Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Psalm 1
1. Galatians 5:18-26.
2. John 15:1-5
First of all, a fruit plant or tree will only produce one kind of fruit.
When we bent over a plant to pick its fruit, we didn’t expect apples or oranges or kiwi to be attached to the plant. We knew that strawberry plants always bear strawberries.
A. Second, the source of the fruit was the plant it was attached to. – Fruit doesn’t just appear out of nowhere; it’s the outgrowth of something it grows out of.
B. Furthermore, we knew to pick fruit off live plants, because those not attached to the fruit are already dead, or was in the process of dying.
Illustration
In one of his meetings, D.L. Moody was explaining to his audience the truth that we cannot bring about spiritual changes in our lives by our own strength. He demonstrated the principal like this: “Tell me,” he said to his audience, “how can I get the air out of the tumbler I have in my hand?” One man said, “Suck it out with a pump.” But Moody replied, “That would create a vacuum and shatter it.” Finally after many suggestions, he picked up a pitcher and quietly filled the glass with water. “There,” he said, “all the air is now removed.” He then explained that victory for the child of God does not come by working hard to eliminate sinful habits, but rather by allowing Christ to take full possession.
John 15:1-5
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.3 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
The Christian life is a supernatural life. No Christian, of themselves, has what it takes to live it. Jesus couldn’t have put that more clearly when He said, “without Me you can do nothing.” We could interpret that to mean “without His help, or “without His blessing” but that is not what Jesus meant. He meant HE ALONE is the source of a fruitful, abundant, spiritual life. As a branch will wither and die without the sustaining life of the vine, so all our attempts to produce Christian character will be fruitless and frustrating apart from a continuing, need by need abiding in Christ.
John 16:1-14
The words of John 16 should be familiar to you by now. Jesus is sharing with his disciples, possibly on the very night he was to be betrayed, and He begins to teach them about the Holy Spirit. Let’s look at these words together one more time. John 16.
On the basis of those words, we have been exploring this “advantage” of the Holy Spirit. We have looked at who the Holy Spirit is. What the Holy Spirit does, some of His activities throughout the Word of God, and all history.
Galatians 5:16
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
What is the Importance of the Fruit of the Spirit?
“Fruit of the Spirit” is a term found in the Book of Galatians, which is where the Apostle Paul is talking to the Churches in Galatia, who have been led astray from the Gospel of Christ and reverted back to the Law of Moses.
As Paul explains that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, he brings in the Fruit of the Spirit which is how we are to live as redeemed Children of God.
If you look at the last half of Galatians 5: 23, of our key scriptures,
It says “against such there is no law.” This means that when you live by the Fruit of the Spirit, there is no need for the law. Now this is not the governing laws of our country (which we should obey), but the law of Moses that was nailed to the tree when Jesus died for our sins. Jesus replaced that law.
Galatians 5:25-26
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our savior and have received the Holy Spirit, then we must let the Holy Spirit direct our steps. It is important that we don't put on vain glory or become conceited. Because when we do that, it provokes others. When we are conceited it opens up the sin of envy which has no place in the life of a child of God.
What Are the Fruits of the Spirit?
Galatians 5:22-23.
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Longsuffering
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self-control
The fruit of the Spirit is not the work of the believer. It is the work of Christ in his soul... That is being done in him and through him by the Lord Himself. It may be noted that the apple grows on the apple tree; the orchard owner does not have to do it. The Lord gives the increase: that fruit grows by the power of God.
Illustration
There was once a Christian celebration on the west coast of Africa, when converted natives brought of their meager possessions to show their devotion to Christ, a young girl only recently saved from paganism brought a silver coin worth about eighty-five cents, and handed this to the missionary as her gift to the Savior. The good man was astounded at the size of the offering, and hesitated to accept it, supposing it must have been obtained dishonestly; but when he delicately asked for an explanation of this lavish gift, the convert told him that she had gone to a neighboring planter and bound herself out to him as a slave for the rest of her life for this coin.
