church
should not run on people’s emotions and feelings, everyone has to grow up.

Philippians 4:6-7 AMP The peace of God will guard (military term – military guard or
garrison) your heart. We must keep our guard up by developing peace in our hearts through
faith and relationship. The same peace we had experienced at new birth should be in our
hearts after we have prayed the prayer of faith concerning our situation.

2. Peace gives us direction and guidance in all affairs of life.

Colossians 3:15 AMP Rule as an umpire.

- Again the believer must let it rule. Rule is to act as an umpire, to arbitrate, to decide. Peace
with God will be a deciding factor in your heart.
- As you develop spiritually, the peace of God will keep you safe within the boundaries of
God’s will.
- If you say or do something contrary to the kingdom of God or the character of God, you will
not have peace in your heart. Just as an umpire blows the whistle when a player steps out of
bounds, so will the peace of God lift when a believer steps out of God’s will for his life.
- His peace will guide us in general affairs of life and it will confirm what He has spoken in
our hearts through an inner witness I John 2:20. God’s peace, or lack thereof, will keep us
within the boundaries of God’s protection, e.g. accidents.
- Most Christians expect God’s protection without developing intimacy with God and learning
to discern His guidance.

3. Peace of God enables us to be peace makers.

Proverbs 4:23 “Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it flow the issues of life.”
Whatever is in the hearts of people will be manifested in their treatment of one another, peace
18
should be there.

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God.”

As soon as we try to fight our own battles we lose our peace. This ties in with the love
principles Jesus taught in Matthew 5:38-42 – eliminate vengeance and revenge, suffer the
wrong, walk in love and be a peace maker.

Matthew 10:32-39
- One exception
- We do not make peace at the cost of acknowledging Jesus or the gospel
- We do not compromise the gospel or truth for the sake of peace

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BELIEVER TO CULTIVATEPEACE

Psalms 34:14 “Turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.”

Romans 14:19 “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual
edification.”

I Peter 3:8-12

HOW TO CULTIVATEPEACE

1. Through prayer.

Philippians 4:6-7 AMP

When we pray in faith (Mark 11:22-24) knowing He has heard us and that we have received,
John 5:14-15 then the same peace that we had at salvation should be ours.

Pray about everything, give it to the Lord and have peace. Sometimes we need to pray until
we have peace.

2. Cultivate peace through abiding in Christ.

John 15:4-5

John 16:33

Isaiah 26:3 “Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he
trusted on Thee.”

3. Cultivate peace through loving the Word of the Lord.

Psalms 119:165 “Great peace have they which love Thy law and nothing shall offend them.”
19
Philippians 4:9 “Those things which you have both learned and received and heard and seen
in me, DO: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

Isaiah 48:17-18

THE FRUIT OF PATIENCE

DEFINITION:
· Persevering in spite of difficulties, delays or uncertainty
· Steadfast
· Undergoing pain, hardship, affliction, insult, etc. with calmness and equanimity
· Possessing or demonstrating quiet, uncomplaining endurance under distress or annoyance
· Capable of tranquility awaiting results

Patience, endurance, longsuffering and forbearing are words which have reference to a person’s
ability to cope with difficult people or with adverse circumstances. These virtues seem to be best
developed under trial. According to James, the end result can be that we will be “perfectly and
fully developed, lacking in nothing”. This will be the outcome to those who face trials of any
sort joyfully, with endurance, keeping their eyes on Jesus.

Patience is crucial for developing Christian character. Doing it God’s way is contrary to our
emotional realm, if we don’t persevere in the spirit we don’t grow. James 1:3-4 AMP The KJV
calls it fruit of longsuffering – to suffer long – to gird up under pressure, persecution, distress and
trouble; to remain steadfast; endure, patience.

I see it more as a character trait of ability to tolerance more so than a state of tranquility which
would be and emotional state of peace (which of course would increase our ability to tolerate).

Patience is not a man in a boat fishing some fine day from sun-up to sun-down leisurely content
and satisfied to just sit and wait for that opportune moment when the big one will come along.
The fruit of the Spirit, patience is not just allowing time to pass. Patience is not passive. It is an
active force: during trials, tests and temptations, it is this virtue that will enable you to actively
adhere to the promises of God for the situation you are facing. It will be these promises (that you
are holding on to patiently) that will shape your expectation for the outcome of the trial.

