Sunday, July 31, 2016

Reflection - What Are Spiritual Gifts?

Source Website: http://christianity.about.com/od/holyspirittopicalstudy/a/spiritualgifts.htm
Posted by Mary Fairchild, Christianity Expert


What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Gifts?
PHOTO: What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are given to God's people by the Holy Spirit for "the common good" and are given according to God's sovereign will. They are given to prepare God's people for service and for building up the body of Christ.

We can certainly learn of the gifts from these lists, but if we limit the gifts of the Spirit to those few that were enumerated, we miss the point. The best way for us to understand spiritual gifts is to know how we can care for and serve one another to the glory of God. Whether we do that through teaching, feeding, healing, or any other method, we have a responsibility to God and to one another to offer ourselves as servants (2 Corinthians 4:9). [3]
Picture posted by Laura Magnifico - The 7 Best Gifts of the Holy Spirit 
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkLiOcfXWVmMXjZFAO4Wvv2FKIbPh3Bql4isqpTfXOVCz4ZWVDacXJvL4_OCHznvzUTUFeWCHzz425xLokMwxdnEsOz5xNyPFwrY0Ou2yQD4Lu6EAdTX4y6h0Ofop-QHtLSyKe82yJZE/s1600/Gifts-Holy-Spirit-927x1024.jpg
http://blog.catholicfaithstore.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Gifts-Holy-Spirit-927x1024.jpg
http://blog.catholicfaithstore.com/7-best-gifts-one-receives-confirmation/


Spiritual gifts are the source of much controversy and confusion among believers. This is interesting and something of a sad commentary, since these gifts are meant to be graces from God for the edification of the church. Even today, as in the early church, the misuse and misunderstanding of spiritual gifts bring division - splitting up, rather than building up - in the church. This resource seeks to avoid the controversies and simply explore what the Bible says about spiritual gifts.


The idea of telling the future (Prophecy) was added sometime in the Middle Ages and is in direct contradiction to other scriptural passages that condemn such fortune-telling or predicting the future.
PHOTO: The idea of telling the future (Prophecy) was added sometime in the Middle Ages and is in direct contradiction to other scriptural passages that condemn such fortune-telling or predicting the future. This especially true when it is used for profitable reason, doing more harm than good, distracting rather than attracting. (Acts 16:16-18). [2]
Texts from Got Questions Ministries, http://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-gifts-list.html
Picture posted by Christopher R Smith in Christian Living
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlIX-UsMHyCjSnZajr2WJ9h_00PidF4WIUKsQfLJtgvU3m4SXKzCreFN1cYCkCMXqHhGp9IIvDxjoEo3fn0E6374-Qhh93ZvbWFag0WmXCJ_G5VXnFjUnM7SXLMLJX0gEk9dv87ykTh8/s1600/PaulandDemon_Girl_1179-61.jpg
https://i1.wp.com/bibleencyclopedia.com/picturesjpeg/PaulandDemon_Girl_1179-61.jpg
https://goodquestionblog.com/2014/12/04/why-did-paul-silence-a-spirit-in-philippi-that-was-speaking-the-truth-about-him/


What Are Spiritual Gifts?
In 1 Corinthians 12, we learn that spiritual gifts are given to God's people by the Holy Spirit for "the common good." Verse 11 says the gifts are given according to God's sovereign will ("as he determines"). Ephesians 4:12 tells us these gifts are given to prepare God's people for service and for building up the body of Christ.

The term "spiritual gifts" comes from the Greek words charismata (gifts) and pneumatika (spirits). They are the plural forms of charisma, meaning "expression of grace," and pneumatikon meaning "expression of Spirit."

While there are different kinds of gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4), generally speaking, spiritual gifts are God-given graces (special abilities, offices, or manifestations) meant for works of service, to benefit and build up the body of Christ as a whole.


