This is the manuscript of the second in the Christ Church's four sermon series "God's Incredible Gift of The Holy Spirit".
There are a lot of religious dropouts” in our churches today. They become dropouts because they have never established a pattern of spiritual growth. These “religious dropouts” are more than mere “statistics,” they have become spiritual casualties. Here’s what can happen to these people
They may experience a loss of faith or a weakening of their spiritual connection.
They may become more susceptible to negative influences or temptations.
They may struggle with feelings of remorse or regret over their past choices.
Often the fault lies with the church, because we fail to follow up with spiritual care and nurturing and we leave people floundering to take care of themselves!
Scripture:
Galatians 5:13-26 NIV [13] You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. [14] For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” [15] If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. [16] So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. [17] For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. [19] The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; [20] idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions [21] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Introduction
This is the second sermon in the series “God’s Incredible Gift of the Holy Spirit”. Last week we started by “Understanding the Holy Spirit” who is the third person of the Trinity, alongside God the Father and Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial and multifaceted role in the life of believers and the world.
Our text last week was
John 14:16–17 NIV “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—theSpirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you”.
What we said was that it is the power of the Holy Spirit that motivates the Christian; it is the wisdom of the Holy Spirit that sets fire to the believer’s desire to know more about God, about his Holy Word, and about the role they are to play in God’s eternal purpose and plan. It is the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit that gives the constant assurance that we are children of God, loved by Him and kept eternally in His love.
We learned the work of the Holy Spirit can be divided into two major areas.
The first area is concerned with the world at large. The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin and judgment to the world. Apart from the work of the Holy Spirit, no one would ever accept the work of Jesus on the cross. Jesus said that no one could come to him without the drawing of the Father. And this drawing occurs through his Spirit at work in individuals.
The second way the Holy Spirit works is within the believer’s life. The Holy Spirit assures us of salvation. He serves as our primary interpreter of the Scripture. And he works in our lives to produce his fruit. He is our guide to life as believers, and without him, we are lost. The Holy Spirit enables us to know and talk with God. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer is essential for the life we are called to live.
Today I want to tell you how you can recognize the Holy Spirit through the character or virtues of a Christian who publicly displays the Fruit of the Spirit. Our text today is
Galatians 5:22-26 NKJV [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. [24] And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
If the fruit of the Spirit isn’t displayed, there is no evidence of the Holy Spirit in that person’s life. The Fruit of the Spirit plays a vital role in helping us discern the Holy Spirit's work within us. In our journey of faith, it's essential to recognize the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Fruit of the Spirit is not something we can produce on our own. It's a divine work, a manifestation of God's presence in us. It's like the sun and rain that nourish a physical garden, bringing beauty and abundance
So today, I want to invite you on a journey into the garden of your soul. A garden where, with tender care and divine cultivation, the most beautiful and fragrant blossoms can emerge. This garden is not filled with earthly flowers, but with the divine qualities known as the Fruit of the Spirit.
The Divine Gardener
The Holy Spirit is the master gardener of our souls. He takes the barren ground of our hearts and transforms it into a fertile field. He provides the sunlight of His grace, the water of His Word, and the rich soil of His love. Our role is to cooperate with His work, to create a welcoming environment for His Spirit to flourish.
Let’s take a look at your garden made up of; “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”
Love:
Love is the foundation of the Fruit of the Spirit. It is the root system that anchors all the other qualities. It's not merely an emotion but a choice, a decision to prioritize the needs of others above our own.
I Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV [4] Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; [5] does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; [6] does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; [7] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things
Love is the rich soil in which the other fruits can grow.
Joy:
Joy is the first bud to emerge in our spiritual garden. Joy reminds us of God's goodness even in the midst of storms.
This joy is a supernatural gift, produced by the Holy Spirit, that enables believers to find satisfaction and fulfillment even in the midst of trials and suffering.
Christian joy is a deep-seated contentment and peace that stems from a relationship with God and His promises, rather than from external circumstances. In essence, Christian joy is a reflection of God's presence in our lives and a testimony to His goodness.
