Introductory Thoughts In the miraculous age of Christianity (the first century) the apostles could work miracles. The miraculous enabled people to do certain things. 1 Corinthians 12 reveals 9 manifestations of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 reveal 9 characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit.

Introductory Thoughts The "fruit of the spirit" involves the way people live. Galatians 5:22-23 reveal 9 characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit. Note the fruit is singular, yet it requires a balance of the characteristics listed. These characteristics may be classified in three categories. Toward God – Toward Others – Toward Self

Characteristics That Look Toward God Love. God should be the object of love. Matthew 22:34-40 Love for God moves one to obey him. 1 John 5:3 - John 14:15 Love is the motive that prompts one to faithfully serve God. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 13

Characteristics That Look Toward God Joy. Salvation from the Lord brings joy to the heart. Acts 2:46; 8:8;'8:39; 16:34 God's people are exhorted to "rejoice in the Lord". Philippians 4:4 The hope of eternal salvation gives Christians a "joy unspeakable". 1 Peter 1:8

Characteristics That Look Toward God Peace. Salvation by God's grace brings peace from God. Romans 5:1 Those who make peace with God obtain the peace of God. Philippians 4:6-7 “Peace" is not at the mercy of external circumstances.

Characteristics That Look Toward Others Longsuffering – Suffering a long time. In trying to teach and reach the lost. In attempting to get along with ill-tempered members of the church. Ephesians 4:31-32 In resisting temptation. Hebrews 12:3-4

Characteristics That Look Toward Others Kindness. “Longsuffering endures wrong; kindness overcomes it". God's people must be kind. Ephesians 4:31-32

Characteristics That Look Toward Others Goodness. Goodness signifies, "not merely goodness as a quality, rather it is goodness in action. God's people are to "do good". Galatians 6:10

Characteristics That Look Toward Self Faith – faithfulness. Christians have built into their characters a quality that causes them to be reliable. They continue "steadfastly" in the apostles doctrine, etc. Acts 2:42

Characteristics That Look Toward Self Meekness – strength under control. The meek are submissive to God's will. The meek are teachable. James 1:21 The meek are considerate of others. Ephesians 4:2

Characteristics That Look Toward Self Self-control. A contrast to many of the works of the flesh. Galatians 5:19-21 The body must be controlled. 1 Corinthians 9:27 The mind must be controlled. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Concluding Thoughts If the Holy Spirit guides one's life, by the word of Christ, then one will produce the "fruit of the spirit". One is "free" to produce the fruit of the Spirit. Over the next several weeks we will look more in depth at each of these characteristics.