Author Topic: The Fruit of the Spirit  (Read 43540 times)

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Plain Adventist

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #40 on: July 28, 2012, 05:37:09 AM »
I think that we need to, by faith, accept the rest that Christ offers, even when we do not naturally feel a sense of peace. Satan may try to disturb us, cause us worry or an unwarranted sense of guilt or foreboding. If we realize these feelings are not coming from God, we need to turn away from them, and keep looking to Jesus, no matter how we may feel naturally.

Another example is that we might find ourselves living in a very unpeaceful situation, due to circumstances out of our control. The Lord can give us strength to live above these things, but it may be an effort, not a natural response.

The peace that is the fruit of the spirit is rightness with God, knowing that He is in control, and having our natural self under the control of His Holy Spirit. It is more than simply a feeling, or a relaxing environment. Even when we are sorely distressed, God can uphold us, and I think this is one way of understanding His peace.
Amy Pavlovik ~~ “The strength and spirituality of the people of God are manifest by the distinctness of the line of demarcation which separates them from the world.” SW 17

Carla Hepker

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #41 on: July 28, 2012, 06:16:57 AM »
The beatitude says, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God Matthew 5:9.

A person cannot be a peacemaker without having the vertical relationship with God in place first. You can't be a peacemaker if you don't have peace, which is a fruit of the Spirit, a result of hungering and thirsting after righteousness (Matthew 5:6) because I died to self and am filled with God (Matthew 5:5) which happened because I mourned for my sin (Matthew 5:4) which was caused by recognizing my need (Matthew 5:3).  :)

Mimi

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #42 on: July 28, 2012, 06:26:00 AM »
Amen, Carla! We begin to see our need and it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that our sight can be restored and our sins forgiven.

The peace that is the fruit of the spirit is rightness with God

Amen and therein is the key!

Quote
Another example is that we might find ourselves living in a very unpeaceful situation, due to circumstances out of our control. The Lord can give us strength to live above these things, but it may be an effort, not a natural response.

It is so true that man's natural response is not in harmony with Christ. Outside of Him, it is an impossibility. However, as man grows in grace, things change and what was once enjoyed becomes exceedingly distasteful. And what was so difficult to perform in our natural selves, becomes "natural" through the power of heaven. The following paragraph speaks of the process.

All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.  {DA 668.3} 
     As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength.
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Richard Myers

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #43 on: July 28, 2012, 08:30:46 AM »

The peace that is the fruit of the spirit is rightness with God, knowing that He is in control, and having our natural self under the control of His Holy Spirit. It is more than simply a feeling, or a relaxing environment. Even when we are sorely distressed, God can uphold us, and I think this is one way of understanding His peace.

Amen.  There is some confusion over this.  There are very distressing situations that we find ourselves in. It may appear that we have no joy or peace. But, we need to be very careful when we make the application to ourselves and to others.  "By their fruits shall you know them."  When Jesus  overturned the tables in the temple, did He have peace and joy? Absolutely!!  Then, we need to learn the lesson well.

I appreciate your example, when you say we need to not be held by our feelings. We must move beyond what we feel, great sorrow and sadness, and rejoice in the presence of Christ and His great love and sacrifice for us. We must keep our eyes upon Him and claim every one of His precious promises that pertain to the situation. We are to be His witnesses in the middle of the storm. He will lift us above the storm with our thoughts, while our bodies remain in the storm!  :)
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Glen

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #44 on: July 28, 2012, 09:21:44 PM »
....it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that our sight can be restored and our sins forgiven.

When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.  {DA 668.3}

As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength. {DA 668.4}

Sin brings physical and spiritual disease and weakness. Christ has made it possible for us to free ourselves from this curse. The Lord promises, by the medium of truth, to renovate the soul. The Holy Spirit will make all who are willing to be educated able to communicate the truth with power. It will renew every organ of the body, that God’s servants may work acceptably and successfully. Vitality increases under the influence of the Spirit’s action. Let us, then, by this power lift ourselves into a higher, holier atmosphere, that we may do well our appointed work.— The Review and Herald, January 14, 1902.08
...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

Mimi

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #45 on: July 28, 2012, 10:35:47 PM »
That is powerful!