Psalms 16:11 NKJV You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Peace:
Peace calms our souls. It's the harmony between our hearts and God's will. The Hebrew word for peace, Shalom, encompasses more than mere absence of conflict; it signifies wholeness, harmony, and well-being in all aspects of life - spiritual, physical, and relational. It's the ability to find tranquility in the midst of chaos. Peace gives a deep sense of tranquility and contentment that comes from a right relationship with God. It's a peace that surpasses understanding and can be experienced even in challenging circumstances.
Philippians 4:4-7 NKJV [4] Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. [6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; [7] and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Peace is cultivated through prayer, meditation, and forgiveness.
Psalms 29:11 NKJV The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.
John 14:27 NKJV Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Patience:
Patience is the compost, the fertilizer, that enriches our souls. It's the ability to endure hardship without bitterness. Patience is often linked to endurance, perseverance, and hope. It's trusting God's timing even when it feels like forever.
Romans 5:3-5 NKJV [3] And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; [4] and perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
James 1:2-5 NKJV [2] My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. [4] But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Christian patience is not merely tolerating difficult circumstances but actively trusting in God's purpose, even when it's challenging. Patience is also an essential component of love. As 1 Corinthians 13:4 says, "Love is patient."
Patience is a virtue cultivated through faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit
Kindness:
Kindness is the sweet aroma that fills our garden. It's the gentle touch that heals wounded hearts. It's the unexpected act of service that brightens someone's day.
We are called to mirror God's kindness.
Luke 6:35-36 NKJV [35] But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. [36] Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Kindness fosters strong, positive relationships within the church, and beyond.
Kindness is a reflection of God's compassion.
Ephesians 4:32 NKJV And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Colossians 3:12-13 NKJV [12] Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Ultimately, Christian kindness is a reflection of God's grace and love in the world. It's a conscious choice to treat others with compassion, respect, and empathy, regardless of their circumstances
Goodness:
Goodness is the sturdy stem that supports our growth. It's the integrity that shines through our actions. It's the moral compass that guides our decisions. Goodness is the fruit of a heart surrendered to God's will.
Psalms 23:6 NKJV Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Romans 12:9-13 NKJV [9] Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. [10] Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; [11] not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; [12] rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; [13] distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
True goodness comes from within, a result of a heart transformed by God's grace. It's more than outward actions; it's a reflection of inner character.
In the end Christian goodness is an expression of faith, shown in both thought and action. It's a life lived in alignment with God's character, marked by compassion, integrity, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Faithfulness:
Faithfulness is the deep root system that anchors our souls. It's the loyalty that endures through thick and thin. It's the commitment to God and others that defines our character. Faithfulness is a cornerstone of relationships, including our relationship with God. Faithfulness is the foundation of a strong spiritual garden.
I Corinthians 4:1-2 NKJV [1] Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. [2] Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
Psalms 37:28 NIV For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish.
Gentleness:
Gentleness is the delicate petal that adds beauty to our garden. It's the soft touch that calms troubled waters. It's the humble spirit that seeks to serve rather than dominate. Gentleness is the strength of a gentle heart. Gentleness is a beautiful attribute that reflects the character of God.
2 Timothy 2:23-26 NLT 23] Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. [24] A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. [25] Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. [26] Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants
Faithfulness is a journey, not a destination. It requires constant effort and reliance on God's grace. As we grow in faithfulness, we become more like Christ and experience a deeper relationship with Him. and we will increasingly exhibit faithfulness in all areas of our lives.
Self-Control:
Self-control is the pruning shears that shape our garden. It's the discipline that helps us resist temptation. It's the mastery over our selfish desires. Self-control is a vital aspect of Christian character. It's the ability to resist temptations and regulate one's behavior.
II Timothy 1:7 NKJV [7] For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Conclusion
Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit is a lifelong journey. It requires daily attention, pruning, and nourishment. But the rewards are immeasurable. A garden filled with the Fruit of the Spirit is a beautiful and fragrant testimony to God's grace.
The Fruit of the Spirit is a vital tool in recognizing the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in our lives. As we cultivate this fruit, we'll become more aware of the Holy Spirit's work in us, and we'll be able to follow His lead more effectively.
The fruit of the Spirit is evident not only in our personal lives but also in our relationships with others. When we see someone consistently demonstrating love, forgiveness, and compassion, it's a strong sign of the Holy Spirit's influence.
Let us commit to tending our souls with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As we do, we will experience the abundant life that God desires for us.
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