“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 Walking by the SPIRIT (Gal. 5:16-21)
There are more than ____ references to the Holy Spirit in the book of Galatians. i.e. Law vs. Grace
The Holy Spirit is the _________ source given to ensure our sanctification. (v. 16)
The Christian life is simply to _______ by the Spirit, and and yet, it is a battle. i.e. continual progress
“It’s easier to exercise a gift than to walk by the Spirit.” Charles Stanley
A true believer cannot simply ______ to overcome the “flesh,” but must “walk by the Spirit.” (vv. 16-17)
i.e. “against the Spirit… against the flesh” The “deeds of the flesh” will always be “___________.”
i.e. Sexual… Spiritual… Social (vv. 19-21)
II. The Fruit of the SPIRIT (Gal. 5:22-25)
The “fruit of the Spirit” are set in ____________ with the “deeds of the flesh.” (vv. 22-23) i.e. “but”
The word “fruit” is used some ______ times in the O.T. and some ____ times in the N.T..
In Matthew 7:16-18, Jesus said you will know a person’s _______ spiritual condition by their “fruits.” Fruit, in contrast to works, naturally grows out of ________. cf. John 15:2, 5
“Fruit grows in a climate blessed with an abundance of the Spirit and the Word.” Warren Wiersbe
The “fruit of the Spirit” are the primary character traits that God has ordained in the life of a true ______________. cf. Eph. 2:8-10
Practical Application:
- Good & Bad Fruit – Mt. 7:16-20
- Wretched Man – Rom. 7:14-25; Gal. 6:7-8
- Abiding & Bearing – Jn. 15:5
Appointments with God
The Fruit of the SPIRIT
Galatians 5:22-23
Monday, October 17th
Meditate upon the Deeds of the Flesh:
- Galatians 5:19-21
As you look over this horrible list of sin & evil, honestly evaluate your own life as to which ones you struggle with most. Confess & Repent of this before God!
Tuesday, October 18th
Meditate upon the Battle with the Flesh:
- Galatians 5:17
Can you identify with this daily “conflict” or “opposition?” The answer is to “Walk by the Spirit.” Spend time praying & considering the importance of this walk.
Wednesday, October 19th
Meditate upon the Battle with the Flesh:
- Romans 7:14-25
A believer who is continually giving into his “flesh” is a “wretched” person! Are you there? Spend time praising God that Christ has set you free! (v. 25)
Thursday, October 20th
Meditate upon the Principle of Sowing & Reaping:
- Galatians 6:7-8
Notice verse 7 begins, “Do not be deceived…” Are you deceiving yourself in your “double life?” How so? Repent of how you are “sowing to the flesh” and ask God for power to “sow to the Spirit” today!
Friday, October 21st
Meditate upon your Need to Inspect your Fruit:
- Matthew 7:16-20
Notice that Jesus repeats the phrase, “you will know them by their fruits.” Are you bearing “good fruit” or “bad fruit?” Allow the Spirit of God to inspect the real fruit in your life as to good or bad.
Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 22-23
Meditate upon the Need to Abide in the Vine:
- John 15:1-5
Check out a good study Bible on the meaning of “abide.”
Notice that we “can do nothing apart from” the Vine! Spend some extra time this weekend with the Lord (the Vine), in His Word & in prayer!
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