Fruit of the Holy Spirit

[Taafe]

This question is aimed at mature Christians who have been followers for many years.

I’ve only been a follower for 2 years, but I’m unsure if I am witnessing the fruits of the Holy Spirit in my life. I understand that I will never be perfect, yet I wish I could see clear evidence of the Holy Spirit working within me.
You hear testimonies from former drug addicts who have transformed their lives. I’m not a drug addict, but I haven't noticed any changes in myself since I became a believer.

For those of you who have been on this journey for a long time, have you noticed significant changes in your life over the years? I often find myself confused about my actions. I pray that one day I will look back and recognise the transformation God has accomplished in my life, but honestly, at this moment, I don’t see it.

 

[for_his_glory]

First may I ask if you are Spiritually born again and have received the baptism of Christ for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? Matthew 3:11; John 3:5-7; Acts 1:5-8.

Seven works of the Holy Spirit in sanctification
1. Transforms us - Romans 12:1-2; 2Corinthians 3:18
2. Convicts us of sin - John 16:8-11
3. Guides us into all truths - John 14:26
4. Empowers us to proclaim Christ - Acts 1-8; Ephesians 1:13
5. Gives us Spiritual gifts - 1Corinthians 12
6. Empowers us to worship - Ephesians 3:14-19
7. Leads us - Galatians 5:25

Fruits of the Holy Spirit:

Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Gal 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

 

[Taafe]

Yes, I was baptised last week. I definitely feel conviction. However, looking at the passages above, it seems to me that anyone who does these wicked things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Someone people will say we are covered with God’s grace and mercy and others will say we need to be obedient to God and His Word.

Looking at the passages above it seems to me we have to stop doing the things of the flesh. How, do you interpret that passage?

 

[for_his_glory]

Yes, I was baptised last week. I definitely feel conviction. However, looking at the passages above, it seems to me that anyone who does these wicked things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Someone people will say we are covered with God’s grace and mercy and others will say we need to be obedient to God and His Word.

Looking at the passages above it seems to me we have to stop doing the things of the flesh. How, do you interpret that passage?

Put on the new Spiritual self as you seek those things from above shedding the old sinful man (flesh) as we now walk in the Spirit being led by the Holy Spirit and stay obedient to His commands.

Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Col 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
Col 3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
Col 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Col 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Col 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Col 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Col 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

 

[Christ_empowered]

I’m not an expert. I’ve been genuinely saved for 12 years. I had a gray zone n which I knew scripture and doctrine but I didn’t know Jesus Christ. Know Jesus know change. So…

Christ is the center of our faith. My relative is in ministry and he always tells me: focus on Christ and Him crucified. I’d personally argue that the resurrection is equally important…Paul writes about this…

But anyway: love Jesus. Look to Jesus Christ. And…

At the same time I’ve learned to be more patient with myself. God saw fit to spare me are my worst and bring me to my senses so I should be tolerant of myself as Christ changes me. All human beings are fragile frail sin prone and sin marked creatures living in a fallen world .

Not everyone has a dramatic testimony. This isn’t a competition. Each believer has a different role in the body of Christ. Maybe you’re the stable law abiding citizen who came to his senses and now you’re becoming more compassionate more family oriented or less worldly…

I dunno not to sound harsh or judgmental but sometimes when I get too focused on where I am where I’ve been etc…

I pray and thank God for where I am and His work in my life. Again: not an expert and I’m m not talking down to you. I’m a flawed wok a day believer and this is how I’m approaching things right now, in my own life.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Someone people will say we are covered with God’s grace and mercy and others will say we need to be obedient to God and His Word.

Both are true.

Blessings, Taffe, and sorry I didn't see this thread until just now or I would have responded. Yes, you will eventually see an increase of the fruit of the Spirit in your life, especially as you give yourself more to studying the word in depth, and also to prayer and worship. The Devil tries to get believers away from these activities because he knows that this is how we are inhabited by the Spirit of God, and there is no holiness without the Holy Spirit.

Be encouraged. There are many obstacles we face along the way, but the plan of God is to just keep walking with Him.

If I may, how are you doing in your walk with Christ, and what spiritual activities are you engaging in?

Blessings,
- H

 

[onlysaved]

First may I ask if you are Spiritually born again and have received the baptism of Christ for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? Matthew 3:11; John 3:5-7; Acts 1:5-8.

Seven works of the Holy Spirit in sanctification
1. Transforms us - Romans 12:1-2; 2Corinthians 3:18
2. Convicts us of sin - John 16:8-11
3. Guides us into all truths - John 14:26
4. Empowers us to proclaim Christ - Acts 1-8; Ephesians 1:13
5. Gives us Spiritual gifts - 1Corinthians 12
6. Empowers us to worship - Ephesians 3:14-19
7. Leads us - Galatians 5:25

Fruits of the Holy Spirit:

Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Gal 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Fruit of the Spirit.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self control.