Generally speaking, spiritual gifts are God-given graces (special abilities, offices, or manifestations) meant for works of service, to benefit and build up the body of Christ as a whole (1 Corinthians 12:27).
PHOTO: Generally speaking, spiritual gifts are God-given graces (special abilities, offices, or manifestations) meant for works of service, to benefit and build up the body of Christ as a whole (1 Corinthians 12:27).
Picture posted by The Sharper Sword on 20 July 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqa8u6KJvGhd9KnPmhz6Z6dJdIHgJ69ZG1iCTJhGchYAC_OF9hOUPHJOPmVUxmr9sJhHzGgHb2_vsg5TCMP6R9n5GuD65HoT88SFJFTqskmO7unayl3bs_TYcA_lKPvULK061Tw_o1Ak/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HYJEAqLjLVQ/maxresdefault.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYJEAqLjLVQ


Biblical References to Spiritual Gifts
The spiritual gifts can be found in the following passages of Scripture:
Romans 12:6-8 (Motivational - Grace)
1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28-31 (Manifestation, Ministry)
Ephesians 4:7-13 (Ministry)
1 Peter 4:10 (Ministry)


Biblical References to Spiritual Gifts
PHOTO: Biblical References to Spiritual Gifts
The spiritual gifts can be found in the above passages of Scripture.
Picture posted by Timothy James Gibson
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http://b1ca250e5ed661ccf2f1-da4c182123f5956a3d22aa43eb816232.r10.cf1.rackcdn.com/contentItem-3264202-17119752-r6ajebtgyzxcl-or.png
https://flowvella.com/s/16pf/Painting-the-Picture


Categories Spiritual Gifts
Although there is a great deal of disagreement over spiritual gifts among different denominations, most Bible scholars classify these gifts into three categories: ministry gifts, manifestation gifts, and motivational gifts.


Categories Spiritual Gifts
PHOTO: Categories Spiritual Gifts
Most Bible scholars classify these gifts into three categories: ministry gifts, manifestation gifts, and motivational gifts.
Picture posted by FrDoug on 29 October 2009
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHrMlPelKl130aW3M8-BlmOxuojmRNdnYzYBVcnc7hEFbtNoCz_gjYCBgSUg30tbUXMVlUcSFtzbNEP30RZuObmmZYE_IMOd9HKAeOcvg1FGE0I6IW3fvfJ9Cref_wbIsL_m-T2iXl64/s1600/spiritual-gifts-3-728.jpg
http://image.slidesharecdn.com/spiritualgifts-091029111641-phpapp01/95/spiritual-gifts-3-728.jpg?cb=1256815041
http://www.slideshare.net/FrDoug/spiritual-gifts-2376546


Ministry Gifts (Gifts of the Son)
The ministry gifts serve to reveal the plan of God. They are characteristic of a full-time office or calling, rather than a gift that can function in and through any believer. The ministry gifts were once presented to me through a five finger illustration that I've never forgotten:


The ministry gifts (Gifts of the Son) through five fingers (five-fold ministry)
PHOTO: The ministry gifts (Gifts of the Son) through five fingers (five-fold ministry)
The ministry gifts serve to reveal the plan of God. They are characteristic of a full-time office or calling, rather than a gift that can function in and through any believer.
"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers" (Ephesians 4:11)

The seventh time the servant reported, "A cloud as small as a mans hand is rising from the sea."
So Elijah said, "Go and tell Ahab, 'Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.'" (1 Kings 18:44)
Picture posted by Rev. Rafael D. Martinez, Co-Director, Spiritwatch Ministries [4]
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyl1xheyqJ9-eWyV37NnIjMptfZcxZ505Y7gQraRBAaHJms5V-ywhNMMc2vf5zyLne7l3fyNVIPwbL-qaUlmlYnw4b0E6Bf27zVcvF1njhJgD52NklApycO10FD5I2ONqLPaC3H__UX0/s1600/hand4.gif
http://spiritwatch.org/hand4.gif
http://www.spiritwatch.org/firefivespab2.htm


Apostle - An apostle establishes and builds churches; he's a church planter.
An apostle may function in many or all of the ministry gifts. He is the "thumb," the strongest of all of the fingers, able to touch every finger.

Prophet - Prophet in the Greek means to "forth tell" in the sense of speaking for another. A prophet functions as God's mouth piece, speaking forth God's Word. The prophet is the "index finger," or pointer finger. He points to the future and points out sin.

