Tuesday, December 27, 2011

L - FRUIT OF SPIRIT-SUMMARY - 12

L – FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT – 12
SUMMARY

As we summarize this study on the Fruit of the Spirit, we need to look at our lives to see if our study has made a difference—if it has helped us grow.  Gal.5:5   Our hope of gaining righteousness through the Spirit is a constant endeavor. 

The fruit of the Spirit is used in the singular form for it is like a fruit basket set on the table.  Many qualities make up our Spirit-filled life.  The lack of one will have a tendency to destroy another.  It is also like a bunch of grapes on a branch.  Jhn.15:4,5   The branch cannot bear fruit without nourishment which comes from the vine and then root.  We can not bear the fruit of the Spirit alone.  We must be connected to Christ and His Spirit.

The first fruit is love and from love comes the rest of the qualities.  It is so important that Jesus stated love as being the most important commandment of all.  The second one included love as well.  Lk.10:27   Without love, we don’t know God.  1 Jhn.4:8   Love gives us a strong desire to follow His commandments and thus we know that we know Him and are in Him.  1 Jhn.2:3,5

The quality of love brings us great joy.  Neh.8:10   A person without joy in their life looses strength.  They become discouraged and discontent.  The joy of a Christian is deep gladness of heart.  It is connected to the hope we have in Christ.  A Christian can have joy even in pain, trials, and persecution.  Jam.1:2   This life is short at best and the joy of this world does not last.  Rom.14:17   Christ had joy even as He faced death.  He was looking far ahead.  Heb.12:2   Paul told the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord.  Phil.3:1   Examples are given in Hebrews of those who even lost possessions but not their joy for that came from better possessions and more lasting ones.  Heb.10:34   Rejoicing was important enough to repeat.  Phil.4:4

As we look at peace as the next quality, we find connections with the former two.  No real lasting peace is found where love is absent.  What a joy is experienced when there is real peace.  When a Christian has inner peace, conflict may rage on the outside but in Christ and with the help of the Holy Spirit, inner peace soothes the soul.  Jhn.16:33   If we are bearing the fruit of peace, we are pursuing the things that make peace.  Rom.14:19   Notice that making peace includes building up one another.  This is because we love them.  This makes it easier to be a peacemaker.  Matt.5:9   We can never let any conflict begin with us.  Rom.12:18   This does not mean we compromise the Truth.  If our mind is set on the Spirit, life and peace will be present.  This is beyond the comprehension of the world.  Phil.4:7

Patience can be expressed in longsuffering.  If we have love, endeavor to keep peace, then we will enjoy seeing the fruit of patience.  1 Cor.13:4   Patience involves objects, self, and others in particular.  Unger says, “…that this man will submit to the place God has put him and the duties and conflicts of life.”  God has been patient with us to bring us to repentance and salvation.  Rom.2:4   In return, we are urged to be patient with everyone.  1 Thess.5:14   Even in affliction, we are to be patient.  Rom.12:12; Col.1:11
Kindness is the next quality or fruit in our basket.  Again, love is so essential to this fruit that it is sometimes called lovingkindness.  A criteria by which we may judge ourselves might be, “How do I leave another person feeling after my encounter with them?”  Another term, kindhearted, is used as is brotherly kindness.  We are told to be kind to one another.  Eph.4:32   Can we feel with another person?  Do we show compassion?  We want others to be kind to us but when we are kind to others, we also benefit ourselves.  Prov.11:17   Kindness will help our patience with others.

Kindness is a quality of temperament whereas goodness puts kindness into action.  Paul was confident that the Romans were full of goodness.  Rom.15:14   The fruit of the Light, which would be Christ, consists of goodness.  Eph.5:9   It is no credit to us if we return good to those who do the same for us.  Lk.6:33   Our real test is when we can do good to our enemies and those who do not like us.  Lk. 6:27   Our reward is not from man but from the Lord.  Eph.6:8   We are to do good to all people.  Gal.6:10  

Without the next quality, faithfulness, we cannot please God.  Heb.11:6   Faithfulness requires faith which is defined in Heb.11:1   Faith in Jesus as the Son of God was the beginning of our salvation.  Peter combines faith or belief with love and joy in 1 Pet.1:8.  If we are faithful, we will be trustworthy and dependable.  God is faithful.  He can be dependable in helping us with our temptations.  1 Cor.10:13   God provides that fire escape but it is up to us in our faith to use it.  Faith is associated with goodness as we perform good deeds.  Otherwise faith is dead.  Jam.2:26   Continue in faith.  Col.1:23

