John 3:1-8; Galatians 5:22-25
The moment we receive Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us. Once that happens, our lives should change. How should we look? Well Paul really lays it out for us in Galatians 5:22-23. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
So what fruitful evidence do you see in your life? What can you do to improve on any areas that aren't as strong as others? Tami W.
P.S. Today we're beginning a brand new 2-week series on Back to the Bible all about the Holy Spirit. Join us on air or on the web for further study.
I am thankful that over the years, as I have engaged God's Word, there is evidence of the fruit of the Spririt in my life. Not that I have 'arrived', not at all, but I have seen growth in areas such as joy, peace, patience and kindness. I still strive for more growth in faithfulness and self-conrol and am very aware that as I ask God to help me grow in these areas, He will provide the necessary challenges to stimulate growth.
As I see the fruit of the Spirit, it is not about us trying to be more kind or loving or gentle or joyful. We can't do that. We need to yield control to the Holy Spirit who is kind and loving and gentle. If we try to make an effort to be more kind, we will always fail because we are not kind by nature, but if we yield control to the Holy Spirit, He cannot fail but to be kind. Perhaps I'm parsing words a little bit here but I think it is important that we understand our responsibility is simply to yield control to the Holy Spirit each day and He will produce the fruit.
Good fruit takes time to ripen. When we are born of the Spirit, His fruit is planted in us. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to nurture it into mature, sweet fruit.
I think that at one time or another I encounter trouble with each of the fruits. When I recognize this problem, then I ask for God's forgiveness and help.
I totally agree with Eric!
When I think of these gifts I am reminded of Romans 8:11 and an old praise song. "If that same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, dwell in you, it will quicken your mortal body, if the Spirit dwell in you! If I continue to welcome the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, He will prompt my actions naturally because He is present as a governing part of me daily. I don't have to WORK at presenting these gifts, if I surrender my will first!!
I have a question. Is "water" in verse 5 (John 3:5) referring to baptism? If "water" is referring to baptism, is this scripture saying that one must be baptised in order to go to heaven?
I agree with Eric R. that if we yield fully to the Holy Spirit, the fruit will be in our lives. I never really thought of it that way, but....it makes sense. My trying can fail so often, but having His Spirit control is utmost.
this bring me back to when we talked about the fruits of the spirits in church once i red this i was able to use information from that to reflect on what part i was week in since i knew some about this from the sermon.
I believe "water" refers to natural birth. Birth by the Spirit is rebirth, or being, "born again" (or from above).
Rachel,
Thanks for your question.
Although some would interpret the "water" in John 3:5 as referring to water baptism and therefore a requirement for salvation, we believe that interpretation contradicts many other teachings of Scripture about salvation -- for example, Ephesians 2:8-9. "Water" in John 3:5 may refer to the Word of God, which the Holy Spirit clearly uses in saving us (see John 15:3). There are also other suggested ideas, but it is plain that the new birth is from God and is a miraculous work accomplished by the Holy Spirit.
Ray
Biblical Correspondent at Back to the Bible