Evangelist - An evangelist is called to be a witness for Jesus Christ. He works for the local church to bring people into the body of Christ where they can be discipled. He may evangelize through music, drama, preaching, and other creative ways. He is the "middle finger," the tallest one who stands out in the crowd.
Evangelists draw a lot of attention, but they are called to serve the local body.

Pastor - The pastor is the shepherd of the people. A true shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The pastor is the "ring finger." He is married to the church; called to stay, oversee, nurture and guide.

Teacher - The teacher and the pastor are often a shared office, but not always. The teacher lays the foundation and is concerned with detail and accuracy. He delights in research to validate truth. The teacher is the "pinky finger." Though seemingly small and insignificant, he is designed specifically for digging into tight, dark places, shinning light and picking apart the Word of truth.


Ministry Gifts (Ephesians 4:11)
PHOTO: Ministry Gifts (Ephesians 4:11)
Paul says that "He (Jesus Christ) gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers."
Posted by David Guion on 26 May 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaufx1jKKWTRrOfh2CKq5j-oSkbfIkrSoVAueRQaWtFxCLIHp7rKtBDSnMWO7jIQWlLBGxJcNQInLnfoVMcfCRbVdX5tUnveb4aZ_ACduccvIur0eJrEaT5n4yAp9DMVkSDWLjbU1XhV8/s1600/five-fold-ministry.jpg
http://grace.allpurposeguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/five-fold-ministry.jpg
http://grace.allpurposeguru.com/2015/05/now-concerning-spiritual-gifts/


Manifestation Gifts (Gifts of the Holy Spirit)
The manifestation gifts serve to reveal the power of God. These gifts are supernatural or spiritual in nature. They can be further subdivided into three groups: utterance, power, and revelation.

Utterance - These gifts say something:
Power - These gifts do something:
Revelation - These gifts reveal something:

Prophecy - This is the "forth telling" of the inspired Word of God primarily to the church, for the purpose of confirming the written Word and building up the entire body. The message is usually one of edification, exhortation or consolation, although it can declare God's will in a particular circumstance, and in rare cases, predict future events.

Speaking in Tongues - This is a supernatural utterance in an unlearned language which is interpreted so that the entire body will be edified. Tongues may also be a sign to unbelievers. Learn more about speaking in tongues.

Interpretation of Tongues - This is a supernatural interpretation of a message in tongues, translated into the known language so that the hearers (the entire body) will be edified.

Faith - This is not the faith that is measured to every believer, nor is it "saving faith." This is special, supernatural faith given by the Spirit to receive miracles or to believe God for miracles.

Healing - This is supernatural healing, beyond natural means, given by the Spirit.

Miracles - This is the supernatural suspension of the natural laws, or an intervention by the Holy Spirit into the laws of nature.

Word of Wisdom - This is supernatural knowledge applied in a godly or correct way. One commentary describes it as "insight into doctrinal truth."

Word of Knowledge - This is supernatural knowledge of facts and information that can only be revealed by God for the purpose of applying doctrinal truth.

Discerning of Spirits - This is the supernatural ability to distinguish between spirits such as good and evil, truthful or deceiving, prophetic versus satanic.


Manifestation Gifts (Gifts of the Holy Spirit)
PHOTO: Manifestation Gifts  (Gifts of the Holy Spirit)
The manifestation gifts serve to reveal the power of God. These gifts are supernatural or spiritual in nature.
Picture posted by talentshare.org
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy42V4SsivbwAft6lmj8kUoBlt7ynDlnrpl9ett2FjOkIpLpmXtRvuSA2mz56T4tDNYe_PHFGRyXG3ezFPA9xr2Kr4AdnNw-R30PMNRGoBiaLwqHm1HrMHuyiiDsO_DELodq3n9aJaxWM/s1600/image269.jpg
http://www.talentshare.org/~mm9n/articles/Paultheo/THEOLOGY%20OF%20PAUL_files/image269.jpg
http://www.talentshare.org/~mm9n/articles/Paultheo/10.htm


Motivational Gifts (Gifts of the Father)
The motivational gifts serve to reveal the personality of God. These gifts are practical in nature. They describe the inner motivations of the Christian servant.