Gentleness is an outward showing toward others of the spirit of our heart.  How many souls have been turned away from the Lord because of being treated with hob-nailed boots.  Gal.6:1   If we truly have love, kindness, and goodness in our heart, we will be gentle in our dealings with others.  Jam.3:13   Gentleness works toward peace.  This is an important quality of one walking in the Spirit.  It speaks to the world.  Phil.4:5

Self-control is an important component of the fruit of the Spirit and who does not need this one.  Self-control impacts all of the other qualities as does love.  It means “hold back”.  We have deeds, emotions, and words with which we must “hold back” and have control over.  Self-control takes energetic determination with the help of the Spirit.  Our desires of the flesh are strong.  These come from our mind.  Prov.23:7   To take our minds captive is important.  2 Cor.10:5   We must filter our thinking.  Phil.4:8   Peter tells us to be self-controlled and alert.  1 Pet.5:8   Such encouragement is given as Peter includes self-control in a list of qualities for the Christian.  2 Pet.1:8-11   We desire to be fruitful and to keep from stumbling that we may attain that entrance into heaven.

May we be able to nourish and grow in the fruit of the Spirit that we not be found as the lone fig tree with nothing but leaves.  Matt.21:19   Because of our love for the Lord, we want to be pleasing to Him.  Col.1:10   If we are walking in the Spirit, may we live that way as we develop and grow in the fruit of the Spirit.  Gal.5:25; Gal.5:22,23



A -WISDOM OF PROVERBS - 1

A –WISDOM OF PROVERBS – 1

The largest portion of Proverbs was written by Solomon, son of David.  He was questioned by God as to what he wished to be given.  1 Kgs.3:5   Solomon’s answer is found in 1 Kgs.3:9.  God was pleased with Solomon’s answer because it was not just for himself.  God gave Solomon a wise and understanding (discerning) heart.  1 Kgs.3:12   The Queen of Sheba felt that his wisdom was greater than imagined.  2 Chron.9:6

With this introduction we want to look at the first subject Solomon addressed—wisdom.   Wisdom comes with knowledge and understanding.  To a sinful man wickedness is just like a game or sport.  That is his delight.  A man of understanding can see the uselessness and danger in those moments of wickedness.  Prov.10:23   Moses understood this in Heb.11:25.  The pleasures of sin are passing with repercussions ahead.  Those in sin despise being reminded and given instruction.  Prov.1:7   Those who are wise and have understanding know the true source of wisdom. 

The verses 2-4 in the first chapter give us several infinitives of instruction.  Prov.1:2-4 (NASB) tells us “to know”.  We are also “to discern” or to distinguish.  Wisdom, instruction, and sayings of understanding are all important to a Christian.  Many do not want any kind of instruction.  They are called “fools” in Prov.1:7.  The fear and total respect of the Lord is where we will find knowledge.  Wisdom was important to Jesus even in His young life.  Luke 2:40,52

Paul gave the difference of wisdom of the world and God’s wisdom.  1 Cor.1:20,25   The Colossians were receiving prayers for knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and understanding.  Col.1:9,10,   We are still in dire need of this today.  All three of these things work together.

Prov.1:3   Again we have instruction involved.  We need constant instruction for we are prone to forget now we are to act.  It is so easy to go back to our “old” ways before we became a Christians.  We need instruction on how we are to act and treat others.  We need instruction on righteousness in our attitudes and obedience.  What is fair and honest is part of our instruction as well.  It is so easy to think only of ourselves and forget the impact we have on others.  Our instruction must come from the Truth which is not the instruction of man but of God.  1 Thess.4:7,8

Prov.1:4   Wise sayings are given to the unsuspecting and childlike that could be taken in by a false saying.  Wise sayings will give them a way to decide right from wrong  and make wise decisions.  It is profitable to listen to this instruction.

Wisdom involves many facets of learning.  Job asked the source of wisdom and understanding  Job.28:20   The answer is in Job 28:23   David also gave the answer to this question.  Ps.111:10   Advice becomes important as a form of instruction.  Prov.13:10   Just like instruction, sometimes we don’t like to take advice.  Prov.3:7   Other wise sayings on this subject need to be heeded.  Prov.10:8;  Prov.12:15; Prov.15:31; Prov.19:20; Prov.21:11  May we never be wise in our own eyes.
Wisdom and knowledge are used together often; however, there is a difference.  It is one thing to “know” and another to “do”.  This concerns wisdom.  We have read Col.1:9 as Paul prayed for them to be filled with both.  The next verse adds to their being filled—they were to walk, to please, and to bear fruit as they increased in knowledge.  Col.1:10

Wisdom is a gift of God.  It was for Solomon.  It is for us.  Eph.1:17   Wisdom is something for which we can pray.  Jam.1:5   Who of us doesn’t lack wisdom but how often do we pray for it. 