Everyone who believes receives the Holy Spirit.
Even King David had the Holy Spirit so apparently this isn't just a new Testament thing.
Psalm 51,11.
"Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me."

 

[for_his_glory]

Fruit of the Spirit.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self control.

Everyone who believes receives the Holy Spirit.
Even King David had the Holy Spirit so apparently this isn't just a new Testament thing.
Psalm 51,11.
"Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me."

Please direct your replies to the one who created this thread per the ToS as this is Q&A and not a debate forum. You can start a new thread if you would like to do so.

 

[Taafe]

I’m not an expert. I’ve been genuinely saved for 12 years. I had a gray zone n which I knew scripture and doctrine but I didn’t know Jesus Christ. Know Jesus know change. So…

Christ is the center of our faith. My relative is in ministry and he always tells me: focus on Christ and Him crucified. I’d personally argue that the resurrection is equally important…Paul writes about this…

But anyway: love Jesus. Look to Jesus Christ. And…

At the same time I’ve learned to be more patient with myself. God saw fit to spare me are my worst and bring me to my senses so I should be tolerant of myself as Christ changes me. All human beings are fragile frail sin prone and sin marked creatures living in a fallen world .

Not everyone has a dramatic testimony. This isn’t a competition. Each believer has a different role in the body of Christ. Maybe you’re the stable law abiding citizen who came to his senses and now you’re becoming more compassionate more family oriented or less worldly…

I dunno not to sound harsh or judgmental but sometimes when I get too focused on where I am where I’ve been etc…

I pray and thank God for where I am and His work in my life. Again: not an expert and I’m m not talking down to you. I’m a flawed wok a day believer and this is how I’m approaching things right now, in my own life.

Thank you for your input, you made some valid points. To be honest, I do sometimes compare myself to others at church and wish I had the love for God that they do.

I’m not saying I don’t love God, but there are days when I can go almost all day lost in my own thoughts without really thinking about Him. Then at night, before bed I pray, but I then feel guilty for not giving Him much attention throughout the day, as He only gets my focus right before I sleep for 5 mins or so.

My heart wants to live for God day and night, but I do find it challenging, but I hope this changes over time.

 

[Taafe]

Both are true.

Blessings, Taffe, and sorry I didn't see this thread until just now or I would have responded. Yes, you will eventually see an increase of the fruit of the Spirit in your life, especially as you give yourself more to studying the word in depth, and also to prayer and worship. The Devil tries to get believers away from these activities because he knows that this is how we are inhabited by the Spirit of God, and there is no holiness without the Holy Spirit.

Be encouraged. There are many obstacles we face along the way, but the plan of God is to just keep walking with Him.

If I may, how are you doing in your walk with Christ, and what spiritual activities are you engaging in?

Blessings,
- H

There's no need to apologise, H , and thank you as always for your response.

Currently, my wife and I host a Bible study group at our home, although I’m not the one leading it. I attend church every week and participate in a men's breakfast once a month. I help out at most church events, for example, today I assisted at the local carnival.
Is this what you meant with spiritual activities?

I must admit that I took a break from my Bible self-study and reading for a while, but I'm starting again this evening. I hope to get a good hour spending some time in the Word before bed tonight.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Currently, my wife and I host a Bible study group at our home, although I’m not the one leading it. I attend church every week and participate in a men's breakfast once a month. I help out at most church events, for example, today I assisted at the local carnival.
Is this what you meant with spiritual activities?

Yes, that's part of it. Prayer is also very important, but you get the idea.

I must admit that I took a break from my Bible self-study and reading for a while, but I'm starting again this evening. I hope to get a good hour spending some time in the Word before bed tonight.

I sometimes take a break as well. Writing is a grind, and most of my study converts directly over into writing these days. I believe in being accurate so I stick to what the NT writers were actually talking about, but eight straight weeks of explaining the same subject matter over and over can get a little monotonous, LoL, so I will take weeks off sometimes. I'm taking a bunch before starting the next series.

Glad to hear you are doing well. That's great to hear. Keep posting questions if you have any.

Blessings,
- H

 

[JLB]

I must admit that I took a break from my Bible self-study and reading for a while, but I'm starting again this evening. I hope to get a good hour spending some time in the Word before bed tonight.

Awesome.

You can believe this is the Holy Spirit at work in you to both desire and do His good pleasure.

Please know this walk we all are on is a journey and a process.

The Holy Spirit is leading in the ways of righteousness; the habits of righteousness.

He will continually lead to shut off the things of the world and to spend time with Him in reading the word, and learning to mediate on His word day and night.

