In the previous Q&A episode, the aspects of the Holy Spirit were discussed.  Today, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit will be taken up. Also, we will make some points on how to present the subject of the Holy Spirit in a Bible study so that it will not lead to speculations and confusion.

This is part of the online Bible study podcast – A Better Bible Study Podcast.

Most relevant

                The fruit of the Holy Spirit is, arguably,  the most relevant aspect of the Holy Spirit to human beings. It is the result of our involvement and commitment to the Gospel. The focus of this discussion will be on the passage found in Galatians 5:22.

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (Gal 5:22 NASB)

Careful reading of the passage shows us that the word ‘fruit’ here (singular) is used as a past perfect participle of the verb fruition or fruit-bearing. It is used to denote a benefit, a crop, a harvest, a descendant, a profit or a proceed. These are all singular, or more clearly meaning, a result.

With that said,  in most  Bible studies you will go over definitions for the various demonstrations of fruition. This may lead to the belief that these are individual things that we need to will or train ourselves to possess. Humans do not have the power to invoke these virtues through their own efforts. It is the result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us.

Careful reading of the passage will help us realize that it is not God’s intention to give us a list of behaviours to do. The point of this scripture is not to admonish us to “work†harder on showing these virtues.  It is not in our power to make ourselves better. The Holy Spirit interacts with the Christian to help him to grow and improve.

Our purpose                                                                                                        

[15] but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,

(Eph 4:15 NASB)

The New Testament tells us that we can pray for some virtues or some abilities such as wisdom but it commands Christians to grow up in all aspects into Christ.

Our purpose is to evolve into a new creature on the basis of God’s plan, We are to put to death our old self and rise up into a new being that walks in Christ.

[16] But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. [17] For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. [19] Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, [20] idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, [21] envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Gal 5:16-23 NASB)

The passage on the fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians is quoted above. It tells us that there are two dimensions in our being that cannot coexist- the one that walks in the flesh and the one that walks in the Spirit.

Walking in the flesh has manifestations as written in verses 19 to 21. The flesh sets desires ,which are against the Holy Spirit. The results being filth, disease, injury, death, unhappiness, misery, sadness, desolation, separation or isolation.

Verse 22, on the other hand, shows us the fruition of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. These are the manifestations of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us. And this only happens to Christians, those who believe the gospel and are ignited by it.

Verse 23 tells us that there are no laws or set of rules that enforces these manifestations. That is not possible.  This tells us that it is solely from the power of God thought the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that we are able to grow these virtues. It cannot be forced or legislated. Otherwise, it will not be genuine, and we will be wasting our time. These virtues are what we get from God. If we abide in Him, we get these, we understand these.

Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. This crucifixion is not instant death. It is a rugged ascent, a steady progression toward a goal of spiritual growth, growth in Christ. As Christians, as we grow in Christ, this is our struggle. Death may overtake us without our completely overcoming the pull of the flesh.

This  is the most important aspect of the Holy Spirit to us. The fruit of the Holy Spirit shows our involvement, whether we embrace it, which we will only do if we obey Him and obey the gospel. and, if in our Christian growth, we learn the means that God has given us to progress in his plan for salvation.