1) Fruit bearing is gradual. Paul, why does he use the word “fruit”? Why not say traits? He’s using an analogy of botanical growth and it speaks to the rate of growth. Bearing fruit is as gradual as the growth rate of a blade of grass. Can you see a blade of grass growing while […]
works of the flesh
Book of Galatians – Teaching #2: How Fruit Works (pt1 of 3)
We are continuing our study through the book of Galatians, and specifically, we are taking a closer look at the fruit of the Spirit. Gal 5 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness and self-control. Fruit of the Spirit. Last week, we talked more about […]
Book of Galatians – Teaching #1: Flesh vs. Fruit (pt2 of 3)
If there is fruit in your life, you can have assurance of salvation. This is not fruit in terms of ministry, although a born again Christian would likely be used by God to bring life to others. But the ultimate test is fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace and so forth. The second set […]
Book of Galatians – Teaching #1: Flesh vs. Fruit (pt1 of 3)
I want to start with a little story. Our afternoon service time slot of 4pm has saved me on more than one occasion as a pastor. My goal in preaching is to be done with my sermon by Friday night, but sermon prep is not like writing a term paper for your English class. Pastors, […]
Vision for the Church: Gospel and Spiritual Fruit (pt3 of 4)
A second reason that we need to keep the gospel at the forefront of our minds and hearts is our need to have a posture of dependence on Christ. John 15:5 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; […]