Thus, she brought the whole monetary equivalent of her life and placed it as a single gift at the feet of her Lord.
Illustration
Evangelist Tom Hayes, of Saluda, North Carolina, said, “Did you know you can take a Crab apple tree, cut it off at the base, and make it a Red Delicious apple tree? By grafting a little Red Delicious shoot into the Crab apple tree trunk, you can create a brand new tree. Within a few years, the tree will bear beautiful, Red Delicious fruit. That's right! IT WILL NEVER BE A CRAB APPLE TREE AGAIN.”
When God saved us, He performed a miracle. God the Holy Spirit began a work in us and we became a New Creature.
LOVE
Fruit of the Spirit
INTRODUCTION:
Our message series is on the fruit of the Spirit.
The fruit of the Spirit is all about growing more like Jesus. When you become a Christian, God gives you the Holy Spirit to help you and change you. The Holy Spirit works to develop the character of Christ within you. The fruit of the Spirit is a beautiful picture or portrait of Jesus. And God wants your life to reflect that beautiful picture.
It’s no surprise that love is the first fruit listed. Throughout the New Testament, love is highlighted as one of the chief characteristics of Christians and there are dozens of Bible verses about love.
First, we’re called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We’re called to delight in God, pursue Him, and give all we have for Him. God is worthy of our deepest affection and highest praise.
On Valentine's Day everybody may be talking about love but do most people really understand how important real love is-to a marriage-to a relationship-to the home-to the Christian life-even to the church!
Why Paul starts with Love?
The heart of Paul’s exhortation is found in 5:1–2. Nowhere else in Scripture did Paul so directly call believers to be like God, although it is implied in many places. After all, humans are made in God’s image; we are like him and are to put on the new self, created like God (see 4:24).
1 Corinthians 13:2
Paul says “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”
Illustration
During World War II, Hitler commanded all religious groups to unite so that he could control them. Among the Brethren assemblies, half complied and half refused. Those who went along with the order had a much easier time. Those who did not, faced harsh persecution. In almost every family of those who resisted, someone died in a concentration camp. When the war was over, feelings of bitterness ran deep between the groups and there was much tension. Finally they decided that the situation had to be healed. Leaders from each group met at a quiet retreat. For several days, each person spent time in prayer, examining his own heart in the light of Christ's commands. Then they came together.
Francis Schaeffer, who told of the incident, asked a friend who was there, "What did you do then?" "We were just one," he replied. As they confessed their hostility and bitterness to God and yielded to His control, the Holy Spirit created a spirit of unity among them. Love filled their hearts and dissolved their hatred.
When love prevails among believers, especially in times of strong disagreement, it presents to the world an indisputable mark of a true follower of Jesus Christ.
1. John 13:34
Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”
2. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:8
“LOVE NEVER FAILS”!
3. 1 John 4:8
He that loveth not knowth not God; for GOD IS LOVE.
4. Matthew 13:8
Love is the parent of all the other fruit. All Spiritual fruit grows out of the soil of love. Forgiveness grows out of the soil of love.
5. 1 John 4:8
He that loveth not knowth not God; for GOD IS LOVE. GREAT IS THE YIELD OF THE FERTILE FIELD.
4 Types of Love
1. Eros: Erotic, Passionate Love (????)
We might as well get that one out of the way first. Eros is erotic or sexual or passionate love. It's often all about need and it's more about the person who's feeling sexually attractive than it is about the person who is the focus of that love or thing that is the focus of that love. It is addicting. It can cause great joy and great sorrow. It isn't always good for you. More hearts are broken on Valentine's Day due to the unfulfillment of erotic love.
