The spirit grows in the death of the flesh

FROM: JUNE 5 – JUNE 11, 2018

Topic: “The spirit grows in the death of the flesh” – Galatians 5:22 - 26 But if the spirit is in you, yields its fruit. There can be no other thing in those who have the Spirit. Because in the Spirit of God there is Good. A fruit is, example, what comes out of the union of the plants and Earth, having sprout and grow to be useful. The result of having the Holy Spirit in our lives is that, by obligation, He in us, will bear fruits (Vs.22,23). When the Spirit comes into our lives we will know the result if it is the fruit. The fruits of the Spirit are our advantage and they are in us because of the Holy Spirit.

I. There is no one who condemn such qualities (Vs.23 “…against such things there is no law.”)

A. Those who belong to Jesus Christ have crucified their unregenerate “personalities” (Vs.24).

1. Have crucified the flesh to everything that were their passions and desires.

2. If we live in the Spirit, let’s keep pace “with the Spirit”.

3. In God there are no halves.

4. Paul spoke clearly about the bad qualities that identify someone unconverted, qualities which are of that human nature without Christ.

5. Here, in these verses, we can see the human qualities that are the fruit of the Spirit.

6. Let’s see each word separately:

a. Love: according to the Scriptures, in Greek is Agape = is of benevolence, good will towards the people. Is kindness, it is the tendency to do good without limits. It is not to whom suits us. Although they do bad unto us, never try but the best for that person (tendency, the person’s natural disposition). It is a feeling of the mind as much as the heart. It implies the will as well as the emotions. It describes the deliberate effort, that only we can make with the help of God, to seek nothing more than the best even for those who seek to do us all the damage they can.

b. Joy: (in Greek is jara) Is the joy that comes from spiritual experience (1 Peter 1:8,9). “…with joy inexpressible and full of glory …the salvation of your souls.” We cannot live grouchy or bothered. It is not the joy that produce material things, or the triumph over others in a competition. It is the joy which foundation is in God, because the Kingdom of God is not food or drink, but justice, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit (Ro. 14:17). Because it is a fruit of the Spirit. It is the union of your life with the Spirit. When the Spirit overcomes your flesh, the fruit is joy. Bitterness, annoyance, is the work of the flesh.

c. Peace: The Kingdom of God is peace; the tranquility of heart that is derived from the faith that “all” is in the hands of God. Psalm 4:8 “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

d. Patience: Patience to others, with our peers. Patience is gentle, doleful, forgiving and patient. It is length of mood, a mood that won’t go away.

e. Kindness: is courtesy and goodness that is done on a voluntary basis, with all intention (Luke 10:34,35). That all can notice, as when the good Samaritan bandaged the wounds, pouring oil and wine; and putting him on his horse, brought him to the Inn and took care of him…when he returns…etc. There is a sweetness, a kindness that is amiable. It is defined as “equipped virtue”. We Christians need that goodness which is at the same time friendly and strong.

f. Faithfulness: is to be trustworthy; with faithfulness to God. It is the property of the person who is legit.

g. Meekness: that obeys and is easy to control for his master. This word reflects the self-control that only Christ can give. He has gentleness, consideration, respect, kindness, attention in the treatment towards a person; it is to assume a subordinate place (subject to the order), as Jesus did when he washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:1 – 17); it has nothing to do with weakness.

h. Temperance: is self-control, discipline; self-control. It is the spirit that has dominated their wishes and the seeking of pleasure. It is the virtue of the person making him/her self-possessed of himself/herself that enables him/her to serve others. Adultery, fornication do not vandalize him/her.

7. If we say that we live in the Spirit these fruits confirm it, the Spirit itself is speaking.

8. Die with Christ and resurrect with Christ to “a new and clean life”, the things of the old man will have disappeared, and the precious qualities of the Spirit have begun to be “developed”. (Quote from W. B.) Amen.