Fruit meant for sharing (“Others is the hard part”)
In today's sermon, Pastor Jason explains that the Spirit-filled life thrives through intentional relationships, where fruit is developed not by indulging the flesh but by serving others in love. Fruit grows from abiding in Christ, looks and nourishes beautifully, and is meant to reproduce—especially as we crucify the flesh and walk with the Spirit together.
The thriving, fruitful, Spirit-filled life requires intentional relationships with other people.
[ Distinction #1 ] Opportunity for the flesh vs One-another serving through love
Freedom is not “I get to do whatever I want,” but “I can want better things and choose God’s way.”
[ Distinction #2 ] Denouncing “Flesh” vs Developing “Fruit”
Our “flesh” here is the part of us “trained and stained by sin”.
This retraining is what the Spirit does in us, collectively and communally through the exercising of the fruit of the Spirit.
Three key characteristics of fruit
1. Fruit comes from abiding, not working (right-work amplifies the yield)
2. Fruit is pleasant to receive, both its looks and its nourishment.
3. Fruit is built to reproduce. (Great analogy of the Spirit-filled believer!)
Homework: explore the fruit of the Spirit through asking:
“How is the fruit of the Spirit dependent on “others”?
“What are the roles of “others” in developing & displaying the fruit of the Spirit?”
[ Distinction #3 ] Crucify the Flesh & Keep step with the Spirit
Gal. 2:19-21
19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
The thriving, fruitful, Spirit-filled life requires intentional relationships with other people.
Homework: explore the fruit of the Spirit through asking:
“How is the fruit of the Spirit dependent on “others”?
“What are the roles of “others” in developing & displaying the fruit of the Spirit?”
What “fruit” of serving others through love needs development in my life?