Can others see the fruit of the Spirit in your life? Jesus said, “A tree [person] is identified by its fruit [what they do; traits].” It should be understood from this study that these traits contribute to a believer’s ability to live holy before God.

Fruit of the Spirit: 9 Helpful Qualities For You!

STM Bible Study Summary

Ephesians 5:8-11

You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, so live your life as children of light. 9 Light produces fruit that consists of every sort of goodness, justice, and truth. 10 Therefore, test everything to see what’s pleasing to the Lord, 11 and don’t participate in the unfruitful actions of darkness. Instead, you should reveal the truth about them. (CEB)

KJV: For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Karpos – fruit

G2590 καρπός karpos (kar-pos’) n. 1) advantage, profit, utility. Thayer’s 1. ‘that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result‘ a. ‘work, act, deed‘.

Faithlife Study Bible – fruit

Refers to natural results. Rooted in Christ, the believer’s life should produce Christlike virtues.

Let’s focus on the word fruit as used in Matthew 12:33, Ephesians 5:9, Galatians 5:22, and John 15:2, 4, 5 and 8 karpos (kar-pos’). Jesus makes it clear that we cannot do anything without Him. In particular, we cannot ‘bring forth’ / produce this fruit if we are not united—have common or combined effort, purpose and feelings—with Him through the Spirit.

Main thought:

Do you know the value of the fruit of the Spirit? They show the divine nature of God. Through these nine characteristics, people see God through what you do. Jesus defined born-again believers as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. So, we are to show the world what is right. Child of Light, hold your head up. Let go of the darkness of your past. Live in the Light.

1 Corinthians 2:12

And God has actually given us his Spirit (not the world’s spirit) to tell us about the wonderful free gifts of grace and blessing that God has given us. (TLB)

KJV: Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Key Points:

1. Spirit vs. flesh

The fruit of the Spirit stands in opposition to the works of the flesh. Follow the Spirit and not your flesh (human nature).

Galatians 5:17

For what your body (flesh) wants is in conflict with what the Holy Spirit wants [for you], and what the Holy Spirit wants conflicts with what your body wants, for these [two desires] are contrary to one another, so that you do not [always] do what you [really] want to. (AUV)].

KJV: For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

2. Light of the world

You are the light of the world.

Matthew 5:14, 16

14 You are like a light for everybody in this world. If people build a city on a hill, then other people can see it easily. 16 You must be sure that your light shines well. Then you will give light to other people. They will see all the good things that you do. Then they will praise God, who is your Father in heaven.’ (EASY)

KJV: 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

3. New life

The fruit of the Spirit shows your new life. Jesus set you free from sin. Live your new life by pleasing God.

2 Corinthians 5:17

If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things have passed away. Behold, they have become new. (NSB)

KJV: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

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9 Helpful Qualities For You

Each of the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ is part of God’s character and qualities to help the believer. The Holy Spirit makes it possible for you to be like God.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the Holy Spirit produces this fruit in our lives:

1) Love (unconditional; unselfish concern for others).

2) Joy (gladness; happy).

3) Peace (inner peace; peaceful).

4) Patience (not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting).

5) Kindness (kind; sympathy arising from a kind heart).

6) Goodness (mindset to do good; generosity; well-doing).

7) Faithfulness (faithful; reliability).

8) Gentleness (meekness, humility, lack of false pride).

9) Self-control (self-restraint, or abstinence, especially regarding sexual activity; temperance; moderation; keeping the body under control).

There is no law against these things!

Galatians 5:24-26

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. (NLT)

KJV: And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Made known by the way we live

You can see the Fruit of the Spirit in someone’s actions. The Spirit makes itself known by working through us. These godly traits enable others to recognize God through our way of life. They are visible displays of our new life.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit that is within you, that you received from God? 20 You don’t belong to yourself—a price was paid for you! So, glorify God in your body! (FBV)

KJV: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

So be like God. Full of love for others.

Do what God did, LOVE!

Ephesians 5:1-2

Therefore, imitate God like dearly loved children. 2 Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. He was a sacrificial offering that smelled sweet to God. (CEB)

KJV: Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

New life in Christ

The old sinful you is dead. Christ paid for those sins when He died on the cross. Paul said, “I have been put to death on the cross with Christ…” [Galatians 2:20 (BBE)]. Your earthly nature also died on that cross. Let the fruit of the Spirit flow from you.

Colossians 3:1-5

You have been raised to life with Christ. Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God’s right side. 2 Think about what is up there, not about what is here on earth. 3 You died, which means that your life is hidden with Christ, who sits beside God.
4 Christ gives meaning to your life, and when he appears, you will also appear with him in glory. 5 Don’t be controlled by your body. Kill every desire for the wrong kind of sex. Don’t be immoral or indecent or have evil thoughts. (And) Don’t be greedy, which is the same as worshiping idols. (CEV)

KJV: If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Please obey God

So you gave up your old way of life and its habits. Now you can do what God wants you to do.