Wisdom is shown in the way we live.  Jam.3:13   Wisdom knows gentleness in our deeds and behavior.  There is a wisdom that is earthly, natural, demonic.  This is worldly wisdom.  Jam.3:14-16   James gives us a real description of true wisdom from God in Jam.3:17


Thursday, December 15, 2011

K-FRUIT OF SPIRIT-SELF-CONTROL-11

K - FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT - 11
SELF-CONTROL

If you are hungry and you love chocolate, what would you do if a box of chocolates was passed around?  That defines self-control.  If we have self-control, we master our passions and we avoid excess.  Other considerations would be restraint over our impulses, emotions, and desires.  This includes our deeds as well as our emotions and words.  In the Greek it means to “hold back”.

The word, “temperance”, is used in some versions.  Temperance is thought of as being moderate in action, thought and feeling.  This involves appetites, passions such as anger as well as addictions.  All of this would need self-control.

Self-control also involves will-power.  Energetic determination is essential to be successful for self-control.  This reminds one of the chorus, “I am determined.  I’ve made up my mind!”  For a Christian we then add “I’ll serve the Lord.”  In order to do that we must follow our Lord in obedience to His will.  Joshua was an excellent example of this determination.  Josh.24:15

As we seek to gain self-control, it is easy to become discouraged.  We might say,  “I can’t do that” or “I can’t quit”.  It is important to remember that we do have a helper within us as a Christian—the Holy Spirit.  Phil.4:13   Fruit from the Holy Spirit includes self-control.  This does not relieve us from this energetic determination to succeed in obtaining this fruit—but we don’t have to do it alone.  We cannot allow sin to have reign or control over us.  Rom.6:12

It is not enough that we refrain from evil but we must bring forth fruit unto God.  Rom.7:4   It is this self-control through the Spirit that we are not overcome of evil but overcome evil with good.  Rom.12:21   When we think we can handle our self alone we need to be very aware.  1 Cor.10:12   We are all prone to fall without the help of Christ.

Those in the field of sports know that it requires a tremendous amount of self-control to conquer the body in achieving the desired goals.  Paul used a similar example as he spoke of a race in his day.  1 Cor.9:25-27   This same type of control over the physical body is needed over the spiritual body.  We can conquer with the help of the Spirit and a determined purpose or goal in mind.

Our mind controls us.  Prov.23:7   So what fills our mind?  It has been stated that when you try to forget something, you think about it and then don’t forget.  When we fill our mind with negative thoughts of discouragement and failure, we are setting ourselves up for failure of self-control.  Physically remove those things around us that are tempting.  Then begin to fill our mind with good things.  A great filter for our thoughts is found in Phil.4:8.  

Rather than being controlled by what we want, the love of God controls us.  2 Cor.5:14   We love the Lord so much that we want what He wants for us.  This love causes our thoughts to be under control.  2 Cor.10:5   Our thoughts are made captive to Christ.  We have been crucified with Christ.  Gal.2:20

We are not alone in our fight against the flesh or the world.  Paul indicates his conflict between the flesh and the spirit.  Rom.7:15   Sometimes we find ourselves in this predicament.  Too often we want or will to do the right thing but then to go ahead and do the right thing is not in us.  Rom.7:18   Paul then rejoices in the victory in Christ.  Rom.7:25   Jesus has set us free.  Rom.8:2

This conflict between the flesh and the Spirit is further discussed in Galatians. Gal.5:16   We not only have to be self-controlled; we need to be spirit-controlled.  If we do not take control to the extent of being spirit-controlled, we will loose our control.  Gal.5:17   Paul lists many deeds of the flesh.  Then in contrast he lists the fruit of the Spirit.  If we are truly spirit-controlled, then our walk in life should make that apparent.  Gal.5:24,25

When we are spirit-controlled God can work in us to get our “selves” under His control.  2 Cor.7:1  If we loose control, then Peter tells us that we have forgotten that we had our sins taken away.  2 Pet.1:6,8,9   With a close relationship with our Lord, He will give us strength to overcome.  Tit.2:12   As the world sees us change with our ability to control ourselves, we become a testimony to others.  Christ gives us strength wherein we were weak.  2 Cor.12:9  

Help is available for our control in every aspect of our lives.  Heb.4:16   Self-control will never be achieved without a real desire.  Fruit production does not come as an accident.  It takes work.  We must be zealous.  Tit.2:14   We cannot be carried away by our own desires.  Jam.1:14   Not only must we be zealous.  We must be vigilant and on the alert.  1 Pet.5:8 (NIV)  uses the words, “self-controlled and alert”.