2. Philia: Love of Friends and Equals (F???a)
We might as well get that one out of the way first. Eros is erotic or sexual or passionate love. It's often all about need and it's more about the person who's feeling sexually attractive than it is about the person who is the focus of that love or thing that is the focus of that love. It is addicting. It can cause great joy and great sorrow. It isn't always good for you. More hearts are broken on Valentine's Day due to the unfulfillment of erotic love.
3. Storge: Love of Parents for Children (st????)
We might as well get that one out of the way first. Eros is erotic or sexual or passionate love. It's often all about need and it's more about the person who's feeling sexually attractive than it is about the person who is the focus of that love or thing that is the focus of that love. It is addicting. It can cause great joy and great sorrow. It isn't always good for you. More hearts are broken on Valentine's Day due to the unfulfillment of erotic love.
4. Agape: Love of Mankind (a??p?)
The love modeled on the love of the Christian God for men and the love of man for God. It's the love that is given whether or not it's returned. It's the love without any self benefit.
Illustration
Seoul -- At his father's funeral, American Carl Lewis placed his 100-meter gold medal from the 1984 Olympics in his father's hands. "Don't worry," he told his surprised mother. "I'll get another one."
A year later, in the 100-meter final at the 1988 games, Lewis was competing against Canadian world-record-holder Ben Johnson. Halfway through the race Johnson was five feet in front. Lewis was convinced he could catch him. But at 80 meters, he was still five feet behind. It's over, Dad, Lewis thought. As Johnson crossed the finish, he stared back at Lewis and thrust his right arm in the air, index finger extended. Lewis was exasperated. He had noticed Johnson's bulging muscles and yellow-tinged eyes, both indications of steroid use.
"I didn't have the medal, but I could still give to my father by acting with class and dignity," Lewis said later. He shook Johnson's hand and left the track. But then came the announcement that Johnson had tested positive for anabolic steroids. He was stripped of his medal. The gold went to Lewis, a replacement for the medal he had given his father.
What is true love?
1. A True Love cares: (Philemon: 1. 8 - 20).
2. A True Love Protects (Exodus: 32. 30-35).
3. A True Love Forgives (John 3.16. Romans 5:8).
Conclusion
1. Love is a sincere expression of unselfishness.
2. It is miraculously capable of defeating competition.
3. bring healing into hurting relationships and nullifying the plans of our enemy.
4. Sacrificial love for one another alone is capable of preserving the unity of the saints.
United we stand, divided we fall.
Joy, Peace & Patience
1. Phil. 4:6-7
2. James 5:7-11
3. Psalm 32
1. Joy
Joy is a delight that comes from focusing on Jesus.
It is independent of our circumstances or His gifts . Joy does not come from personal comfort or emotional highs. It only comes as a response to the person of Christ.
The counterfeit of joy is happiness or elation. You feel good as long as you have money, health, affirmation, success, and a schedule that’s just like you want it. It’s a feeling based on the gift instead of the Giver. It’s not liking your spouse’s attempt at showing love because it’s not how you wanted it to be, or being angry at a good friend because they forget your birthday.
One of our greatest gifts as a believer is joy,
Nehemiah 8:10
The Joy of the Lord produces a strength in us that will lift us above the storms of life, and enable us to walk on top of the troubled waters
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Can you be saved from sin and yet have no Joy?
Yes. because joy is not automatic.
We know: Joy is not circumstantial (Sulnilai)- Based on external circumstances.
But what we may not be aware of is: Joy is Conditional
(Meaning the Joy of the Lord comes to us through channels that he has established)
Illustration
Then there’s the story about a little boy in church with his mother. He was a good little boy, quiet and well behaved. He didn’t cause any problems. But every once in a while he would stand up in the chair, turn around, look at the people behind him and smile at them. His smile was infectious, and soon everybody behind him was starting to smile back at him, too. It was all going fine until the mother realized what the little boy was doing. When she did, she grabbed him by his ear and twisted it a bit, told him to sit down and remember that he was in church. Then he started sniffling & crying, and she turned to him and said, "That’s better."
