Church of Christ Bible Study: The Fruit of the Spirit 02

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The Fruit of the Spirit 02

Introduction:

   1. "The fruit of the Spirit" consists of 9 characteristics listed in Galatians 5:22-23.
         2. "Love" is the first of these special characteristics that God's children are to possess.

Discussion:

I.           LET US FIRST DETERMINE THE TYPE OF LOVE INCLUDED IN THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

         A. The Bible speaks of "brotherly love" (Hebrews 13:1).
         B. However, the type of love included in the fruit of the Spirit "seeks what is best for someone else, even
             though the other person may not deserve it and sacrifice is required."
         C. This type of love was demonstrated by:
             1. God (John 3:16)
             2. Christ (Ephesians 5:2)
             3. the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:33-35).

II.          THE BIBLE EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVE

         A. Jesus commanded it (John 13:34-35).
         B. "Charity" [love] is one of the graces that will keep a Christian from falling (2 Peter 1:5-11).
         C. Love is even greater than faith and hope (1 Corinthians 13:13).
         D. Since love is so important, we must know . . .

III.         THOSE WHOM WE ARE TO LOVE (Matthew 22:37-40)

         A. God is to be loved above everyone and everything else.
             1. We learn from 1 John 4:19 why God should be loved.
             2. Loving God includes obeying His will (1 John 5:3).
         B. We are to love our neighbors.
             1. According to the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37), neighbors are people in need.
             2. Love is shown to others by providing the things they need (Matthew 7:12; 1 John 3:17-19).
             3. Neighbors include:
                 a. brethren (1 John 4:11, 21)
                 b. enemies (Matthew 5:43-44; Romans 12:20-21).
         C. We are to love ourselves (Romans 12:1-3).

IV.         HOW LOVE IS TO ACT

         A. Love is to be genuine (Romans 12:9a).
         B. The ways in which love behaves are discussed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
         C. True love will:
             1. lead Christians to serve one another (Galatians 5:13-14)
             2. prevent Christians from biting and devouring each other (Galatians 5:15)
             3. eliminate "hatred" [a work of the flesh] (Galatians 5:20)
             4. eliminate the sins listed in Galatians 5:26.

Conclusion:

         1. The fruit of the Spirit begins with love.
         2. To bear the fruit of the Spirit we must sow correctly (Galatians 6:7-8).
         3. We will reap what we have sown.