Motivational Gifts (Gifts of the Father)
PHOTO: Motivational Gifts (Gifts of the Father) - Romans 12:6-8
The motivational gifts serve to reveal the personality of God. These gifts are practical in nature. They describe the inner motivations of the Christian servant.
Picture posted by Mercy Doris Jones
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http://images.slideplayer.com/24/7359345/slides/slide_4.jpg
http://slideplayer.com/slide/7359345/


Prophecy - Those with the motivational gift of prophecy are the "seers" or "eyes" of the body. They have insight, foresight, and act like watch dogs in the church. They warn of sin or reveal sin. They are usually very verbal and may come across as judgmental and impersonal; they are loyal to truth over friendship, serious, dedicated.

Ministering/Serving/Helps - Those with the motivational gift of serving are the "hands" of the body. They are concerned with meeting needs; they are highly motivated, doers. They may tend to over commit, but find joy in serving and meeting short-term goals.

Teaching - Those with the motivational gift of teaching are the "mind" of the body.
They realize their gift is foundational; they emphasize accuracy of words and love to study; they delight in research to validate truth.

Giving - Those with the motivational gift of giving are the "arms" of the body. They truly enjoy reaching out in giving. They are excited by the prospect of blessing others; they desire to give quietly, in secret, but will also motivate others to give. They are alert to people's needs; they give cheerfully and always give the best that they can.

Exhortation/Encouragement - Those with the motivational gift of encouragement are the "mouth" of the body. Like cheerleaders, they encourage other believers and are motivated by a desire to see people grow and mature in the Lord.
They are practical and positive and they seek positive responses.

Administration/Leadership - Those with the motivational gift of leadership are the "head" of the body. They have the ability to see the overall picture and set long-term goals; they are good organizers and find efficient ways of getting work done.
Although they may not seek leadership, they will assume it when no leader is available. They receive fulfillment when others come together to complete a task.

Mercy - Those with the motivational gift of mercy are the "heart" of the body. They easily sense the joy or distress in other people and are sensitive to feelings and needs. They are attracted to and patient with people in need, motivated by a desire to see people healed of hurts. They are truly meek in nature and avoid firmness.


Spiritual gifts are meant to be graces from God for the edification of the church.
PHOTO: Spiritual gifts are meant to be graces from God for the edification of the church. Spiritual gifts are meant for works of service, to benefit and build up the body of Christ as a whole.
Picture posted by Maria Luengo on 27 January 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdO0yicucORacQydiFK6voWBUPf5nkgtE7IsmEelFdpb5qFtt0gHFTWq5kTHALP9xCcx80ewd4Mibx1XwR5wwR0ht5He7jCBx42Czzkh9rj4OHt52pp0MFquq5AeJ5dRXlvBQF84wEEzs/s1600/sunset-hands-love-woman_b.jpg
https://www.bungalowsclub.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/sunset-hands-love-woman_b.jpg
https://www.bungalowsclub.com/info/blog-del-viajero/madrid-san-valentin/


The idea behind the spiritual gifts is that different people receive different gifts as a blessing from God, and the church becomes effective in its mission when everyone uses their gifts to work together.
PHOTO: The idea behind the spiritual gifts is that different people receive different gifts as a blessing from God, and the church becomes effective in its mission when everyone uses their gifts to work together.
Picture posted by talentshare.org
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPxeQUdVdi7QUe85CL0JEbPAzTS-cQ3IWVQi6fTzwt1E9hm1vBdioZZ06qnl02f0EzV5RSSTBXsMbvyLpGH3zV0iDDYKV31Z9WcV2_V79f-4Y04iLwa8dQAGjjg3cINTXc4Hp22AoGt0/s1600/image266.jpg
http://www.talentshare.org/~mm9n/articles/Paultheo/THEOLOGY%20OF%20PAUL_files/image266.jpg
http://www.talentshare.org/~mm9n/articles/Paultheo/10.htm
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2016/07/reflection-what-is-fruit-of-spirit.html


