Results, Not Causes: Fruits of the Spirit (Part 1)
Galatians 2:20; 5:16-24
Have you ever wondered how other religions or worldviews promote the same values as the gospel? Even outside of Christianity, people endorse love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, and other virtues. The gospel, however, presents a critical difference. In the gospel, these virtues are merely a result of what God has graciously initiated in our lives. Those outside of Christ, however, attempt to achieve these virtues based on their own abilities. They think that by their own efforts, they can be the cause of these virtues. The gospel, on the other hand, says that we are all hopelessly enslaved to our sinful nature. Left to ourselves we cannot live a life of love, joy, etc. But it is because of the undeserving and sacrificial love of Jesus that these virtues are now a part of our identity and destiny in Christ. Outside the gospel, people foolishly think that they can be the cause and produce their own results; in the gospel, God is the cause, and we get to enjoy the results.
This is why Paul emphasizes that we have been crucified in Christ and that we no longer live. We are pathetically incapable of living a life of these virtues because of our sin. Therefore, our sinful nature needs to die, which Christ accomplished through his death! And it is through his resurrection that he (not us!) lives in us. The life we now live is one of faith and where Jesus's Spirit reigns (Galatians 2.20; 5.24)!
Those who have submitted to the gospel of Jesus Christ can now live a life of love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, etc., which Paul calls the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5.16-24). "Fruits of the Spirit" is an apt way of describing this new life. We get to enjoy the results of what Jesus has done, which includes the presence of his very own Spirit! Therefore, we will progressively grow in love, joy, peace, goodness, etc.
In this week's sermon, we'll focus specifically on joy, peace, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. It is absolutely foundational that we realize that these virtues or fruits of the Spirit are merely a result of what God has done in our lives. We are not the cause of any of this! Because we are now crucified with Christ and because his Spirit now lives in us, we have the ability to have joy and peace in all situations! Especially in this lockdown life where people are regressing into bad habits, we need the Spirit and his goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.
Questions:
1. Read Galatians 2.20 and 5.16-24 together and review your sermon notes. Share with one another what the Spirit might have been placing on your heart through the sermon.
2. Oftentimes when we hear about the fruits of the Spirit, virtues, or godly characteristics (e.g., love, joy, kindness, peace, etc.), our focus is on our own abilities. We assume that we are the cause. Why is it so important to know that these fruits are merely the results of what God has initiated?
What does it mean for you that a central part of the gospel is that you have been crucified with Christ, that you no longer live, and that the life you now live is by faith that his Spirit lives in you?
3. Because of what Christ has done on our behalf, we can now enjoy the fruits of the Spirit. This week, we focused on joy, peace, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.
Which one of these are you enjoying the most these days? Think of a way to express your gratitude for this (e.g., say a prayer, journal, share with someone, etc.). Which one of these are you lacking the most these days? Pray for the Spirit to reign in this specific area.
Lastly, keep each other accountable to memorize Galatians 2.20 (read it everyday—as soon as you wake up and before you go to sleep).
