Understanding the Concepts, Attributes, and Characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit

By Elder Bryon Keith Miller

Elder Miller writes about the concepts, attributes, and real characteristics of the fruit given by the Holy Spirit of God that truly represents a life and lifestyle. These fruits are reflections of true changes in the hearts of men and not just an attitude for the moment.

Galatians needed the reality of Jesus Christ that was beyond the works of self and the flesh. These are always part of law and rules apply, but the fruit has no rules and is not controlled by law.

Elder Miller explains how each fruit operates in the life of true believers of Jesus Christ.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798888323007

Book preview

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Understanding the Concepts, Attributes, and Characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit

Elder Bryon Keith Miller

ISBN 979-8-88832-299-4 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88832-300-7 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Elder Bryon Keith Miller

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Clarity of Definition

Wrong Desires vs. The Fruits of the Spirit

Gentleness with Others

Goodness

The Tongue

Self-Control and Controlling the Body

Notes

Notes

Notes

Notes

Notes

Notes

References

About the Author

Clarity of Definition

Understanding the Concepts (Ideas/Proposals), Attributes (Qualities/Virtues/Abilities), and Characteristics (Behaviors) of the Fruit of the Spirit

Reference to the flesh is not to the body.

The flesh is the sinful nature that attempts to use our bodies to lead us into sin.

Fruit refers to the natural product of a living thing—the Holy Spirit.

Introduction

Jesus died to set us free from sin, and there is a long list of laws and regulations telling us not to do whatever we want because that would lead us back into the slavery of our own selfish desires. We are now free and able to do what was impossible—to live unselfishly. Those who request their own freedom to have their own way or indulge their own desires are falling back into sin. We all have desires, and we cannot ignore them. Paul describes (vs. 17) two forces that are at work in us:

The Holy Spirit

Our evil inclinations (natural tendencies or urges to act or feel a certain way)

These forces are not equal. The Holy Spirit is infinitely stronger, but we are weak. If we rely on our own wisdom, we will make wrong choices. If we try to walk in the Spirit by our own human effort, we will fail. The only way to freedom from our natural evil desires is through the empowering of the Holy Spirit. If your desires are leading you to the qualities listed in verses 22 and 23, then you know the Holy Spirit is leading you. To follow the Holy Spirit's guidance, we must

deal with our evil desires

not ignore them

positively crucify them

You must be aware of confusing your feelings with the Spirit's leading. Being led by the Holy Spirit involves the following:

The desire (yearning, longing) to hear

The readiness to obey God's Word

The sensitivity to discern between your feelings and His promptings (warnings, encouragements)

Live each day controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit:

The words of Jesus will be in your mind.

The love of Jesus will be in your actions.

The power of Jesus will help you control your selfish desires.

Wrong Desires vs. The Fruits of the Spirit

The way Paul writes challenges us with what Christian character and personality should look like. What Jesus did was boil down a Christian's responsibility to two clearly expressed and brief commands:

The Fruit of the