“Knowing Them By Their Fruits”
A Study of the Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23
“By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” Jesus (Jn. 15:8)
I. The Conspiracy of KINDNESS (Rom. 2:4)
Kindness is that aspect of God’s character that _______ people toward repentance. cf. Rom. 2:4; 11:22; Tit. 3:3-7 Jesus said that God is “kind to ______________ and ________ men.” cf. Lk. 6:31-36 Kindness is the powerful expression of “the riches of God’s _________” toward lost sinners. cf. Eph. 2:1-7 This kindness is an attitude of tender ___________ for others. Spiritual leaders are not to be ________________, but rather “kind to all.” cf. 2 Tim. 2:23-26 It is interesting that Scripture says that both kindness & goodness can be _________. cf. Ps. 34:8; 1 Pet. 2:1-3
II. The Glory of GOODNESS (Gal. 6:9-10)
“Goodness” is kindness in __________ — both in words & deeds. cf. Eph. 2:10 A believer’s “good deeds” are a powerful ___________ that affirm one’s saving faith & give glory to God! cf. Matt. 5:14-16; 25:31-46; 1 Pet. 3:13-16 The fruits of kindness & goodness _______ very little! It is easy to “grow _________ in doing good” and that is why we need the Spirit’s control. cf. Gal. 5:22; 6:9 Our responsibility is to be “good to all people” and yet to given ___________ to believers. cf. Gal. 6:9-10
Those who Need to “Taste” Goodness & Kindness:
1. “The Least of These” – Matt. 25:31-46
2. “Ungrateful & Evil Men” – Lk. 6:35
3. “The Household of Faith” – Gal. 6:10
The real ______________ is to do good to those who cannot return the favor! cf. Lk. 6:33; Rom. 12:19-21
Practical Application:
- Good & Bad Fruit – Mt. 7:16-20
- Word of Kindness – in the Body
- Act of Kindness – in the Community
Appointments with God
The Fruit of the SPIRIT – Kindness/Goodness
Galatians 5:22-23
Monday, November 28th
Meditate upon the Priority of the Goodness of God:
- Ps. 34:8; 106:1-2; 136:1
Observe this passage as to what it says about the uniqueness & priority of God’s goodness. Pray for God to fill you with the fruit of goodness & for it to be reflected in your life & relationships this week.
Tuesday, November 29th
Meditate upon the Priority of the Kindness of God:
- Romans 2:4; 1 Pet. 2:1-3
Observe this passage as to what it says about the uniqueness & priority of God’s kindness. Spend time giving thanks to God for His kindness in saving you.
Wednesday, November 30th
Meditate upon the Priority of the Kindness of God:
- Titus 3:3-7
Observe this passage as to what it says about the uniqueness & priority of God’s kindness. How did the kindness of God draw you to salvation? Pray for one person who needs to know God’s kindness personally.
Thursday, December 1st
Meditate upon the Priority of the Kindness of God:
- Ephesians 2:1-7
Observe this passage as to what it says about the uniqueness & priority of God’s kindness. Pray for God to make you appreciate more the “surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward you.” (v. 7)
Friday, December 2nd
Meditate upon the Priority of the Kindness of God:
- Luke 6:31-36; Rom. 12:19-21
Observe this passage as to what it says about the uniqueness & priority of God’s kindness. Who is God kind toward? Pray that God would fill you with the fruit of kindness & goodness toward someone ungrateful.
Saturday/Sunday, Dec. 3-4
Meditate upon the Priority of the Kindness of God:
- Galatians 6:9-10
Observe this passage as to what it says about the uniqueness & priority of God’s kindness. Pray for a chance to “do good” to someone in “the household of faith.”
[audio:http://www.marshalltownefc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/44-Knowing-Them-By-Their-Fruits-Gal.-5_22-23-Kindness.mp3|titles=44 Knowing Them By Their Fruits (Gal. 5_22-23) Kindness]44 Knowing Them By Their Fruits (Gal. 5_22-23) Kindness
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