Do you know my favorite part of that Desire of Ages quote? This part ...

if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses.

His will = our will. Perfection!
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Glen

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #46 on: August 03, 2012, 07:07:36 AM »

....if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses.

His will = our will. Perfection!

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 1 John 4:17

Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7:16

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:30, 31

....made....after the power of an endless life.
I like that! This is truly the secret that Jacob discovered glimpses of in his wrestling with Christ near the banks of the Jabbok that night.

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 1 John 4:17

Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7:16

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:30, 31

We are to be consecrated channels, through which the heavenly life is to flow to others. The Holy Spirit is to animate and pervade....Those who have been buried with Christ in baptism are to rise to newness of life, giving a living representation of the life of Christ....You are dedicated to the work of making known the gospel of salvation. Heaven’s perfection is to be your power. Testimony Treasures Volume 3, 289.02

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:14-16
...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

Mimi

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #47 on: August 05, 2012, 06:16:07 AM »
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:14-16

Amen, Glen. I particularly love those verses.

From Gospel Workers:

   Those who consecrate body, soul, and spirit to God, will constantly receive a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the breath of His own Spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth His highest energies to work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges and multiplies their faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature comes to their assistance in the work of saving souls. Through co-operation with Christ, they are made complete in Him, and in their human weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of Omnipotence.  {GW 112.3}

Day by day God works with him, perfecting the character that is to stand in the time of final test. And day by day the believer is working out before men and angels a sublime experiment, showing what the gospel can do for fallen human beings.  {GW 113.1} 
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #48 on: August 05, 2012, 06:28:49 AM »
And the fruit of the Spirit is ... longsuffering. In Christ, what does it mean to be longsuffering?
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Richard Myers

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #49 on: August 05, 2012, 07:39:03 AM »
To suffer long and not despair, but to retain  our faith and relationship with Christ.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Mimi

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #50 on: August 05, 2012, 07:51:15 AM »
Amen, knowing this "light affliction" is but for a moment.

Matthew 5:44  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

The Lord calls upon every one to reach a high standard. The lives of His people are to reveal love, meekness, long-suffering. Long-suffering bears something, yea, many things, without seeking to be avenged by word or act. Long-suffering is patience with offence; long endurance. {ML 52.2}

  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Richard Myers

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #51 on: August 05, 2012, 07:57:13 AM »
And, this is a revelation of a Christian.  The lack thereof is a revelation of the lack of an abiding Christ in the life.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Mimi

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #52 on: August 05, 2012, 08:06:05 AM »
Amen again! Forbearance and unselfishness mark the words and deeds of those who are born again to live the new life in Christ.

If you will battle against selfish human nature, you will go forward steadily in the work of overcoming hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong. By patience, long-suffering, and forbearance you will accomplish much. Remember that you cannot be humiliated by the unwise speeches of someone else, but that when you answer unwisely, you lose a victory that you might have gained. Be very careful of your words.  {ML 52.4}     
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Carla Hepker

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #53 on: August 05, 2012, 11:23:49 AM »
Someone commented during the Sabbath School lesson yesterday, that in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Paul is pointing out that they saw the fruit of the Spirit in him in Thessalonica.

I had not thought of it that way before, but when you do go back an look at it, the qualities that he points out (living holily and justly and unblameably and not using flattering words or a cloak of covetousness or speaking with guile, deceit, or uncleanness) are fruits of the Spirit.

Mimi

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #54 on: August 05, 2012, 11:38:35 AM »
Oh yes, and Paul rounds it off by saying:

1Th 2:13  For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #55 on: August 17, 2012, 05:23:58 AM »
Galatians 5:22, 23:  But the fruit of the Spirit is ... gentleness.

Without a doubt, this fruit as described in Scripture as well as Inspiration, is one that directly crosses the carnal nature. Expressed through an unregenerate heart, it is overwhelmingly opposed to holiness and deeply injures a tender heart.