FAITH AND PATIENCE

The Bible has a lot to say about faith, for it is the basis of our salvation; but there are times when
faith alone is insufficient. When the answer for what you are believing for does not come quickly
it is patience that will help you stand firm on the word of God. It is patience that supports,
surrounds and binds your faith. It is patience that will make you a victorious over-comer as you
persevere until the answer comes.

Hebrews 6:12 “We do not want you to become lazy but to imitate those who through faith and
patience inherit what has been promised.”
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Our society engenders a lack of patience. The lives of societies of industrialized nations are very
fast paced because of technology and keeping ahead of rivals. We are used to having everything
quickly (fast food, instant suppers and food) and at our fingertips. Everything is fast moving and
exciting (that’s the way people want church – lot of hype, good show, entertainment, and get me
home in time for lunch).

When we go to third world countries we have culture shock because of the slow pace. We have
everything when we want it and the way we want it – medicine, unemployment insurance,
welfare benefits, on and on…

Luke 8:11-15 No root – no endurance.

It is easy to be a Christian when things are going well, but do we show the character of Jesus in
adverse situations and circumstances?

FUNCTIONS OF FRUIT OF PATIENCEOR LONGSUFFERING

1. To produce endurance (from our spirit man).

- The capacity to remain firm under suffering without yielding to anger, resentment, despair,
frustration or self-pity.

Hebrews 12:1 Necessary for our overall Christian life.

The race is not a short sprint that requires great speed, but a long gruelling race that demands
endurance. We can’t stop when we feel a little spiritual sweat.

- No matter what comes our way, we don’t stop living for Jesus – He is our Lord (even when
we don’t understand).

Matthew 24:13 “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” - speaking
of end times.

- Once we are born again we have crossed the starting line, but the crown of righteousness will
be awarded only to those who endure to the finish.

- There will be no consolation prizes for those who quit after a few weeks, months or years.

Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we
faint not.”

Jeremiah 12:5 Jeremiah told to cheer up – things are going to get worse.

2. To help produce unity in body of Christ.

Matthew 18:23-30 The lord of the servant was asked to be patient - only through fruit of
longsuffering or patience can we continue to be forgiving – the fellow servant asked the
servant to be patient, but he would not be and demanded retribution right away.
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This is very symbolic of people. When fault meets no patience the result is unforgiveness, but
when fault encounters patience (longsuffering), there is forgiveness, mercy and love.

Faults will always be among us because we are not perfect. Longsuffering (patience) is a fruit
of the spirit or a character trait of the new creation, which when developed will help us to deal
with faults and keep unity. It is another way that the spirit man overcomes the soulical man.
So either we develop longsuffering or we suffer long because faults will not go away.

Patience is God’s answer to faults.

Colossians 3:12-13 AMP

I Peter 2:19-23

Would we want God to act towards our faults as we often act towards faults against us?

James 5:7-11 The Lord is full of compassion, but we bring judgment on ourselves (Matthew
18:35) - one thing James warns in waiting – be patient and don’t fight with each other.
8 be patient
9 don’t grumble against each other.

3. To enable believers to obtain the promises contained in the Word of God

Hebrews 6:12-15 – 25 years

Hebrews 10:36-39 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you
will receive what He has promised.

Hebrews chapter 10:19-39 23 A call to persevere

chapter 11 - faith examples
chapter 12 – run the race with perseverance. Verses 7, 11 – patience will allow you
to be trained and to produce a harvest of righteousness.

HOW TO CULTIVATELONGSUFFERING (PATIENCE)

1. Luke 8:15 “But that on good ground are they which in an honest and good heart, having
heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”

Hearing the Word and keeping it is a combination of meditation and faith.

During this time of patience different things (fruit) are becoming a part of my life (faith,
endurance, promises I am inheriting; also other fruit – joy, peace, love) - bring forth fruit
with patience.

Love brings motivation (for God or others).

Joy brings strength.
Peace brings stability (rule as an umpire).
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Patience keeps me on track. Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we
profess” – enables us to receive all things.

The Greek word for “keep” in Luke 8:15 has the same meaning as the Hebrew word for
“keep” in Genesis 2:15 where God told Adam to keep the garden. We are keepers of the
Word in our garden (heart) – obeying the Word (Romans 6:17).