Each part of the body is given gifts (coded within the organ) so that the body may work perfectly in accordance with the will of the head.
PHOTO: Each part of the body is given gifts (coded within the organ) so that the body may work perfectly in accordance with the will of the head. [5]
Posted by talentshare.org
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yFJg3Kp_JSjAoRY5VLjawQWF5CfvG_eB90rXjRL8Fv792wF9KMSo-CS5oMcqm9bC3fruNWwocj-xLrqKv1tdO5wbklaF_7I9trbMtDuuWGfSNn1gIKWtpZNxze-Hl40i8Np3EhYZrak/s1600/image273.gif
http://www.talentshare.org/~mm9n/articles/Paultheo/THEOLOGY%20OF%20PAUL_files/image273.gif
http://www.talentshare.org/~mm9n/articles/Paultheo/10.htm
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2016/07/reflection-what-is-fruit-of-spirit.html

 Posted by Mary Fairchild, Christianity Expert



Reference
[1] What Are Spiritual Gifts?, What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Gifts?, Posted by Mary Fairchild, Christianity Expert, http://christianity.about.com/od/holyspirittopicalstudy/a/spiritualgifts.htm

[2] Is there a biblical spiritual gifts list?, posted by Got Questions Ministries, http://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-gifts-list.html

[3] Spiritual gifts survey - what are the different spiritual gifts the Bible mentions?, posted by Got Questions Ministries, http://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-gifts-survey.html

[4] The Five Fold Ministry And Spiritual Abuse: Part 2 of 4, by Rev. Rafael D. Martinez, Co-Director, Spiritwatch Ministries, http://www.spiritwatch.org/firefivespab2.htm

[5] THEOLOGY OF PAUL, CHAPTER TEN: PNEUMATOLOGY OF PAUL (the branch of Christian theology concerned with the Holy Ghost and other spiritual concepts),  Posted by talentshare.org, http://www.talentshare.org/~mm9n/articles/Paultheo/10.htm

NIV, New International Version, Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

1 Corinthians 12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12&version=NIV

1 Corinthians 12:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12%3A4&version=NIV

1 Corinthians 12:4-11- https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12%3A4-11&version=NIV

1 Corinthians 12:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12%3A11&version=NIV

1 Corinthians 12:27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12%3A27&version=NIV

1 Corinthians 12:28-31 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12%3A28-31&version=NIV

1 Kings 18:44 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+18%3A44&version=NIV

1 Peter 4:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+4%3A10&version=NIV

2 Corinthians 4:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A9&version=NIV

Acts 16:16-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+16%3A16-18&version=NIV

Ephesians 4:7-13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A7-13&version=NIV

Ephesians 4:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A11&version=NIV

Ephesians 4:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A12&version=NIV

Romans 12:6-8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A6-8&version=NIV
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Thursday, July 28, 2016

Reflection - What Is the Fruit of the Spirit?



The indwelling Holy Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit in us.
PHOTO: The indwelling Holy Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit in us.
The actual phrase "fruit of the Spirit" occurs only one place in the Scriptures. Here it is:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)
We can't "try harder" in our attempts to be more spiritual. We can't say, "I'm going to be especially loving today so that I can demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit." That doesn't work. Instead, when we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and transform our hearts, we naturally display the fruit of the Spirit in the same way that apples naturally grow on apple trees when they are healthy and mature.
The more we surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit, the more we produce those characteristics that define a follower of Christ: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. We offer all of these as evidence that we are truly being transformed by God's Spirit within us.
Posted by Sam O'Neal
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyOLATmwxKW71CoVJxu4PCI5GgtH74ilzcTOJs1l4rNVOHLqD822MrybfYav1g_vmQfVirJuo9bu4m2VhVZG_HYej0cLzQ_cY-q-DvzKW2R5Dg2TDrrsNuPEy4TkNIFxPhE_vQiQW76w/s1600/09.22.14Fruit-of-the-Spirit.jpg
http://f.tqn.com/y/bible/1/S/x/0/-/-/09.22.14Fruit-of-the-Spirit.jpg
http://bible.about.com/od/Famouspassages/fl/What-Is-the-Fruit-of-the-Spirit.htm
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2016/07/reflection-christian-response-to.html


If you hear a few sermons or read through a couple Bible studies, you're likely to run across the term "fruit of the Spirit." It's one of the most common phrases used by those who want to follow Jesus and practice what the Bible says.

