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The fruit of the Holy Spirit

By Enoch Adeboye
23 October 2016   |   2:50 am
A tree is known by its fruit. A believer is equally known by the fruit of the Holy Spirit he bears, Matt.12: 33, Num.13: 26. The flesh will always resist the spirit and vice versa.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye

Pastor Enoch Adeboye

Memory Verse: If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5: 25. Bible Passage: Galatians 5:13-26.

Introduction
LAST week, we learnt about the baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues. This, we said, is for all believers. The direct result of baptism is the manifestation of The fruit of the Holy Spirit, Who now dwells in and with us. This opens up an exciting brand new world in the supernatural realm of signs, wonders, and miracles. It is the outcome of the Holy Ghost acting through the baptised believer.

The Fruit
Always remember that it is one and only one fruit. It is, however, made up of nine different distinct parts. Galatians 5:21-23 lists the nine.
• Love: Treating others and doing unto others, as unto yourself, I john.4: 7.
• Joy: This is more than just happiness, which usually depends on circumstances, events and feelings. Joy is deep-rooted gladness that is irrepressible and not affected by changes in fortune, Phil.4: 4.

• Peace: This is the quiet peace of God beyond human understanding, Col 3:15.
• Long suffering: The fortitude to bear the brunt of unfair treatment without murmuring, 1 Cor.13: 4-7, 2Cor.6: 4-6.
• Gentleness: This is even-tempered kindness without the slightest hint of aggression, 2 Tim.2: 24-26.
•Goodness: This is going about doing nothing, but good, Exo.33: 19, Eph.5: 9.
• Faith: Unwavering confidence in God and His words, Heb.11: 6.
•Meekness: The grace to suffer injuries, 2 Tim.2: 25, Ps.25: 9.
•Temperance: Self-control, and moderation. No indulgence in the natural appetites, and passion of man, such as, the taste buds, sex, entertainment, Prov.23: 1-3, Dan.1: 8, Phil.4: 5.

How
We can only bear the fruit of the Spirit, if we die to the world and all pleasures carnal, John.12: 24. Many are fruitless, because they are being controlled and driven by the pleasures of the flesh and the passion thereof. It is only the new life in Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit that is capable of bringing forth good fruit to the glory of God, Gal.2: 20, 2 Cor.5: 17.

Conclusion
A tree is known by its fruit. A believer is equally known by the fruit of the Holy Spirit he bears, Matt.12: 33, Num.13: 26. The flesh will always resist the spirit and vice versa. In a sense, this battle is for life. However, we can and we will subdue the flesh and its lusts and passion in the mighty name of Jesus.

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3 Comments

  • Author’s gravatar

    It is impossible to manifest the fruits of the Spirit without keeping the laws of God, for the laws are the mirror to live by. In this place covetousness is omitted. This is what you do when you seek to “expand your kingdom” so that “you can be richer than bill gates” or “sow a seed” with the motive to get “hundred-fold return”. Covetousness is the root of all sins. Therefore, when saul says to “covet the better gifts”, do not listen to him for the law specifically forbids covetousness. To love God and separate from corruption is more important than loving all the “believers” of the world put together. You must separate from those who encourage you to covetousness. Those who use tactics and peer pressure to manipulate you, such as the man speaking above.

    • Author’s gravatar

      I can’t judge 😉 but it is sort of true that the Jesus of Nigeria is not a poor Jesus like the Jesus of the Bible. No wahala, we take the good parts and ignore / reject the rest.