This is the manuscript of the sermon at Christ Church Los Angeles, Sunday March 9, 2025.
Scripture
Galatians 5:16-25 NIV [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's keep in step with the Spirit.
Today let's talk about the tangible evidence of our faith. This tangible evidence is not just intellectual assent, or a passive belief, but a living, vibrant faith that produces fruit, it is a faith that transforms our lives from the inside out.
As James asks in
James 2:14 NIV What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?
James is challenging us to look beyond mere words and examine the reality of our belief through our actions. Just as a fruit tree is known by its yield, our faith is known by its fruit.
Imagine an orchard that is lush and abundant. Each tree bears its own unique fruit. An apple tree doesn't work to produce oranges, an orange tree doesn’t wish it produced grapes. In the same way, a living faith, a faith rooted in the Spirit of God, will naturally produce the fruit of the Spirit.
And what is this fruit? let's turn to our text for today:
Galatians 5:22-23. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
This fruit shows the very characteristics of a life surrendered to God.
Let’s look at each fruit, not as abstract concepts, but as practical realities in our daily lives.
Let’ start with Love
Love, as John 13:34-35 reminds us, is not a sentimental emotion, but a sacrificial, unconditional love that reflects the love of Christ.
John 13:34-35 NIV [34] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
This love, emphasizes, the very essence of God.
1 John 4:16-21 NIV [16] And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. [17] This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. [18] There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. [19] We love because he first loved us. [20] Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. [21] And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
Genuine love, the kind that eliminates fear, pushes us to actively love and care for others. This visible action of loving our brothers and sisters is proof that our love for God is real.
Then there's Joy
According to 1 Peter 1:8-9, joy is a profound and lasting emotion that prevails regardless of external situations. It is "inexpressible and glorious". It is a joy rooted in our relationship with God, a joy that the world cannot give or take away.
1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, [9] for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
This joy originates from trusting God and it is a gift from the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
So love, joy, Then there's Peace
The peace that Jesus offers which is a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This peace is also a gift from the Holy Spirit. It’s not like the temporary peace the world provides.
John 14:26-27 NIV [26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Jesus offers an inner peace that transcends external circumstances. It's a peace that can exist even in the midst of trials and tribulations. It is a peace that comes from a relationship with God and a trust in His provision. The world's peace is often superficial and dependent on external factors, while Jesus' peace is a deep, internal, and lasting peace that comes from a relationship with God.
Then there's Patience (Forbearance)
Patience, or forbearance, is the ability to endure trials and bear with others with grace and understanding. Patience is an essential quality for living in harmony with God and others.
Colossians 3:12-13 NIV [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Then there's Kindness
Kindness shows compassion and generosity to others, reflecting the very kindness of God. God is kind, even to the ungrateful and wicked.
Luke 6:32-36 NIV [32] “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. [33] And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. [34] And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. [35] But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. [36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
This scripture says that we are to imitate God.
Ephesians 4:32 NIV [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Then Goodness
Goodness is living a life that is morally upright and pleasing to God.
Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV [8] For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light [9] (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) [10] and find out what pleases the Lord.
We see here that goodness, righteousness and truth, which are all aspects of the life God desires for us, are all linked together. Let’s read verse 9 again “for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth”
When we live in God's light, which means following His teachings and allowing His Spirit to guide us, our lives will naturally produce the "fruit" characterized by goodness, righteousness and truth. When we exhibit this fruit we reflect God's character and bring glory to Him.
Then Faithfulness
Faithfulness is being reliable and trustworthy in our commitments to God and others. Hebrews 10:23 encourages us to hold fast to the hope we say that we have, because God is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 NIV Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Then Gentleness
Gentleness is showing humility and meekness in our interactions with others.
Colossians 3:12 NIV Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
We are to "clothe ourselves" with gentleness, meaning that we actively cultivate and demonstrate gentleness in our daily lives.
And the final fruit Self-Control
Self-control is exercising discipline over our thoughts, words, and actions. God empowers us through the Holy Spirit so that we can cultivate strength, love, and self-control, allowing us to live with purpose.
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
This fruit; love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control is not produced by our own strength or effort. They are the work of the Holy Spirit within us. But we must cultivate the soil of our hearts, allowing the Spirit to work.
We do this through prayer, through studying God’s Word, through fellowship with other believers, and through actively serving others.
Let's ask ourselves: Are we bearing the fruits of faith? Are our lives a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel? Or are we merely claiming to have faith, while our actions tell a different story?
Let's strive to live lives marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let's be living examples of the power of faith, bearing fruit that brings glory to God and blessings to those around us.
Let's ask God to give us the grace to bear the fruits of faith so that our lives will be a reflection of His love and a testament to His saving power.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, for the powerful reminder of the fruits of faith. We thank You for the Holy Spirit, who works within us to produce these fruits. Lord, we confess that at times, our lives do not reflect the abundance of Your Spirit. We ask for Your forgiveness for the times we have fallen short, for the times we have claimed faith without demonstrating it through our actions.
Father, we humbly ask that You cultivate the soil of our hearts. Help us to be more like Christ, to embody love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in every aspect of our lives. Grant us the strength to surrender to Your Spirit, to allow Him to work in us and through us.
Lord, we pray that our lives would be a living testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. Help us to be a beacon of Your love to those around us, to bear fruit that brings glory to Your name and blessings to our community.
We ask that You equip us with the wisdom and courage to examine our own hearts, to honestly assess whether we are truly bearing the fruits of faith. Help us to not just hear Your Word, but to live it out each and every day.
Father, we dedicate ourselves to You, asking for Your grace to live lives that are pleasing in Your sight. May we walk in obedience and love, always seeking to reflect Your image to the world.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
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