Unfortunately, it's also one of the most misunderstood concepts in the New Testament epistles. Let's take a few moments to explore why.

The Source
The actual phrase "fruit of the Spirit" occurs only one place in the Scriptures. Here it is:
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)


The 'fruit of the Spirit' occurs only one place in the Scriptures.
PHOTO: The "fruit of the Spirit" occurs only one place in the Scriptures. "22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)
The fruit of the spirit is Love! The fruit is one and the same thing. Call it love, call it discipleship. It’s a ring, a loop that keeps turning. Love me, obey my commandments, what are my commandments, love!
Posted by Deolu Akinyemi
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBB-wSf_736ynHyF-Xr6OfVMW9sgtAMXBkAdf8xLRcaJWyG1wQpH0Wvc25NRKNwwDpXhp-YOEygHQ3SEKg33wRvC0bGaj4A66Lnm29MqPPL4LSoI07TS62AjfhnvHiAmswWmsPl5UrJo/s1600/fruit-of-the-spirit-tree11-434x330.jpg
http://www.deoluakinyemi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/fruit-of-the-spirit-tree11-434x330.jpg
http://www.deoluakinyemi.com/fruit-or-fruit/


As with all passages of Scripture, it's important to note the context that surrounds specific verses. In this case, Paul has spent most of Galatians 5 proclaiming the freedom and blessing that come when our lives are connected to God's Spirit, and contrasting that freedom with the consequences of living under our own power and desires - which Paul calls "the flesh."

Interestingly, the fruit of the Spirit are a direct contrast to these verses, where Paul identifies the "works of the flesh":
"19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance - as I told you before - that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21)


Paul has spent most of Galatians 5 proclaiming the freedom and blessing that come when our lives are connected to God's Spirit, and contrasting that freedom with the consequences of living under our own power and desires - which Paul calls 'the flesh.'
PHOTO: Paul has spent most of Galatians 5 proclaiming the freedom and blessing that come when our lives are connected to God's Spirit, and contrasting that freedom with the consequences of living under our own power and desires - which Paul calls "the flesh."
"19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance - as I told you before - that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21)
"But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." (Galatians 5:18)
Picture posted by Chiang Mai-Wandering on 22 January 2016
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So, we have the "works of the flesh," which encompasses all the evil that occurs when we attempt to live based on our own desires and our own ability to choose what's right. And we have the "fruit of the Spirit," which is what Christians experience when we embrace the freedom of allowing ourselves to be nurtured and empowered by God's Spirit.

The Misconception
The reason so many people are confused about the fruit of the Spirit is because so many Christians and church leaders often approach this passage as if there are multiple "fruits." It's common to hear people say things like, "I have the fruit of love, but I really need to gain more of the fruit of patience."

In other words, a number of Christians have been taught that the "fruit of the Spirit" are nine separate blessings that we are given in varying degrees once we follow Christ.

Such teaching confuses the fruit of the Spirit with the concept of "spiritual gifts." And it's easy to see how those two concepts could become confused. The spiritual gifts are unique blessings that God gives to individual Christians through their own personalities, talents, and abilities.


Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Spirit
PHOTO: Example of Spiritual Gifts from the New Testament:
And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry;  or he that teacheth, to his teaching; or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:4-8)
And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers. [2]
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For example, here is a list of several gifts from the New Testament:
"4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 6 According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts:

If prophecy,
use it according to the standard of one’s faith;
7 if service, in service;
if teaching, in teaching;
8 if exhorting, in exhortation;
giving, with generosity;
leading, with diligence;
showing mercy, with cheerfulness."
(Romans 12:4-8)

In this case, it would be both true and appropriate for someone to say, "I have the spiritual gift of teaching, but I am not gifted as a leader." The idea behind the spiritual gifts is that different people receive different gifts as a blessing from God, and the church becomes effective in its mission when everyone uses their gifts to work together.


