In continuing on from the last post… The last way in which the fruit of the Spirit serves as a channel for power is its protection from the consequences of sin.
For instance, patience and self-control is a powerful defense system. The ability to wait on God and say no to your flesh carries with it a multitude of protections. At this point it would be helpful if you haven’t read the previous post titled: “Power”, I encourage you to do so now. It’s important to remember that all this that deals with the fruit of the Spirit is divine and not human in nature— therefore you cannot work harder at it. Think about it, how can ‘self’ be more self-controlled? Obviously, it cannot be. It needs a supernatural element to produce that. Would a puppy ever give itself a bath? Victory doesn’t come when I focus on trying to be more patient or self-controlled; but when I focus on Christ in our relationship and in His example. It is then, and only then, that self-control is produced (fruit of the Spirit). If it is consecrated on early, the desire for fruit can dispel the desires of the flesh and save us from serious injury to our fellowship with Christ and others.
The fruit of the Spirit is just that… His fruit. It should and can be manifested in your life. Having said that, and as I pointed out previously, it must be because of a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus. We usually use the word ‘fellowship’ to distinguish between the relationship (Father-child) and the fellowship (ongoing intentional building of said relationship). This is verifiable in several passages like Romans 8 and 1 Corinthians 10, but the one that jumps off the page to me is John 15. Fruit is natural to the tree that bears it. Fruit is also better and more productive when planted near water and temperate conditions. A life connected deeply in Jesus is one who’s roots are secure in Him. A deepening fellowship is what is needed. At this point I would suggest: a daily quiet time; a reading schedule of the scripture; a life of prayer not just a few times a day; an example to follow (discipler); and last an avenue to tell others. If you do not launch it you lose it! What you discover needs to be shared. I am sold on inter-personal discipleship… take someone who needs your influence and start telling them what you are learning; do it together by sharing and not controlling; then tell others. His fruit will become your’s and that should expand.
Jesus seeks to work Himself into your life and out of your life to others. The fruit of the Spirit is not all about you, you see.
People need to see God work in and through you. People need a living example. The Apostle Paul himself said in Philippians 3.17— “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” They were to chose whom to follow (be disciples by) by seeing their walk of life. If their walk matched that of the Apostles, which were from Christ’s own discipleship, then they had found a faithful discipler. Example or “ensemble” in this passage means to be imprinted like an embosser on paper. There should be an imprinting of one to another. This was true in my life, primarily by my Pastors, and as they introduced me to several other men who poured their life into mine. All of them were fallible as I, but were an example of Jesus to me. I saw the fruit of Christ poured out of them; as much as I did the humanity they struggled with. Nothing was hidden. I needed that example and understand that I was not alone in these struggles. I needed a confidant that I could speak with that would understand. A living example is essential in my opinion. I saw in their lives, fruit, as if the Spirit had engrafted Himself into them (which He does). They spent a lifetime fellowshipping with Jesus. They worked at their relationship with Him and didn’t coast. They consistently, as my dad would say— ‘found a new gear’. This example was life-altering. Again, I see it as essential. Scary? Yes. But essential. Remember— It is His fruit and not necessarily your’s. It isn’t all about you, and others are watching anyway. Many Christians are isolated from each other. They really do think that they aren’t, but most certainly are. Satan seeks to isolate us— so don’t fall for it! You need an example and you need to provide that for others. Do you think that can be done one day a week during a ‘worship service’? Nope, neither do I.
Churches also can be an example to other churches. Paul spoke of this in 1 Thessalonians 1.7— “So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.” The believers that were congregated together in Macedonia and Achaia saw the faith, and the struggles of faith, in the lives of the Thessalonians. Those who have already tried and failed and tried again are examples to us. To isolate yourself as a people is not healthy either, according to the examples of the New Testament. I think churches and their leaders need to find as many ways as possible to fellowship now more than ever. We are about to need each other more now than ever.
Bear His fruit for all the world to see. Be honest and share with those close to you your struggles in being human and yet bearing divine fruit. We must be real… because we are dealing with real people.