Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries
What it means to be initiated into the secret of the mystery. Part 73. The fruit of the Spirit represents supernatural qualities of the character of Christ.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
The fruit is the manifestation of the life of Jesus Christ or His character traits, GAL 5:22-23.
Nine words - denote the fruit of the Spirit that represents supernatural qualities of the character of Christ.
Christian leaders have crammed upon believers the idea that Christian character is a thing to be built by strenuous self-effort and self discipline.
This leads to a path which is characterized by dependence upon self and human works as the basis for acceptance with God and producing fruit.
There is a curse placed upon man when he trusts in himself and his own ability, JER 17:5.
This is all made possible because of the believer’s union with Christ, JOH 15:5,
1CO 12:12-13, and it is the fruit of the Spirit in those believers who have learned to rely on the indwelling power of God the Holy Spirit.
GAL 5:22 - love - nominative singular feminine noun - a*gavph =- agape = “love.”
Agape love is a relaxed mental attitude love.
Agape love is a mental attitude love which manifests itself through thoughtfulness of others, good manners, being relaxed around others and avoiding the sins of the tongue.
Agape love is also unconditional; you will accept and tolerate people as you find them.
The second part of the fruit - nominative singular feminine noun chara - carav - joy = inner happiness and contentment.
True happiness or joy is the monopoly from the Lord, a treasure in the soul, and therefore should be guarded carefully, and nothing in this world can ever coincide with it.
Having perfect happiness in the midst of it from the Holy Spirit is due to being sustained by the omnipotence of God the Holy Spirit inside the PPOG.
1. God’s happiness is dependent on the believer’s ability to separate from others.
PSA 1:1 How happy is the believer who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
2. God’s happiness is contingent on the ability of the believer to persevere.
JAM 1:12 Happy is the one who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
3. God’s happiness is also reliant on the believer receiving correction when needed.
JOB 5:17 Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
4. God’s happiness is dependent on retaining doctrine in the soul.
PRO 3:18 She [Wisdom-Doctrine] is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast.
5. Divine blessing is dependent on the happiness of God motivating the believer.
DEU 28:47 You did not serve the Lord your God with happiness and a glad heart, for the abundance of all things;
6. God’s happiness is dependent on the filling of the Holy Spirit.
ACT 13:52 And the disciples were continually filled with happiness and with the Holy Spirit.
7. God’s happiness does not depend on the destruction of your enemies.
PRO 24:17 Do not be happy when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
8. God’s happiness is dependent on your love for the PPOG.
PSA 119:35 Make me walk in the path of Thy commands, for I find happiness in it.
9. God’s happiness is dependent on your love for doctrine.
PSA 119:47 And I shall find happiness in Your commands, which I love.
10. God’s happiness is dependent on the believer operating in divine integrity.
PSA 106:13 How happy are those who guard justice, and who manufacture righteousness [the production of divine good] continually!
Once you draw sap or life from the Vine you will develop a joy or happiness which is revealed by not having what you want but wanting what you have.
There are some people who cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.
Happiness is not a destination; it is a method or manner of life whereby you are content.
It is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself.
Life’s biggest question is whether or not you are happy - not with others, but with yourself.
We travel through the world or the cosmos in search of happiness, and it is within the reach of every man because it can only be found in Christ resulting in a contented mind.
Happiness is the key to success.
You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.
In our lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.
1TH 5:16 - pantote chairo = always rejoice or be happy.
What a pity that so many people would rather believe their doubts and doubt their beliefs.