It’s sad, isn’t it, that many people have the impression that when we come to church that it is all gloom and doom, and that there is nothing here to really bring joy into our lives?
2 Cor1:24
Paul the Apostle said we are helpers of your Joy.
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
Because the Joy of the Lord produces inner strength. A joyful church is a healthy church and a healthy church is a strong church.
1. The Joy that comes from making Gods word personal (Jer 15:16).
Jer 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
2. The Joy of whole hearted service (1 Chro 29:9).
Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
3. The joy of faithful service (Matt 25:23 ).
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
4. The Joy of knowing that your heart is right with God(Psalms 32:11 )
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
5. The Joy of winning souls (Psalms 126:5 ) They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
This is normal life of the believer, If the cup is not overflowing then something has been allowed to enter in that has quenched the Spirit or grieved the spirit.
The way to restoration of the Joy of the Lord is the simple proven pathway called repentance.
2. Peace
Peace is a confidence and rest in the wisdom and control of God rather than ourselves. Peace is not controlling the storm; it’s offering your situation to Christ in the midst of it.
The counterfeit of peace is indifference or unconcern.
People think you are calm; really, you have just stopped caring. You look like you can handle family issues with a spouse, kids or friends well – but it’s only because you’ve stopped investing any emotion in them.
(Phil. 4:6-7).
Paul tells us, "Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"
Many times, "peace" in the OT was describing peace between people ("go in peace") 2. But in the NT, peace was something more, something deeper. There is a peace that is only available to the Christian; peace with/from God.
The fruit of the Spirit is...Peace!
But how can we talk about peace?
I. We are in a world at war...
II. War with terrorists...
III. war between India and Pakistan, china...
IV. Bitterness between blacks and whites...
V. people fearful of being a victim of a crime...
People are trying to escape their troubles...and find peace...
I. They look for peace in alcohol...
II. They look for peace in drugs...
III. They might freeze themselves against their pain... at least for a short time...
We, perhaps they are looking in the wrong places. But we need to look for answers from God’s Word. Mankind searches for answers in the world. But Christians look for answers from God Himself. And since we know that God still speaks to us through His Word. We open our ears to hear God’s voice as He speaks to us.
• Galatians 5:22-23,
• John 14:27: Peace I leave with you, my bpeace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be ctroubled, neither let it be afraid.
Illustration
A clown from the circus visited a doctor in search of peace
3. Patience (James 1:2-8, James 5:7-11)
Patience is persistently enduring without blowing up, giving up or lashing out. You find your stability in knowing that God is sovereign in both circumstances and timing.
The counterfeit of peace is indifference or apathy. People think you are calm; really, you have just stopped caring. You look like you can handle family issues with a spouse, kids or friends well – but it’s only because you’ve stopped investing any emotion in them.
James 5:7
Patience leads us to prosperity.
A. There is a time of waiting before we can receive the reward of our labour.
B. A farmer sows the seed, ploughs the field and labours but he has to wait patiently till the time of harvest.If he is impatient and gives up he will lose his harvest.Many people miss prosperity and success in their life because they lose patience when their labour does not give immediate results.But patience will help us to reach the prosperity that is waiting for us if we continue to labour till the time of harvest.
Some of the greatest missionaries of history devotedly spread the seed of God's Word and yet had to wait long periods before seeing the fruit of their efforts.
I. William Carey, for example, labored 7 years before the first Hindu convert was brought to Christ in Burma,
II. Adoniram Judson toiled 7 years before his faithful preaching was rewarded.
III. In western Africa, it was 14 years before one convert was received into the Christian church.
IV. In New Zealand, it took 9 years;
V. In Tahiti, it was 16 years before the first harvest of souls began.
1. Cultivate patience in personal life – Psalm 40:1-5.
2. Concentrate on Christ, the personification of Patience – Psalm 40:6-1.
3. Conquer the impatience through sufferings – Psalm 40:12-17
Kindness, Goodness, Faithful & Gentleness
1. Psalm 62
2. Ephesians 6:1-4
3. Philippians 2:1-8
Today we’re covering kindness, Goodness, faithfulness and gentleness.