It is impossible for any of us to live in such a way that we shall not cast an influence in the world. No member of the family can enclose himself within himself, where other members of the family shall not feel his influence and spirit. The very expression of the countenance has an influence for good or evil. His spirit, his words, his actions, his attitude toward others, are unmistakable. If he is living in selfishness, he surrounds his soul with a malarious atmosphere; while if he is filled with the love of Christ, he will manifest courtesy, kindness, tender regard for the feelings of others and will communicate to his associates, by his acts of love, a tender, grateful, happy feeling. It will be made manifest that he is living for Jesus and daily learning lessons at His feet, receiving His light and His peace. He will be able to say to the Lord, "Thy gentleness hath made me great."  {AH 33.4}

I cannot resist a few more words from Inspiration on this subject:

The apostle exhorts us, "As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15, 16. The grace of Christ is to control the temper and the voice. Its working will be seen in politeness and tender regard shown by brother for brother, in kind, encouraging words. An angel presence is in the home. The life breathes a sweet perfume, which ascends to God as holy incense. Love is manifested in kindness, gentleness, forbearance, and long-suffering.  {COL 102.1} 
     The countenance is changed. Christ abiding in the heart shines out in the faces of those who love Him and keep His commandments. Truth is written there. The sweet peace of heaven is revealed. There is expressed a habitual gentleness, a more than human love.  {COL 102.2} 


Amen! Habitual gentleness. Today we need this more than ever. The world in its fallen condition is rough and crude, harsh and unforgiving. All of us experience it daily. Some of us live it through interaction with those within the walls of our own homes and only through the grace of Christ Jesus are we able to forbear. It is true in my own life. A gentle response to course actions does not come naturally, but only through a heart that knows the love of God, the basis through which all other graces flow. 

  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Richard Myers

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #56 on: September 14, 2012, 04:27:50 PM »
Amen!  And when the connection is broken, the grace does not flow through us. Therefore, none of the fruits are seen in the life. Oh.....yes, it appears to be there, but it is not. The fruits of the Spirit come from the Spirit, not from humanity devoid of any connection with Christ. When Moses took His eyes off of Christ, he revealed the flesh, not the Spirit. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit." It is a basic truth that the gospel of grace rests upon.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Mimi

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #57 on: September 15, 2012, 09:47:17 AM »
Galatians 5:22, 23:  But the fruit of the Spirit is ... goodness.

Christ looks for fruit, for principles of goodness and sympathy and love. These are the principles of heaven, and when they are revealed in the lives of human beings, we may know that Christ is formed within, the hope and glory. Goodness and righteousness will be seen.

True goodness is accounted of Heaven as true greatness. The condition of the moral affections determines the worth of the man. A person may have property and intellect, and yet be valueless, because the glowing fire of goodness has never burned upon the altar of his heart. 

Goodness is the result of divine power transforming human nature. By believing in Christ, the fallen race he has redeemed may obtain that faith which works by love and purifies the soul from all defilement. Then Christlike attributes appear: for by beholding Christ men become changed into the same image from glory to glory, from character to character. Good fruit is produced. The character is fashioned after the divine similitude, and integrity, uprightness, and true benevolence are manifested toward the sinful race. 

The Lord has placed every human being on test and trial. He desires to prove and to try us, to see if we will be good and do good in this life, to see if he can trust us with eternal riches, and make us members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. 

  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #58 on: September 15, 2012, 10:03:58 AM »
The manifestation of real goodness is the bearing of fruit in good works. Read Colossians 1:

Col 1:1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
Col 1:2  To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Col 1:3  We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
Col 1:4  Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
Col 1:5  For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
Col 1:6  Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
Col 1:7  As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
Col 1:8  Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
Col 1:9  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Col 1:10  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Col 1:11  Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Col 1:12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Col 1:15  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Col 1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Col 1:19  For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
Col 1:20  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Col 1:21  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
Col 1:22  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Col 1:23  If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Col 1:25  Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Col 1:26  Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Col 1:29  Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.


And, A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things. Matthew 12:35
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Richard Myers

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit
« Reply #59 on: October 21, 2012, 07:35:53 PM »
Amen! Here is a promise "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19. 

Jesus wants to dwell in our hearts that we might be filled with all the fulness of God!!  How many professing Christians know this, believe this, and experience this?  It is the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15. When Jesus comes into our hearts, He writes His law there because we are filled with His Spirit. We are then His witnesses. How do we keep Him there?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.