2 Pet.1:6   Peter is listing a number of qualities that a Christian should develop.  Self-control is one of them.  Following is a precious promise given to us.  2 Pet.1:8.10,11




Wednesday, December 7, 2011

J - FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT-GENTLENESS - 10

J – FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT – 10
GENTLENESS

How we sometimes stomp through life regardless of the effect we might be having on those with whom we have to do.  If we are living in the Spirit, gentleness is a temperament we need to cultivate.  Gentleness will show in our actions and speech toward others.

Matthew Henry, a well-known commentator, describes gentleness in this way:  Gentleness is “such a sweetness of temper, and especially towards our inferiors, as disposes us to be affable and courteous, and easy to be entreated when any have wronged us…”

Adam Clark, another commentator, describes gentleness (or meekness as stated in King James Version) as “Mildness indulgence toward the weak and erring, patient suffering of injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge, an even balance of all tempers and passions, the entire opposite to anger.”

As we think of a gentle spirit, we notice the contrast as Paul speaks to the Corinthians in 1Cor.4:21.  It had been needful for Paul to reprimand the Corinthian congregation for allowing sin to remain within their midst.  They well knew that of which he spoke.  Even in an instance of confronting someone, gentleness is important.  Gal.6:1

Gentleness is important if we are having a discussion with someone who believes in a false doctrine.  If we come at them with hobnail boots, they will immediately set up a defense.  Our purpose is not to win an argument.  Not only do we need humility but also gentleness.  2 Tim.2:25  Our purpose is not to show our knowledge and understanding but to explain the Truth in hopes of winning a soul for Jesus.  1 Pet.3:15

As Zechariah was prophesying the coming of Jesus in the Triumphal Entry, he describes Him as “gentle”.  Matt.21:5   This is a quote from Zech.9:9.  Jesus describes Himself as gentle.  Matt.11:29   Paul mentions the gentleness of Christ in 2 Cor.10:1.   As followers of Christ, should we not develop this gentleness of Jesus?  Paul describes this gentleness so well to the Thessalonians.  1 Thess.2:7

Gentleness is an outward showing toward others of the spirit of our heart.  As part of the fruit of the Spirit, gentleness springs forth from the love, understanding, and compassion that we have for others.  Gentleness goes a long way in making peace.  It is associated with wisdom.  Jam.3:13   It is easy for a person who “knows” or is “wise” to be very impatient with someone who may not understand.  As Christians we are told to walk worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus.  This involves humility and gentleness as well as tolerance and patience.  All of these go hand in hand.  Eph.4:1,2   Paul not only expresses this to the Ephesians but also to the Colossians.  Col.3:12

We are to flee from those snares into which the love of money causes us to fall.  It is much more profitable to pursue gentleness along with other attributes as perseverance, righteousness, godliness, faith, and love.  1 Tim.6:11   The importance of gentleness is made of less significance so many times.  Yet, look at the number of times it is listed along with faith and love and other attributes.  Would we consider those significant?  The answer would probably be of extreme importance.

As James describes wisdom from above, gentleness is included.  Jam.3:17  Paul tells Titus to remind Christians not to malign or speak in an injurious way against anyone but to be peaceable and gentle.  We are to show consideration for all men.  Tit.3:2   Paul continues to describe the way they once were.  Gentleness is a part of our new way of life.  The world feels no need to be gentle and considerate of others.  It may happen when things are going well; however, when being opposed, the normal tendency is to strike out against another and even malign them.  This would not be a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

As Paul describes someone to be chosen as an overseer, he mentions the importance of gentleness rather than being a quarrelsome and antagonistic person.  1 Tim.3:3  If we are trying to be like Jesus, who is gentle, what will help us develop gentleness?

Gentleness does not push “self” forward to an important position.  Jesus used a child to illustrate this point.  Mk.9:35-37   A little child can touch a heart with his innocence and trust.  He needs to be treated with gentleness.  We don’t need to be arrogant as we deal with someone, but gentle in our speech and actions. 

If we are submissive to one another, it will be easier to be gentle.  Eph.5:21   If we aren’t the “most important person in the world”—in other words “self”, it will become easier to be gentle to others.  Phil.2:3,4   Our example before the world lasts a long time.  It becomes an example of a Christian, the church, and even makes the world look at Jesus in a different light.

