21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21
a) These are the works of the flesh
b) These must be put away
c) Or they will choke the seed planted in us
2. The blessing of bearing the fruit of the Spirit
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.
Galatians 5:22-25
a) The first challenge is to appreciate the work of the Holy Spirit
i) We are made alive by the Spirit of God
ii) We are given a new birth
iii) The Spirt of God lives within the believer
iv) He has new life
b) The next challenge is to live in the Spirit
i) Consciousness of the Spirit of God in us is vital
ii) Cultivation of our need for His help is important
iii) Closeness to the Lord Jesus is wisdom
c) The work of the Spirit would be clearly visible
i) The Spirit would produce distinctive fruit
ii) Nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit are highlighted in this text
iii) They are all closely inter-related
iv) Love was given the honour of being the first to be mentioned
THE FRUIT OF LOVE
1. It is placed first for good reason
2. It is consistent with what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13
3. While Truth is of paramount importance
4. There must also be emphasis placed on the fruit of the Spirit of God
CONCLUSION
1. God’s love has been poured into us (Romans 5:5, 8)
2. There is also the special work of the Holy Spirit in us
3. Let us seek to respond to all that God has done in our life
4. Let us seek to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirt