SICM-teaching notes- fruit of the Spirit1

The Fruit Of The Spirit Is....Introduction (1)

We need a balance between the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit

a) There is a danger in over-emphasising the gifts. This is applicable at all times, but particularly when there is a current move of God
b) Drunk on Saturday night, prophesying on Sunday morning! Some say, don't look at the messenger, just listen to the message. That is not right becaue the messenger is important.
c) God is not foolish. We are ambassadors, representatives. A company doesn't send a salesman (representative) out in old clothes because it's the product that really counts. The image we portray is important. Fruit portrays a godly image.
d) Importance of fruit over gifts. 1 Corin 13: 1-3. Speak in tongues, have the gift of prophecy, fathom all mysteries, possess all knowledge, have faith that moves mountains (gifts) - but without love (fruit) it counts for absolutely nothing.

The fruit is singular not plural

a) It's not 'the fruits of the Spirit' are, but 'the fruit of the Spirit is'
b) One Spirit at work in us. Manifests himself in different ways ie love, joy, peace etc. But just the one Spirit.
c) Comparable to the Trinity. One God, but reveals himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Fruit is nutritional

a) Excellent food value, it does us good. ie oranges and vitamin c
b) Therefore the fruit of the Spirit, as it develops in our lives, does us good.
c) Many find that when they become Christians and the fruit starts to grow, they start to be the person they always wanted to but never could in their own strength.
d) The Christian living 'in the fruit' feels fulfilled. Contrast that with Galatians 5: 19-21. Note- the 'acts' of the sinful nature as opposed to the 'fruit' of the Spirit. Not nutritional.

It takes time for fruit to grow

a) It's a process. Doesn't happen overnight.
b) Tie fruit on a tree and it withers in a couple of days. You can't tie on the fruit of the Spirit.
c) Character is more important than ability. You can be the best Bible teacher in the world, but unless you have a love for people then you will never be effective.

Stewart Bloor