May our spirit be gentle as we reflect the spirit of Christ.  May it be known to all men.  Phil.4:5






Monday, December 5, 2011

I-FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT-9

I – FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT – 9
FAITHFULNESS

To be faithful is to be trustworthy, reliable, dependable.  This is a trait that is to be desired and yet is absent in so many.  We need to be dependable in what we say we will do and  carry through with it.  We need to be trustworthy in our speech in relaying facts concerning the Word as well as material things.  Too often we say that we forgot to do something we said we would do or that we had stated something wrong without proper study or investigating.  Our God is not like that.

God is a faithful God.  1 Cor.1:9   We can trust His Word.  We can depend upon Him in times that are good and times of difficulty.  None could match His reliability.  2 Cor.1:18   We may meet many kinds of temptations and problems but God is faithful and will be with us and do what He deems is right for us if we are following in His path.  1 Pet.4:19   We have such a blessing that God is faithful to forgive us when we confess our sins.   IJhn.1:9   God even helps us in our temptations.  He knows us better than we know ourselves.  1 Cor.10:13   A statement in Lamentations has been put to song.  Lam.3:23

Not only can we trust in a faithful God but we have a faithful Savior in His Son.  Jesus became a man that He might offer His life for our salvation.  Jesus became our High Priest to offer that one sacrifice that would be forever.  Heb.2:17   Our hope rests in Christ and we are to hold fast to that confession of our belief in Him for He is faithful in His promise to us.  Heb.10:23   In Revelation Christ is called the “Faithful Witness”.  Rev.1:5

Words of the Scripture are faithful.  1 Tim.1:15   Paul calls the Word faithful in Tit.1:9.   As we discipline ourselves for godliness, Paul relates this as a trustworthy or faithful statement that should be accepted.  1 Tim.4:8,9   Titus is told that to do good deeds is profitable and also a faithful statement.  Tit.3:8   Another faithful statement tells us that if we die with Him (die to self), we shall live with Him.  What a blessed promise this is to our life.  2 Tim.2:11  

With such a faithful Lord and God, can we be found faithful?  To be found faithful, we must have faith.  Heb.11:6   This chapter follows with a list of faithful ones of God.  How do we know they had faith?  We know by faithfulness shown in the circumstances in which they found themselves.  This faith is defined in Heb.11:1.  When we see, faith is no longer needed.  Jhn.20:29   The followers of Jesus did have faith in His power and ability to perform miracles.  Perhaps our faith could be expressed in the manner in which Peter expressed it.  1 Pet.1:8   Because of this faith in Jesus, our lives show faithfulness.

Our faith was the beginning of our salvation.  Rom.5:1; Acts 20:21   This faith in Jesus caused us to proceed with obedience to his commands.  Mk.16:16; Col.2:12; Rom.1:5   As we become Christians, Christ dwells in our hearts through faith.  Eph.3:17   This faith does not come for just one time.  We are told to continue in our faith.  Col.1:23   In fact our faith is to grow or to enlarge as some versions translate.  2 Thess.1:3.  

Some allow their faith to be shipwrecked.  1 Tim.1:19   Faithfulness cannot be shown when our faith is not sincere.  1 Tim.1:5   Faith is abandoned when false doctrine is received.  1 Tim.4:1   The love of money has also caused many to wander from faith.  They fall into many destructive desires.  1 Tim.6:9,10   For this reason Paul told Timothy to fight the good fight of faith.  1 Tim.6:12   Sometimes it becomes a fight but faith is part of the armor of a Christian.  Eph.6:16   As Satan’s arrows are aimed at us, a strong faith will shield us from them..  Our faith can be tested but when we stand strong in faithfulness we will strengthen and develop our perseverance.  Jam.1:3  

Faith causes action in faithfulness.  Our faith becomes apparent in our work for the Lord.  1 Thess.1:3; Jam.2:14   The faithfulness that we show in the Lord’s work will be trustworthy and dependable.  Jam.2:15,16   James is not saying that a person can be saved by his works but our faith is visible because of what we do.  Jam.2:18   A person can claim to have great faith but do nothing.  So much of the fruit of the Spirit demands action.  So it is with faithfulness.  It is necessary to have faith in order to be faithful.  It is also necessary to have something to show our faith.  Jam.2:26

Our faithfulness is important to Jesus.  He remonstrated the Pharisees for their lack of faithfulness in Matt.23:23   We can be guilty of doing the right things for the wrong reasons or with the wrong attitudes. 

May we persevere in keeping the commandments of God, may we hold fast to our faith in Jesus, and may we have deeds of faithfulness that follow us.  Rev.14:12,13   As we look forward to our hope in Christ, may we be faithful until death or the coming of our Lord.  Rev.2:10