2. Cultivate patience by experiencing suffering or tribulation

Romans 5:1-5
1 peace with God
2 rejoice (joy) in the hope
3 rejoice (joy) in suffering which produces perseverance (patience)
4 perseverance (patience) – character or fruit of spirit; character - hope
5 not disappoint us – because God has poured out His love into our hearts

Knowing that the fruit of patience is being developed within our lives is what makes us rejoice
even in our sufferings, because it is through patience that we are going to inherit all the
promises! Even trials and suffering become positive things in the Lord.

Serving God is a no-brainer, it’s a win-win situation.

Patience will only be developed through the trial if we are exercising faith – are we waiting or
worrying?

Waiting will develop patience, worrying will develop spiritual paralysis.

\
Isaiah 40:27-31 (KJV – v.31 – wait upon the Lord). As you are waiting (in joy and in prayer)
God will renew your strength.

3. Maintain hope. Romans 8:24-25

I Peter 1:13 “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the
grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” If we lose hope we give
up patience! E.g. “What’s the use”, “I can’t do it”, “This is too hard”, etc.

We must maintain hope during our trial

- See your spouse saved
- See yourself healed
- See that relationship restored
- See yourself as an overcomer
- See the victory in every trial

Romans 4:18-19
Romans 8:25
Hebrews 6:11-12

Patience (longsuffering) helps us to profit from our times of suffering, so that none of our days
be lost.
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FRUITS OF KINDNESS AND GOODNESS

KJV – Gentleness – may be appropriately defined as kindness.

According to W. E. Vine, gentleness has been defined as “A kindly disposition towards others”,
and goodness is defined as “A kindly activity on their behalf”.

Kindness is not harsh and hard or legalistic and demanding. It takes into consideration all factors
even the weakness and immaturity of people – their inadequacies. E. g. God in His kindness
remembers that we are still flesh and deals with us accordingly instead of the strictness of the
law!

E.g. 1. A nurse with trying children.

2. A teacher with hard to manage students.

Gentleness and kindness are what people see in a believer whereas goodness is what they
outwardly experience from that believer. If there is no kind disposition, then there is no outward
goodness.

Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate (tenderhearted) to one another – forgiving each
other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Kindness brings a tender disposition which manifests good works (goodness) of forgiveness.

Matthew 5:13-16
13 If we lose our kind disposition we become useless to God, degree of usefulness related to
fruit of kindness developed.

Salt is a type of the fruit of kindness for it brings seasoning to a society which can be selfish,
rude, overbearing and indifferent at times.

Light is a type of the fruit of goodness. Matthew 5:16 Jesus said that light is a person’s good
deeds (Philippians 2:14-15).

Love – motivation (for God and others).

Joy – is our strength.
Peace – stability (rules as an umpire)
Patience – keeps me on track (Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we
profess” – enables us to receive all things)
Kindness – keeps salt in our lives
Goodness – keeps us useful for God

The main function of the fruit of kindness is that it enables believers to be the salt of the earth.
A. As salt can be used as fertilizer to prepare soil to bear fruit, so kindness prepares the soil of
the heart for receiving the Word. Titus 3:1-8
When His kindness appeared in your life it made you hungry for the Word and to receive it.
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I Peter 3:1-4
They can be converted without words
By gentleness or kindness

I find it very hard to resist a kind person.

Do not let your light be hidden under the bushel of a nagging disposition or a rude
disposition, or a frustrated disposition.

My wife’s kindness won me to the Lord!!! Her kindness prepared my heart to accept
Jesus.

Do we have kindness to public servants, e. g. waitress, telemarketers, salesmen.

B. As salt always tastes the same wherever it is (high or low class restaurants), so kindness is
always the same – it is not a respecter of persons. Fruit of kindness enables you to be the
same and to treat everyone the same.

God is not a respecter of persons. James 2:1-4, 8-9

Check your life, are you gentle and kind to people that cannot help you materially,
spiritually or in any other way?

FRUIT OF FAITHFULNESS

II Peter 1:3-11

Faith is the foundation of our salvation. It is the root whereas faithfulness is the outgrowth of a
spirit filled life. Faithfulness is the fruit of the spirit.