Colossians 3:6-9

These things make God angry. 7 In your past, evil life you also did these things. 8 But now also put these things out of your life: anger, bad temper, doing or saying things to hurt others, and using evil words when you talk. 9 Do not lie to each other. You have left your old sinful life and the things you did before. (NCV)

KJV: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

The harmony of the Fruit of the Spirit

The nine ‘fruit of the Spirit’ work in harmony. They’re useless unless we put them to work. Knowing you have them is needed. Learning how to use them is vital. Very much like having a smartphone is nice. Knowing how to use it and doing so is helpful.

Colossians 3:12-14

God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So always do these things: Show mercy to others; be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13 Do not be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, then forgive him. Forgive each other because the Lord forgave you. 14 Do all these things; but most important, love each other. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity. (ICB)

KJV: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Links to the Bible studies

Love – This is agapē love. The perfect/genuine love God has for His people. God is the source of this love.

Joy – chará. A divine joy that is beyond words (1 Peter 1:8). The gladness no one can take from you [John 16:22].

Peace – from the Greek word eirene. The peace the world cannot give. (John 14:27) Often used in the phrase, God of peace.

Patience – makrothumia. Patience is also known as long-suffering. To endure all things without anger or complaint. The ability to wait and not act or react. Showing love to others in spite of their faults (Ephesians 4:2).

Kindness – chrestotes. Kindness is also known as gentleness. Love that comes from God is kind. [Titus 3:1-8 (4)] Kindness cares about the needs of others. It is tender, selfless and giving. Does not do things looking for reward.

Goodness – agathosune. Goodness says: You can rely on me. Let me help you do what is right.

Faithfulness – pistis. Belief in God without doubt. Firm faith in and dedication to God. It is a steady commitment to God.

Gentleness – praotes. Also known as meekness. The state of being classy, but not high-minded. Caring, and not violent or harsh to others. A gentle person is friendly, neighborly and easy going.

Self-control – egkrateia. Also known as temperance. The use of strength-of-will over one’s actions and desires.

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Focus: Fruit

Most do not think of fruit as an advantage or profit. The Holy Spirit gives you an advantage that others do not have. So you profit and benefit when you receive the Spirit of God!

John 15:2-4

He takes away any branch in Me that does not give fruit. Any branch that gives fruit, He cuts it back so it will give more fruit. 3 You are made clean by the words I have spoken to you. 4 Get your life from Me and I will live in you. No branch can give fruit by itself. It has to get life from the vine. You are able to give fruit only when you have life from Me. (NLV)

KJV: Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

The advantage

Thayer’s: “Christ calls himself a vine, because, as the vine imparts to its branches sap and productiveness, so Christ infuses into his followers his own divine strength and life.”

John 15:5

So I tell you, I am like the main trunk of the grape vine, and you are like the branches. If you stay joined to me, I will stay joined to you, and you will keep on doing what God wants you to do. You see, if any branches don’t stay joined to the trunk of the vine, they can’t grow any fruit. Just like that, if you are not joined to me, you can’t do anything for God [see Ezekiel 15:1-5]. (PEV)

KJV: I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

The vine and the branches

The vine has two uses: to produce fruit and to make fire.

John 15:6-8

“If you don’t remain joined to me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and dries up. Branches like those are picked up. They are thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain joined to me and my words remain in you, ask for anything you wish. And it will be done for you. 8 When you bear a lot of fruit, it brings glory to my Father. It shows that you are my disciples. (NIRV)

KJV: If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Words and actions reveal character

Your words and actions reveal your character as fruit reveals a tree.

Matthew 12:33 and 35

Make a tree good, and then its fruit will be good. Or make a tree rotten, and then its fruit will be rotten. A person can recognize a tree by its fruit. 35 Good people do the good things that are in them. But evil people do the evil things that are in them. (GW)

KJV: Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

The tongue (your words)

It is crucial to control one’s tongue because this tiny instrument has the potential to cause harm as well as good.

James 3:10-12

Think about it: Out of the same mouth come both praises and curses. My brothers and sisters, this is wrong, and it must stop. 11  Does a spring bring forth fresh water one moment and sewage the next? 12  Can a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a sewer produce fresh water. (Remedy)

KJV: Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Cannot imitate the fruit

The fruit that the Spirit produces cannot be imitated; I remind you, Jesus clearly states that we cannot do anything without Him [John 15:5].

