The fruit of the spirit has many facets, many attributes that are all interdependent, and all flow from the Spirit of God and fully reflect His character. This series provides a fascinating in-depth study of each aspect of the fruit of the spirit as revealed through the scriptures.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.Galatians 5:22-25
Sermons:
To view individual sermons click on the titles below:
Useful Kindness
God’s kindness, (gr.chrestotes) is unique and unlike human kindness. Jeff Patton takes us on a journey through the scriptures to reveal the effect of God’s kindness in our lives, a kindness that we as believers are to emulate in our relationships with others. Is the fruit of the spirit at work in our lives so that we are kind as God is kind?
Gentle Strength
The spiritual attribute of meekness or gentleness is often misunderstood. Jeff Patton searches the scriptures to clear up this misapprehension, and explain the true nature of this godly virtue. God’s word illuminates our understanding and helps us grasp that meekness (gr. prautes) is not weakness, but power exercised with gentleness.The fruit of the spirit is gentle, are we?
Goodness of God
We often speak of “good” people, meaning those who are nice, easy going, helpful. Yet the idea of goodness in the scriptures is much more than this and is unique to God. So how is God good? And how can we be good as God is good? Jeff Patton examines the concepts of”agathos” and “kalos” in the scriptures to explain these different facets of godly goodness, a fruit of the spirit.
Goodness of God 2 – God’s Good Fruit
When we look at our society are we seeing “good,” morally virtuous behaviour? Is our world “good,” a thing of beauty and quality? Knowing that God is the source of all things that are good, both morally and qualitatively, how can we reflect God’s goodness when we walk with Him, though we live in a world that may seem unfamiliar with the goodness of God. What we do is a result of who we are in our hearts and minds, whether good or bad. Will we choose to be good on the inside, as God is good, so we may produce good fruit?
Faith: Divine Persuasion
Can we have the faith we need without God’s spirit? Can we have the faith of God without works? Do we live by faith without the law? These are questions that many religious leaders have wrestled with over the centuries. But what does the scripture say about this fruit of the spirit? Jeff Patton uncovers the answers the Bible reveals.
Self Control
In our world a lack of self-control can cause the fall of great leaders, like General Petraeus. As disciples of Christ we too, must exercise self-control, but it is not merely a self-mastery that originates within ourselves. The Greek scriptures give us insight into “kratos” the dominion that proceeds from within oneself, but not by oneself. God is the source of this mastery, that we must exercise in order to fulfill His purpose for us.
Godly Patience
Steadfastness and staying-power, that’s Makrothumia, the godly quality of long-suffering. The scriptures give us hope as we realize the depth of God’s patience towards us. Then it gives us guidance to know how we are to express this quality in our lives as Christians – children of our Father, emulating Him.
Peace of God
World leaders realize, “It is a moral imperative to pursue peace.” Yet, the Jews and Palestinians seek vainly for an elusive peace. Peace is something that the holiday season focuses on, yet the world has precious little peace. Why do we lack peace? What were the conditions that were to produce peace in a nation and between nations? How is the Peace of God going to have an impact on nations, and individuals, especially those who call themselves Christians – spiritual Jews?
Christian Joy
As 2012 ended we looked back at the challenges to joy: the fiscal cliff that loomed large, the massacre of school children, the vitriolic messages of Westboro Baptist Church. It is evident that these chaotic events rob of us joy, but what brings godly joy in the face of trials and challenges. How can we be filled with the Christian joy, chara, that God promises through the power of His spirit? Jeff Patton explains how God plans to make our joy complete.
Love of God
God’s love for us is greater than you can imagine. It is a warm personal love, and also the love that is loyal and gives us assurance in the promises God has made. Take a walk through the scriptures with Jeff and come to learn about ahav, hesed, phileo, and agape, the love of God in action. It will give you hope and confidence in your Creator who loves you with an everlasting love.
Living in the Spirit
The scripture contrasts two ways of life: living in the flesh and living in the spirit. One leads to death and the other to eternal life. So what does it mean to “live in the spirit?”
When and how does life in the spirit begin, and what are the benefits of such a life? Jeff takes you through the scriptures to answer these vital questions.
Producing Good Fruit
God is a “gardener” who is interested in producing good fruit. As the pinnacle of His creation, He is working in us to produce those fruits in our lives that will please Him. The physical analogy of the natural world as God’s garden, and the growth from seed to mature fruit-bearing plant helps us understand the spiritual reality. As Thoreau said, “Convince me that you have a seed there, and I will expect wonders.” God is also expecting wonders.