Faithful – for us
- maintaining allegiance (union or joining for common purposes) to Jesus our Lord,
being constant, loyal.
- showing a strong serve of duty or responsibility, conscientious, reliable, trustworthy, fidelity
- implies continued steadfast adherence to a person or thing to which one is bound by and
oath, duty or obligation (we are not our own – bought with a price…)

Synonyms:
Loyal – implies undeviating allegiance to a person or a cause which one feels morally bound to
support.
Revelation 12:11 “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of
their testimony. They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

Constant – freedom from fickleness in loyalties and affection

Hebrews 10:39 “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those
who believe and are saved.”

Staunch – implies such strong allegiance to one’s principles or purpose as not to be turned aside
25
by any cause.
Deuteronomy 5:32 Moses received the ten commandments and instructions on the
mountain, so be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you: do not turn
aside to the right or to the left.

Absolute – stresses unwavering determination.

Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for He who promised
is faithful.”

Faith is not simply the assent of the intellect to revealed truth; it is the practical submission of the
entire person to the guidance and control of such truth. Mental assent of intellect is important.
We must understand who we are in Christ, but we need to live it out through faithfulness to
experience it in our hearts.

Many people say they believe in God and in Jesus as the Son of God. If they believe that – that
He died for their sins, that He is Lord of their lives - then the rest must follow. They would
support and be involved with a program of God, they are discipled and making disciples, etc.
James said that even the devil believes and trembles.

We must be faithful to our faith. John 3:18-21 AMP – out of faithfulness will flow honesty,
integrity, sincerity and also faith.

I Peter 1:3-9 (genuine faith) Faith, in its essential temper is that elevation of soul by which it
aspires to the good, the true and the divine. Temper means to bring something to its proper
texture or consistency by mixing with something or treating in some way. (e.g. temper steel by
heating and cooling)

Faithfulness is an attribute of God. He is completely trustworthy. He is faithful. Those called

must hold unto His word without wavering, for He, the Holy One, the Rock, is absolutely sure.
II Timothy 2:10-13; I John 1:9 I can have great faith in His faithfulness.

CORRELATION OF FAITH AND FAITHFULNESS

I Corinthians 13:2 “If I can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and have a faith that can
move mountains but have not love, I am nothing.”

James 2:14-26 AMP

Faithful to put God first – Jesus is Lord.

Faithful to seek kingdom.
Faithful to develop fruit.
Faithful to marriage vows – family duties.
Faithful to do your work.
Faithful to God’s program (ministers of reconciliation) – local church.
Faithful to a trust – whatever is in your care – finances, business, etc.

Every believer should desire to someday hear the Lord say to them personally: “Well done thou
good and faithful servant”. That desire comes form the attribute of faithfulness in your spirit.
26

Proverbs 20:6 “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who
can find?”

Psalms 101:6 “Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land that they may dwell with me: he
that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.”

FUNCTIONS OF FRUIT OF FAITHFULNES

1. To equip believers to exercise stewardship over God’s goods.

Matthew 24:45-47 If you are faithful you are aware of Lord’s coming.

Parable of talents Matthew 25:14-30

21 well done good and faithful servant
23 same
In Luke 19:12 He hid mina in a cloth (sweat cloth) – because he never planed to work and
sweat
28-30 the response of the Lord to the unfaithful servant is a spiritual warning to every
Christian.

It is a spiritual principle that God will take the goods from the unfaithful and give them to the
faithful. Esau sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son of Isaac to his younger brother
Jacob (deceiver, but faithful), renamed Israel. Saul through disobedience lost kingdom to
David.

2. To enable believers to experience fellowship with the Father and to hear His voice clearly.
Numbers 12:1, 2:5-8

We are not faithful because we hear His voice – we hear His voice because we are faithful!

3. To enable believers to experience the joy of pleasing the Father and enter into His happiness.
Matthew 25:21
John 8:27-28 Jesus did only what pleased the Father.

It counts not how much we can do for God, but whether we were faithful to what God told us
to do! Faith can be selfishly motivated, but faithfulness to His will is obedience and
relationship!

In a trial is our emphasis to exercise our faith for some personal gain, comfort and advantage,
or is our emphasis to please the Father in faithfulness to Him and His word!

It is our faithfulness that proves the genuineness of our faith not just exercising faith to get an
answer. If the answer doesn’t come do we get discouraged and quit (cease to be faithful)?