The Fruit of Kindness
The fruit called kindness spread everywhere and this is what we hope kindness will do as well. Kindness should spread from one person to another until kindness takes everything over.
The word Kindness comes from the Greek “chrestos” (chraystos) “to make oneself useful to another, make things easier, smoother”. It is a spirit of care for others, a desire to make someone else’s life easier, a carrying of burdens.
If you’re like me it may have been confusing to distinguish between kindness, goodness, and even gentleness. Two of these words are even different in the King James version.
1. Kindness (Karunai) refers more to how we treat people and acts that we do to make other’s lives easier or better.
2. Goodness (Nanmai) is related to righteousness and refers more to our character and doing what is right.
3. Gentleness (Menmai) is related to meekness (Humility, modesty, quietness) and describes our conduct as submissive to the will of God versus our own, not necessarily passive, but also not head strong.
Kindness is the characteristic that led God to provide salvation for us.
1. Titus 3:4-5 - When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
2. Romans 2:4 - The riches of His kindness toward us are intended to lead us to run from sin.
3. Romans 11:22 - Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
2 Corinthians 6:4-6 Every action, every word will have the flavor of grace in it. To maintain this attitude toward those we love is hard enough. To express kindness toward those who are against us requires the work of God
ILLUSTRATION
Mother Theresa visited a house that was starving for 2days with this kids. But when we received she took some and she gave it to her neighbor who were also in the same condition.
That is why kindness is a fruit of the Spirit.
The Fruit of Goodness
We use the word good to describe all sorts of things.
A. “How are you feeling today? Good.
B. How was the work? Good.
C. How was that biryani? Really good!”
D. God used the word good to describe the various days of creation. At the end of each day God looked over what he created and saw that it was good.
E. In fact, at the end of the sixth and final day of creation, we are told God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
ILLUSTRATION
Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon.com, was ten years old when he saw a commercial stating that every puff a smoker took on a cigarette shortened his or her life by two minutes. He was quite a math whiz, so he began adding up how many minutes a long-time smoker like his grandmother had lost to cigarettes. To his surprise, Jeff’s grandmother began to cry when he announced that she had lost sixteen years of her life to smoking. His grandfather took him aside for a talking to. To Jeff’s surprise, his grandfather was not angry, nor did he attempt to punish him.
The life of Jesus Christ is the perfect example of goodness, as He died on the cross for the sins of humanity in order to give us the gift of eternal life. His ministry and sacrifice is an example of God’s goodness toward mankind. After all, the term “gospel” means “good news.”
Acts 10:38: Peter, a disciple of Jesus, talks about the goodness of Jesus’
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.”
The Fruit of Faithfulness
When we are truly faithful to God, this shapes the way we live. For example, we are able to be loyal in our relationships here on Earth and truly love others. Faithfulness requires us to submit our ways to God. It comes from a place of realizing that we are in need of a Savior and that He is in control of our lives.
Faith produces Faithfulness!
Being rooted in Christ should enable me to produce this fruit while Holy Spirit supplies the nutrients and strength to make this fruit evident in my everyday life.
Note:
William Carey - the missionary to India who say very few converts in his early ministry wrote to his friend this prayer request.... “Pray for us that we may be faithful to the end”
Every great servant of God has had one common trait - they were faithful.
Hebrews 12:2 says “we do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”
There are two types of blessings in general.
1. The first kind is known as the common blessings such as rain, sunlight, etc. One doesn’t have to be a faithful child of God to receive these.
2. The second kind is known as the unique blessings which include both spiritual and material riches but are available only to God’s children.