2 Corinthians 3:4-6

And this is the certain faith which we have in God through Christ: 5 Not as if we were able by ourselves to do anything for which we might take the credit; but our power comes from God; 6 Who has made us able to be servants of a new agreement; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter gives death, but the Spirit gives life. (BBE)

KJV: And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

A person who does not have the Holy Spirit cannot show or have true love, joy, or peace. No one can fake the fruit that comes from the Spirit. These qualities, in their true meanings, come from God through His Spirit and are just for you!

♥ Question for Fruit of the Spirit – focus: fruit: Has the fruit of the Spirit begun to show through you?

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Fruit of the Spirit wrap-up

Jesus cautions us against choosing pastors (false teachers) driven by power, fame, or greed (a desire for wealth).

Matthew 7:15-17

Be careful of false prophets. They come to you and look gentle like sheep. But they are really dangerous like wolves. 16 You will know these people because of what they do. Good things don’t come from people who are bad, just as grapes don’t come from thornbushes, and figs don’t come from thorny weeds. 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, and bad trees produce bad fruit. (ERV)

KJV: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

The good vs. the corrupt (worthless) tree

Matthew 7:18-20

A sound tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a worthless tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that fails to bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So it is by the fruit of their lives that you will know such people. (OEBus)

KJV: A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Will God say “I never knew you?”

Matthew 7:21-23

Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ (NLT)

KJV: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Godly Qualities For You

The fruit of the Spirit is unique. Only good trees produce good fruit.

Luke 6:43-45

“A good tree doesn’t bear bad fruit, and a bad tree doesn’t bear good fruit. 44 You can tell any tree by the kind of fruit it bears. People don’t pick figs from thorns, and they don’t pick grapes from bushes. 45 A good person says good things that come from the good stored up in their heart, but a bad person says bad things that come from the evil stored up in their heart, because a person’s mouth says whatever’s in their heart. (RAD)

KJV: For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

The Bible Exposition Commentary:

The flesh may manufacture “results” that bring praise to us, but the flesh cannot bear fruit that brings glory to God. It takes patience, an atmosphere of the Spirit walking in the light the seed of the Word of God, and a sincere desire to honor Christ.

♥ Question for “Fruit of the Spirit”: Can others see God through your life? Can they see and feel your love?

Fruit of the Spirit: For others to know you are a child of God, people must see God through you. You must live in a way that is holy [from 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 (4)]. That does not mean you must or should wear a cross, carry Bibles, speak in tongues, or use religious words. In other words, let your fruit-bearing life show that you are a child of God. So, since you are the light of the world; let your light [fruit-bearing life] shine! – Tim

Learn to use the fruit of the Spirit and enjoy Christian living. Thank you for taking the time to read this Bible study. I urge you to make full use of it. Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺

Links to Fruit of the Spirit Bible studies

Love ♦|♥|♦ Joy ♦|♥|♦ Peace

Patience ♦|♥|♦ Kindness ♦|♥|♦ Goodness

Faithfulness ♦|♥|♦ Gentleness ♦|♥|♦ Self-control

Related studies, lessons, and snacks for further spiritual growth:

3 Awesome Tips: How To Energize With Your Words – an estimated 18-minute read.

Goodness Says: I Have A Great Outlook On Life! – an estimated 13-minute read.

Endurance; You Can Go Through Whatever You’re Going Through – an estimated 15-minute read.

Peace Is A Gift, So Live Free From Worry – an estimated 13-minute read.

Self-control; Take Control Now with This Gift From God – an estimated 19-minute read.

Outline

Note: parenthesis (#) encloses the key verse(s).

Summary

• Ephesians 5:1-14 (8-11).
• Main thought: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (12).
• Key Points: Galatians 5:16-26 (17); Matthew 5:13-16 (14 and 16); compare John 8:12; Ephesians 5:6-17 (8); Philippians 2:14-16 (15). 2 Corinthians 5:12-21 (17 and 20-21).

Helpful Qualities

• Galatians 5:16-26 (22-26) and Ephesians 5:1-14 (1-2).
• New life in Christ: Galatians 2:11-21 (20) and Colossians 3:1-17 (1-9).
• The harmony of the Fruit of the Spirit: Colossians 3:1-17 (12-14).

Focus: Fruit

• John 15:1-17 (2-4).
• The advantage: John 15:1-17 (5-8).
• Words and actions reveal character: Matthew 12:33-37 (33 and 35); compare Luke 6:43-45 (43 and 45). James 3:3-12 (19-12).
• Cannot imitate the fruit: 2 Corinthians 3:4-6.

Fruit of the Spirit wrap-up

• Matthew 7:15-23 (15-17, 18-20, 21-23)
• Qualities of God For You: Luke 6:43-45; compare Matthew 12:33-37 (33 and 35). 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 (4).

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