The idea behind the spiritual gifts is that different people receive different gifts as a blessing from God, and the church becomes effective in its mission when everyone uses their gifts to work together.
PHOTO: The idea behind the spiritual gifts is that different people receive different gifts as a blessing from God, and the church becomes effective in its mission when everyone uses their gifts to work together.
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Each part of the body is given gifts (coded within the organ) so that the body may work perfectly in accordance with the will of the head.
PHOTO: Each part of the body is given gifts (coded within the organ) so that the body may work perfectly in accordance with the will of the head. [2]
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The fruit of the Spirit, however, is a different matter.

The Truth About the Fruit
Going back to Galatians 5, the best way to clarify the common misconception surrounding the fruit of the Spirit is to remember that Paul was writing about one "fruit" - singular. His language does not suggest many "fruits," plural.

So, when disciples of Jesus attempt to retain control of their lives and make decisions based on their own wisdom and strength, the result is "works of the flesh" such as sexual immorality, hatred, jealousy, bursts of anger, and so on. However, when Christians let go of that control and surrender to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they see the "fruit of the Spirit" develop in their lives.

Meaning, disciples who are nurtured and empowered by the Holy Spirit demonstrate all of the characteristics Paul described in these verses: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.


The fruit of the Spirit, however, is different from Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
PHOTO: The fruit of the Spirit, however, is different from Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The spiritual gifts are unique blessings that God gives to individual Christians through their own personalities, talents, and abilities.

The Truth About the Fruit
Going back to Galatians 5, the best way to clarify the common misconception surrounding the fruit of the Spirit is to remember that Paul was writing about one "fruit" - singular. His language does not suggest many "fruits," plural.
Meaning, disciples who are nurtured and empowered by the Holy Spirit demonstrate all of the characteristics Paul described in these verses: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.
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This is a vital distinction on two levels. First, we can't "try harder" in our attempts to be more spiritual. We can't say, "I'm going to be especially loving today so that I can demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit." That doesn't work. Instead, when we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and transform our hearts, we naturally display the fruit of the Spirit in the same way that apples naturally grow on apple trees when they are healthy and mature.


We can't 'try harder' in our attempts to be more spiritual.
PHOTO: We can't "try harder" in our attempts to be more spiritual. We can't say, "I'm going to be especially loving today so that I can demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit." That doesn't work. Instead, when we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and transform our hearts, we naturally display the fruit of the Spirit in the same way that apples naturally grow on apple trees when they are healthy and mature.
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Second, we don't manifest individual "fruits" of the Spirit, as I mentioned above. Instead, the more we surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit, the more we produce those characteristics that define a follower of Christ: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. We offer all of these as evidence that we are truly being transformed by God's Spirit within us.

That's vital. As Jesus said, that same fruit is the evidence that shows whether we are truly following Him: "15 Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. 16 You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So you’ll recognize them by their fruit." (Matthew 7:15-20)


We don't manifest individual 'fruits' of the Spirit.
PHOTO: We don't manifest individual "fruits" of the Spirit.  Instead, the more we surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit, the more we produce those characteristics that define a follower of Christ: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. We offer all of these as evidence that we are truly being transformed by God's Spirit within us - into a "good tree".
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Posted by Sam O'Neal (About.com)



Reference
[1] What Is the Fruit of the Spirit?, Posted by Sam O'Neal About.com),
http://bible.about.com/od/Famouspassages/fl/What-Is-the-Fruit-of-the-Spirit.htm

[2]  THEOLOGY OF PAUL, CHAPTER TEN: PNEUMATOLOGY OF PAUL (the branch of Christian theology concerned with the Holy Ghost and other spiritual concepts),  Posted by talentshare.org, http://www.talentshare.org/~mm9n/articles/Paultheo/10.htm

NIV, New International Version, Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Galatians 5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5&version=NIV

Galatians 5:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A18&version=NIV

Galatians 5:19-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A19-21&version=NIV

Galatians 5:22-23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A22-23&version=NIV

Matthew 7:15-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A15-20&version=NIV

Romans 12:4-8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A4-8&version=NIV
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