"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (I Timothy 6:11-12)
"Flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (II Timothy 2:22)
"That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:17)
Herein, emerges an interesting understanding of the fruits of the Spirit. For example, often when we hear the fruits of the Spirit taught, it is in the context of apostle Paul's comparison of the fruits of the Spirit with the manifested works of the flesh. And, as well, that living in the Spirit (wherein we also walk in the Spirit) is compared to those who are yet (still?) under the law. (Galatians 5:17)
As we read further in Galatians 5, apostle Paul clarifies the fruit of the Spirit.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22)
In another place, apostle Paul (in writing to the saints which are at Ephesus and the faithful in Christ Jesus) -- "for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them] ... wherefore, He saith, "Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light!" (Ephesians 5:9-14; Ephesians 5:15-21)
Thus, the point worth noting here is the call to action. And that the fruits of the Spirit are more than just a church lesson wherein the fruits of the Spirit are compared to the lawless and disobedient, the ungodly and sinners, the unholy and profane. But rather, that we are similarly called to "follow" righteousness, faith, charity, and peace. (II Timothy 2:22)
"... and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." (I Timothy 6:11-12)
If we think of the fruits of the Spirit from the perspective of actually following, does it change our understanding somewhat? Is there a deeper message herein that we should be pursuing? Are we encouraged when we read that the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth -- to the point of proving what is acceptable unto the Lord? And lastly, are we who profess to believe willing to pursue His righteousness, His truth and goodness in the day to day?
I will leave these thoughts and questions for you to meditate upon. In so doing, ask the Lord Jesus to enlighten you -- the Christ who so willingly desires to give thee light. In closing, several scriptures to edify and instruct and move you forward in your faith walk ...
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:14-17)
"Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, [even] to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." (Romans 7:4, 6; Romans 8:2)
"Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man ..." (I Timothy 1:9)
Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
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