If you are faithful to witness you will enter the joy of the Lord (rest in Him). The reason we
don’t rest is that our expectations have not been fulfilled, our desires, our ego, our pride, our
self worth, our acceptance and our rejection. Faithfulness (to walk in love) will lift us above
this emotional soulical realm and into the Lord’s rest.
27

Habakkuk 2:4 – just shall live by His faith(fullness). Habakkuk was wondering why the
wicked were prospering and why God would use the wicked Babylonians as a weapon against
His own people – how long would this injustice go on?

Developing a trust between ourselves and God so that we know that the Lord Himself actually
trusts us and has faith in us is a beautiful thought.

WAYSTO CULTIVATEFAITHFULNESS

1. Faithful in least things.

Luke 16:10-12 Least of that which a person has in his possession.
- It is a character trait that will function in the whole realm, not only in important things
(because after awhile they will not be important and will we be faithful then?).
Faithful in family life. Genesis 18:16-19 AMP
Faithful in their work. Luke 16:12; Colossians 3:22-23

2. Being faithful with money.

There is an uncanny correlation between a person’s faithfulness to God and his attitude toward
money (Luke 16:11). A person who maintains a scriptural attitude towards money is a person
who God can trust with true riches which is spiritual prosperity (Luke 16:13).

3 ways money separates us from God:

a. Our thought life and focus. Matthew 6:33-34
b. In our time. John 6:27
c. In accumulation and possession of it. II Corinthians 9:7; I Timothy 6:10
3. Being aware of God’s indwelling presence. II Corinthians 6:16; I John 4:4

FRUIT OF MEEKNESS (GENTLENESS) NIV

(PRAUTES)

The meaning of the Greek word is not easily expressed in English. In the scriptural sense it is an
inwrought (worked or woven into a pattern – loosely blended with other things) grace of the soul.
- exercise of it is first and chiefly forward God
- express that temper of Spirit in which we accept His dealings with us without disputing and
resisting – closely linked with humility
- meekness in the face of evil men, out of the thought that these with the insults and injuries
which they may inflict, are used by God to develop His character in us and to purify us
II Samuel 16:5-13.

Today the English words meekness, mildness, humbleness, and gentleness carry a suggestion of
being weak, timid, feeble, spineless, incapable, and that such people would be lacking in energy
drive and aggression – a doormat. The Greek Word “Prautes” translated “meekness”, suggests
nothing of the sort, actually it implies the opposite – that it is a fruit of power! For a person to be
meek, there must be power in his life or his meekness would only be pure passivity!

Humility can only come out of strength and aggressiveness, otherwise we call it negative self
28
image or false humility. The common assumption is that when a man is meek, it is because he
cannot help himself; but the Lord was meek because He had the infinite resources of God at
hand.

The true qualities of meekness are a combination of strength and restraint – power possessed, but
kept under control.
- it is always exercised out of a motive of regard for others
- it is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest
- it is equanimity of spirit (an inherent evenness of temper or disposition that is not easily
disturbed) because it is not occupied with self at all

Meekness is a condition of the heart. Gentleness is more appropriate to actions. Humbleness is

lowering one self.

The meek shall inherit the earth (reign with Christ). To understand it a little better we are going
to break it down into three areas. A person who is meek is:
1. Self controlled or slow to give or take offence
2. Humble in spirit and lowly in mind
3. Teachable – these three attributes make up the fruit of meekness

FUNCTIONS OF FRUIT OF MEEKNESS

1. To enable believers to develop self control, to be slow to give or take offense.

I Peter 2:19-24 What would meekness say? Lord, through this You are going to teach me to
die to self! Meekness will develop in me so I can be more like You.

To not take offense when reprimanded for your wrong doings is not meekness, its
accountability. Meekness is displayed when a person does not take offense when he suffers
for being in the right (pray for those that persecute you), and also through submission to
authority – only when there is a difference not agreement.

Moses was a truly meek person. Numbers 12:1-13

Moses doesn’t speak until verse 13 and then only on behalf of his accusers. It was his
meekness that enabled him to remain quiet – he was the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter –
forsook all that to serve God and His people and spent 40 years in the wilderness in
preparation.

II Timothy 2:24-26 Gently = meekness

God wants every believer to share the word in meekness – especially in the last days.
II Timothy 3:1-4

2. To enable believers to be humble in spirit and lowly in mind.

Meekness is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest. It is not occupied with self at
all. Meekness will develop an unselfish attitude.

Philippians 2:3-4
29
As meekness is allowed to develop, the welfare of others will become more important than
our own – a tremendous barrier broken down in spiritual life. E.g. praying for others while
one is sick.

