b) It is possible for every believer to bear fruit
c) This is a precious and uplifting thought
2. There are principles involved
a) They need to be understood
b) They need to be practised
AN IMPORTANT NOTATION ABOUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5
1. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
2. The works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)
(Many features highlighted)
3. A sharp contrast
a) Spirit vs. Flesh
b) Wholesome fruit vs. Unwholesome works
4. The Challenge
a) To put away the works of the flesh
i) They are deadly
ii) They are destructive
iii) They need to be dealt with
b) To cultivate the fruit of the Spirit
i) It would confirm our faith
ii) It would characterize our life
iii) It would complement our declared faith
PRINCIPLES THAT MUST BE BORNE IN MIND
“7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:7-9
1. Do not be deceived
a) Self-deception
b) Sin’s deception
2. God is not mocked
a) God is not to be derided
b) He is not to be held in contempt
3. There are divine principles at work
a) Whatever a man sows
b) That he will also reap (Galatians 6:7)
4. Sowing to the flesh
a) The works of the flesh is to be borne in mind (Galatians 5:19-21)
b) Principle of Sowing and Reaping
c) If we sow to the flesh
d) We will reap corruption
5. Sowing to the Spirit
a) If we sow to the Spirit
i) We need to do our part
ii) We need to understand the work of the Spirit much more
b) We will reap life everlasting
i) Life everlasting is promised
ii) It will be confirmed
iii) It will be evidenced in our life on earth
c) To be borne in mind: The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE HEART
1. And let us not grow weary while doing good (Galatians 6:9a)
a) Doing good
i) Acts of mercy and kindness
ii) It is something God wants us to do (Titus 3:14)
b) Let us not grow weary
i) Tiredness
ii) Jadedness
iii) Loss of interest
iv) Loss of heart
2. For in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9b)
a) Sowing takes hard work
b) Fruit-growing takes time
c) Due season
i) Fruit to maturity (Luke 8:14)
ii) Fruit with Patience (Luke 8:15)
d) We shall reap if we do not lose heart
i) Hope of reaping
ii) Anticipation of reaping
iii) Joy of reaping
iv) If we do not lose heart
FURTHER ENCOURAGEMENT
“5 Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy. 6 He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.”