Lesson 2 of the Fruits of Holy Spirit Love ,Joy, Peace
In Galatians, Paul warned regarding the works of the flesh... They can destroy the liberty we enjoy in Christ - Galatians 5:13-15 They prevent us from following the Spirit and doing the things we wish - Galatians 5:16-17 They keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God Galantians 5:21 He also wrote concerning those led by the Spirit...
They are not under the law (in particular, the Law of Moses) – Galatians 5:18 They produce fruit against which there is no law (i.e., no condemnation) Galatians 5:22-23 Let's now turn our attention the fruit of the Spirit for the second lesson (Ga 5:22-23). When we walk by the Spirit instead of indulging the flesh, what fruit does the Spirit produce in our lives...?
Love Greek., agape - that love which seeks only the highest good of others . Is the love of God poured into our hearts - Romans 5:5 Which engenders a deeper love for God as our Father - Ro 8: 14-15; Galatinas 4:6 A love in Christ which "surpasses knowledge Ephesians 3:16-19 And should produce love for one another just as Lord loved us. Should love others unconditionally. Those "led by the Spirit" will produce the fruit of LOVE in their lives
LOVE IN THE LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN We are to walk in love Ephesians 5:1-2 We are to love one another fervently -1 Peter 1:22 Love is to be the "tie that binds" the "garment" the Christian is to put on - Colosians 3:12-14 It is to be the "universal motive" for all that we do - 1Corinthians 16:14 It is to prevent our Christian liberty from turning into destructive selfishness - Galatians 5:13
JOY Is integral to the kingdom of God - Romans 14:17 Definition: A feeling of great pleasure and happiness jubilation, triumph, exultation, rejoicing, happiness, gladness, glee e.tc Is integral to the kingdom of God - Romans 14:17 Is emanates from God, closely related to our faith and hope Romans 15:13 Is a blessing to sustain us in times of persecution and storms in life. 1 Thesalonians 1:6 , (Paul , Silas and Timothy)
JOY IN THE LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN Should be a constant presence in our lives - Philipians 4:4-8 Finding joy in our association together - Philemon 1:7,20; 1Thesalonians 2: 19-20 Finding joy even in difficult circumstances - James 1:2-4 Especially when suffering for Christ - 1Peter 4:13 Do we manifest that we "walk by the Spirit" in regards to our JOY? Walking in love, experiencing joy, it is understandable ,that whoever is led by the Spirit would also have peace
PEACE Definition: A state of freedom from disturbance. Is the result of those set their minds on the things of the Spirit - Romans 8:5-6. Been led by holy spirit. Is also integral to the kingdom of God - Romans 14:17 Is also a gift from God, closely related to our faith and hope Romans 15:13 Those "led by the Spirit" will produce the fruit of PEACE in their lives
Call to Pursue Peace with others Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. James 3:18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 1 Peter 3:10-11 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.
PEACE IN THE LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN Involves peace with God, when justified by faith - Romans 5:1 Involves peace with man, made possible by Jesus' death on the close – Ephesians 2:11-19 Involves peace within self, received from God through prayer Philippian 4:6-7 It is essential if we are have a thankful heart before God. Romans 8:28 , 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Do we manifest that we "walk by the Spirit" in regards to our PEACE?
CONCLUSION Which would you rather have...? What a contrast between the Spirit and the flesh as pertains joy , peace and Love? Those who walk by the Spirit experience love, joy, and peace Those who indulge lusts of the flesh experience hatred, jealousies, and outbursts of wrath Which would you rather have...? A life infused with love, joy, and peace, by the Spirit of Almighty God? A life inflicted by hatred, jealousies, and outbursts of wrath, due to fleshly lusts?
By the grace of God, all who have been born again of water and the Spirit, and are willing to walk in the Spirit can experience this wonderful love, joy, and peace Our next lesson we shall learn the remaining subsets/facets of Fruit of the Holy Spirit; triad of graces include faithfulness, gentleness (meekness) and self-control.
The End God Bless you