The Fruit Of The Spirit Is....Introduction (3)

The importance of the Fruit of the Spirit

a) John 15:6 'You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last'
Bearing fruit is one of the reasons for our existence.
b) The manifestation of fruit in our lives is a proclamation to the world that Jesus is alive. It is the evidence of the new birth.
c) Matthew 3:8 'Produce fruit in keeping with repentance'
Fruit is the proof of repentance.

The danger of not bearing fruit

a) Matthew 3:10 'The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire'
God cannot be mocked.
b) Matthew 25: 14-30.
God expects a return on his investment.
c) Matthew 7: 15-23.
Recognise people by the fruit they bear. Again stresses importance of fruit over gifts.

Recognise the source of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit

a) A product of the Holy Spirit
We can't produce it ourselves.
b) Galatians 5: 19-21.
We can produce the acts of the sinful nature though.
c) There are some nice non-Christian people, but it's not the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Stewart Bloor

www.sicm.org