Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, The works of the flesh are manifest, known and plain to all. But the fruit of the Spirit is not so manifest: the life of God in the soul is a hidden life: still it is a real life, producing genuine fruit; cherish therefore and cultivate it. I. THE SPIRIT HIMSELF IS THE SOURCE OF ALL SPIRITUAL FRUIT. II. THE NATURE OF THIS FRUIT. The list here given is not exhaustive. Nor does it admit of very definite classification. The following three groups of three each have been suggested. 1. Christian states of mind in their more general aspect. 2. Those special qualities which affect a man's intercourse with his neighbours. 3. Certain general principles which guide a Christian man's conduct. III. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN, AND MUTUAL DEPENDENCE UPON EACH OTHER, OF THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. 1. They are all from one and the same source. 2. They all conform to one rule, the law of God. 3. Each Christian must possess them all, at least in germ. Grace in the soul is the reflection of Christ's glory (2 Corinthians 3:19); but that can be no true reflection which lacks any leading features of the moral glory of the Saviour. IV. PRACTICAL INFERENCES. 1. Be careful to cultivate all the graces of the Christian character. Without this there can be no symmetry and harmony. 2. Growth in grace is the best security for the crucifixion of the flesh. 3. Be filled with the Spirit. Avoid whatever grieves and tempts Him to withdraw His presence. Yield readily to His godly motions, His guidance, His teaching. 4. Pray for increase of grace. The daily life must be lived, whether we will or no. It rests with us whether it shall be lived in the power and under the influence of the Spirit. (Emilius Bayley, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,WEB: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, |
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