Exodus 32:30-32 This is the ultimate manifestation of meekness: self-sacrifice (love).

Meekness is a state or condition of the heart, love is the action prompted out of that condition,
and love creates meekness.

Galatians 6:1 Meekness is even tempered which allows one to continually go on restoring
someone else without personal frustration.

3. To enable believers to be teachable.

James 1:21

The greatest obstacle to a believer who is determined to develop a teachable spirit is the
traditions of men (Mark 7:9, 13). If we have been taught something false, yet have a heart of
meekness, we can still receive truth. Believers who are not meek are in danger of becoming
“traditional”, meaning that the word of God will be of no effect in their lives.

DEVELOPMENT

Since meekness is a fruit and not a gift it must be cultivated in order to be developed.
Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” The Lord is looking for
meek believers to whom He can hand over the rulership and dominion of this earth.

1. Fasting. Psalms 35:13 “I humbled my soul with fasting.” One aspect of meekness is self
denial, which involves fasting. There is a spiritual bond connecting the physical appetite with
the desires of the heart.

2. Cultivate meekness by benefiting from the wilderness experiences of life. Exodus 4:10
After 40 years in the wilderness, Moses was no longer self sufficient even though he was
learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. Acts 7:22

Deuteronomy 8:2-3; Hebrews 5:7-10, 12:7-11 Humility and obedience are both forms of
meekness. We must react to the hardships and trials in a proper manner or we will stay
rebellious. After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites were still rebellious and did not
experience the promised land.

3. Self denial. Meekness is the opposite of self interest. Philippians 2:5-8

Jesus emptied Himself of the benefits, rights and privileges that go with being the Son of the
ruling monarch. Rather than insisting on His rights, He denied Himself and chose the will of
God.

FRUIT OF SELF- CONTROL (TEMPERANCE)

Galatians 5:22-23

Romans 8:2, 13 It is obvious that by the spirit we can control the lusts of the flesh so it follows
naturally the fruit of the Spirit of self-control.
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Temperance or self-control is derived from the Greek word Kratos – “strength”, and is translated
power.

What would happen if we had no self-control – we would be totally controlled by desires and
dictates of the flesh (sinful nature). Ephesians 2:1-5

Areas in our lives where we have given in to anger or bitterness or rejection - and those things
have controlled us – we can now win back through the power of the Spirit and in the form of the
fruit of self-control.

I Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV and NIV In controlling his body he was also disciplined to control
its appetites, desires and thoughts. When we control the flesh, we control the works of the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-21

We can also control the evil thoughts of the heart that have the potential to defile us. Matthew
15:17-20 (these evil thoughts coincide with workings, desires of flesh and phobias).

I Corinthians 10:7 (Colossians 3:5) Covetousness (greed) is idolatry. To covet something is to

set it above God in our hearts – it will become the controlling factor in our lives – we cannot
serve both God and Mammon! Through self-control nothing controls our hearts, we are in
control over everything (physical, emotional and mental) through putting Jesus first (Spirit).

Luke 21:34-35 Dissipation – to spend much time and energy on indulgence in pleasure – end
times. II Timothy 3:1-5

When a Christian lacks self-control, he is in danger of becoming a friend of the world and thus,
an enemy of God. I John 2:15-17.

Galatians 5:13 To not abuse our freedom in Christ, there must be self-control evident within our
lives. To have a revelation of freedom and no self-control is spiritually disastrous. If we are not
self-controlled then we are controlled by something.

We want to be vitally free so we can choose what God desires for us rather than what the world
would tempt us with. Fruit of temperance (self-control) enables us to develop the necessary self-
control to live in this world, but not be conformed to it.

Self-control is the spiritual power for us to control our negative emotions so that the other fruits
can be developed in us.

DEVELOPMENT

1. By developing inner man. Galatians 5:16-17

How to strengthen the inner man:
a. Through knowledge of God and His Word. II Peter 1:5-6
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b. Speaking in tongues edifies yourself and allows your spirit to control your flesh
I Corinthians 14:4
c. Praise.

2. By controlling our mouths. James 3:5-8 Power to control the tongue comes from the spirit
man. Proverbs 21:23 “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from
calamity.”

3. By taking up your cross daily and keeping Jesus first in your life.

4. By discipline.