This is how the Holy Spirit teaches us to guard (Keep) our thought life, our mind, which He desires to renew.

Renewing our mind and restoring our soul is the process.


Here is your homework.

Memorize Psalm 23.

Learn to meditate on this psalm for the next month. When you first start your day and when you lie down to sleep, recite this psalm quietly and soon you will experience and pray life flowing out of this habit.


The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever. Psalm 23:1-6

 

[Taafe]

Yes, that's part of it. Prayer is also very important, but you get the idea.


I sometimes take a break as well. Writing is a grind, and most of my study converts directly over into writing these days. I believe in being accurate so I stick to what the NT writers were actually talking about, but eight straight weeks of explaining the same subject matter over and over can get a little monotonous, LoL, so I will take weeks off sometimes. I'm taking a bunch before starting the next series.

Glad to hear you are doing well. That's great to hear. Keep posting questions if you have any.

Blessings,
- H

Do you have a structure for studying the Bible, such as a list of people and places, or do you simply follow where the Holy Spirit guides you?

 

[Hidden In Him]

Do you have a structure for studying the Bible, such as a list of people and places, or do you simply follow where the Holy Spirit guides you?

I have always just let the Holy Spirit lead me, Taafe. The thing about understanding scripture is this: You often cannot understand one thing unless you understand something else first. You won’t get one passage of scripture right until you realize what another passage of scripture is saying accurately. But if you let the Holy Spirit lead you, you will start to piece together more and more things as time goes on.

 

[Taafe]

I have always just let the Holy Spirit lead me, Taafe. The thing about understanding scripture is this: You often cannot understand one thing unless you understand something else first. You won’t get one passage of scripture right until you realize what another passage of scripture is saying accurately. But if you let the Holy Spirit lead you, you will start to piece together more and more things as time goes on.

That's what I love about the Bible. You think you understand something, but then you hear a sermon or read in a study Bible and everything just clicks into place.

Not sure what translation you use but I recommend the ESV and NIV study Bibles

 

[JLB]

I have always just let the Holy Spirit lead me, Taafe. The thing about understanding scripture is this: You often cannot understand one thing unless you understand something else first. You won’t get one passage of scripture right until you realize what another passage of scripture is saying accurately. But if you let the Holy Spirit lead you, you will start to piece together more and more things as time goes on.

It’s also good to ask for understanding.

Understanding like Wisdom is a Spirit:

Something and Someone.

 

[Hidden In Him]

That's what I love about the Bible. You think you understand something, but then you hear a sermon or read in a study Bible and everything just clicks into place.

Not sure what translation you use but I recommend the ESV and NIV study Bibles

Actually, if I'm into actual study I will look at the original language, especially the Greek. But for normal use I still use my old KJV cross-references. Just for convenience's sake I suppose.

 

[Beetow]

.
By the time of my conversion back in 1968, I had a history of arson, animal cruelty,
theft, riding about in stolen cars, profanity, misogyny, vandalism, dark moods, and
trespassing.

So one can easily imagine the feelings of relief that came over me when a
production manager at my place of work clued me into the fact (in so many
words) that God was thinking of me when Christ went to the cross, So when
it became convenient, I went with the manager to his church in Portland Oregon
and informed the minister why I was there that morning; and he and I plus my
friend the manager went down to the front rail where I prayed this simple prayer;

"God I know I'm a sinner. I would like to take advantage of your son's death."

I was 24 years old at the time, and here I am now 57 years later at 81 and all
those behaviors listed above are gone; though not all at once, they sort of faded
away.

● 2Cor 4:16 . .Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being
renewed day by day.

So then Christians who start out in a deplorable spiritual condition like I did really
ought to be experiencing improvements from time to time. Maybe they themselves
won't notice, but others who've known them for an extended period should very
definitely be impressed. Well; if not impressed then at least curious. For example:

Back in the 20th century, I worked nearly thirteen years in a boatyard located on
Shelter Island San Diego. After about ten years there-- and by then well known
thereabouts as a woman-hating loner --I realized that my strong dislike for women
had softened and I was wanting to be a daddy. So I bought some decent clothes,
repainted my car, joined a large church-sponsored single's group, and started
looking for a spouse.

Well; the boatyard supervisor became very curious about my attitude adjustment
and wanted to know what brought this on. Was it due to my own initiative? I
replied that people were praying for me. Well; that was true, but it wasn't the
whole truth. He was also seeing some of the results of Rom 8:11 & 2Cor 4:16 but I
couldn't tell him that because he was a pragmatic man and could never be expected
to buy into a supernatural explanation. In other words, I am convinced in my own
mind that I had been gradually undergoing a divine treatment for misogyny that
was so subtle I hadn't noticed.
_