A. Faithfulness to God and His Word. (Psalm 62:5, Psalms 119:11, John 15:7; Isaiah 26:3)
B. Faithfulness to the Local Church. (1 Corinthians 1:1o, Hebrews 13:7; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21; 1 Samuel 24:1-6; Psalm 105:15)
C. Faithfulness to Your Family. (Ephesians 5:22-25, Hebrews 13:4, Ephesians 6:1-4)
The Fruit of Gentleness
Gentleness is the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered.
It is having power, strength, and authority under control. It is the taming of the wild and the spirited. The gentle person has an unassuming nature. The gentle person is not weak, but in fact has great strength.
The fruit of gentleness has to do with your manner and how you relate to people. “I will grow in gentleness as I allow the Spirit to soften my manner.” Gentleness is an important fruit of the Spirit because in this sinful world people are often treated harshly or unfairly. When we allow the Spirit to soften our manner, we minister to people’s needs and bring healing to the wounds they may experience from others.
Galatians 5:23,
Paul used the word Gentleness.
HOW DO WE GROW THE FRUIT OF GENTLENESS?
Philippians 2:1-8 Plant in the soil of being submissive to the will of God.
James 1:21 Fertilize the soil with a teachable Spirit
Self- Control
(Fruits of the Holy Spirit)
Gal 5: 22
1. Psalm: 11
2. Judges 16:4-18
3. Genesis 39:11-18
Today we come to the ninth and final fruit of the Spirit – the fruit of self-control. Self-control means having power over your body’s desires and passions. It is impossible to succeed in anything without some degree of self-control. We need self-control for health reasons, for completing everyday tasks and for positive relationships with other people.
When the Spirit has control of our thoughts and actions, then we'll be able to think before we act and have the willingness and strength to follow God's will for our lives.
Self-control requires that we think before we act. If we fail to do this, we will regret it later. We must have a strong desire to obey God.
Self-control has to do with your desires. “I will grow in self-control as I allow the Spirit to subdue my desires.” Outside of Christ my desires are controlled by my sinful nature. Only as I yield control to God through the Holy Spirit will I gain victory over my wrongful desires. And so, the key to self-control is giving God control. You gain self-control when you give God control of your life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
(1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; Titus 2:2-6; 1 Peter 4:7, 5:8).
For every indulges Christian, self-control is a necessity for living our new life in Christ
The struggles of many Christians to walk in self control over the urges of the flesh is the problem of the post-modern church. We have a christianity that says we want christianity but without discipleship. We want to love jesus and have jesus love us but still live like the rest of the world. The absent of self-control led to blatant immorality and abuse of grace.
In order to have self-control in our lives we must realize
1. What is out of control (Kattupadu) – our desires?
a. James 1:14-15 - We must confess, “It is my life that is out of control.”
b. Galatians 5:19-21 – Works of the Flesh
c. Jesus said our sins come from our heart – Mark 7:21-23
A Life that is dominated by fleshly desires is a life that is out of control.
2. Who is in control (Kattupadu) – God?
? We must confess, “God is in control.”
? All things were created to serve God’s purposes – Romans 11:36
? Daniel 4:17, 25, 32 Consider King Nebuchadnezzar “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men.”
? (Exodus 9:16) God told Pharoah – “But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth”.
3. How we have self-control – Jesus and the spirit.
? Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
? Romans 13:14 – “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
? Galatians 5:16-18
? 2 Timothy 1:7 – “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
God wants us to practice self-control in our lives so that we will not be dominated by our own sinful desires and so that we will fulfill His great purposes for our lives.
Three things god hates
1. The Lust of the Flesh (mamisathin ichai)
2. The Lust of the Eyes (Kangalin ichai)
3. The Pride of Life (Jeevanthi Parumai)
• Judges 16:4-18: Samson lost his anointing because of his lust.
• Genesis 39:11-18: Joseph ran away from Potiphar’s wife.
• 2 Samuel 11: David sin with Bathsheba
