When is the last time you have been under the influence? I’m not talking about the spirit of alcohol, but the Spirit of God. Eph. 5:18 says “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.”
Isn’t it true that we all are filling ourselves with something? Some in our society are filling themselves with drugs, pride, envy, hate or hedonistic materialism. In contrast, the Christian is to be filled with the Spirit.
The word “filled” suggests that one is dominated, influenced or controlled by something. To be Spirit filled is to be controlled by Him. God controls this kind of person and the result is fruit. After listing the “works of the flesh” in Gal. 5:19-21, Paul turns to the “fruit of the Spirit”.
The very terminology may be meaningful. “Works” are that which we can do acting on our own impulses. “Fruit” sounds more like a passive element that happens as a result of something God does within us. Notice these characteristics are referred to as “singular”. There are 9 of them, but Paul doesn’t use the plural. Someone has suggested that these are a fragrant bouquet of graces.
They are not separable for giving one at a time. Each quality grows simultaneously in the life of the person in whom the Spirit of God dwells. Does your life reflect the fact that you are being led by the Spirit? Do others see: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control?
~~~Greely Kirkpatrick~~~
Isn’t it true that we all are filling ourselves with something? Some in our society are filling themselves with drugs, pride, envy, hate or hedonistic materialism. In contrast, the Christian is to be filled with the Spirit.
The word “filled” suggests that one is dominated, influenced or controlled by something. To be Spirit filled is to be controlled by Him. God controls this kind of person and the result is fruit. After listing the “works of the flesh” in Gal. 5:19-21, Paul turns to the “fruit of the Spirit”.
The very terminology may be meaningful. “Works” are that which we can do acting on our own impulses. “Fruit” sounds more like a passive element that happens as a result of something God does within us. Notice these characteristics are referred to as “singular”. There are 9 of them, but Paul doesn’t use the plural. Someone has suggested that these are a fragrant bouquet of graces.
They are not separable for giving one at a time. Each quality grows simultaneously in the life of the person in whom the Spirit of God dwells. Does your life reflect the fact that you are being led by the Spirit? Do others see: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control?
~~~Greely Kirkpatrick~~~
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