If we understand the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 as a list of character traits we must work at developing, we may quickly become discouraged. In this message, Alistair Begg explains that the growth of spiritual fruit within us is evidence of God’s transforming power in a believer’s life, not the result of effort that we expend. As we apply our hearts and minds to the means of grace He has designed, such as Bible study and prayer, we gradually and continually grow in godliness.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Series: The Fruit of the Spirit
Other messages in: The Fruit of the Spirit
"The fruit of the Spirit." It’s a well-known phrase from a much-loved passage of Scripture. The challenge is in the details, as we pause to consider what the fruit of the Spirit is and to reflect on how well it is displayed in our lives.
In this series, Alistair Begg explains that the fruit of the Spirit is the character of God reflected in the lives of those who are united with Christ. It cannot be produced by an outward change of habit or a system of self-improvement, but is cultivated as God works to conform us to the image of His Son. As we consider the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, Scripture guides us to examine our hearts, challenges our progress, and encourages us to trust God’s promise that He began this work and will complete it. The Fruit of the Spirit provides a study in practical godliness, reminding us that faithful Christian living demonstrates the attractiveness of the Gospel to the world around us.
