Kingdom Identity: Fruit of the Spirit

As God speaks to us, we want to listen and obey. James 1:22 says, ‘Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.’ God is alive, His Word is alive and as Kingdom People we desire to be those who grow not just in knowledge but also in obedience.

We can be strong in turbulent days when we hear and obey what the Father says.

As we seek to obey, we are led and empowered by the Holy Spirit living inside of us. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit comes as a mighty wind, and we may not be able to see wind, but we see the impact that wind has. Just as we see trees blowing in the wind, the Holy Spirit blowing in our lives will affect our words and actions.

‍Galatians 5:22 reveals 9 fruit of the Spirit- signs that the Holy Spirit is working in our lives. It is the behaviour that people will see coming from our lives, and there are several things that we can learn about this fruit.

‍Firstly, fruit reveals the King’s likeness. It reflects to others who our King is. It points to the glory and goodness of God. God’s love is manifest in the fruit of the Spirit. God is love (1 John 4:7) and so when we stay close to God, love for others should be evidenced in our lives.

‍Secondly, gifts of the Spirit are given but fruit of the Spirit is cultivated, and fruit matters more than gifts. Jesus says that people will be known by their fruit (Matthew 7:16) and 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that love is greater than the gifts (1 Corinthians 13:1).

‍Thirdly, fruit comes from relationship. In John 15, Jesus says that if we abide in Him, we will bear fruit (John 15:4). When our roots go deep in Christ, we will produce healthy fruit. Our goal is to become more Christlike, and the Holy Spirit is our help and source.

‍So, how do we cultivate this fruit?

‍- We live with integrity and excellence, pursuing Jesus (2 Peter 1:3).

‍- We grow in the knowledge of God (John 17:3).

‍ - We develop self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).

- We persevere (Romans 5:3-5).

- We love (Matthew 22:37-38).

Perhaps the fruit of the Spirit in your life looks like smiling at someone, opening the door for them or graciously responding to that difficult colleague who tests your patience!

You were created to know Christ and walk with Him. This week, spend time in His presence. Open your Bible, open your heart and abide in Him so that the fruit of the Spirit will be so displayed in your life that others will be drawn to the Father.

- Taken from Pastor Esther’s message.

Next steps:

- Read through the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. Ask the Holy Spirit whether there are any areas in your life that you need to repent of. Invite Him to lead you in freedom and fruit this week.      

- This week, be intentional in your obedience to Christ and acts of kindness to others.

- Catch up with the message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpv0CeKe7Ak