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The Fruit of the Spirit | Joy

May 24, 2020 • Gregg Parris

Galatians 5:16-26
Nehemiah 8:10

I. Joy and the character of God.

The object of God's joy is us!

II. The counterfeit of joy.

III. Joy applied to life.

1. Joy is connected to grace not judgment.

2. A lack of joy is indicated by a lack of a sense of humor.
*A sense of humor is the ability to laugh at yourself.

IV. The fruit of joy.

1. I will grow in strength.

2. It liberates others.

V. Increase your joy.

1. It is the will of God for you.

2. Repent of situational happiness.

3. Train your spirit to rejoice.

4. Depend on Him in everything and your joy cannot be stolen because no one can steal Him from you.

The secret to real joy is absolute dependence on God! The joy of the Lord really is my strength!

The Fruit of the Spirit | Love

May 17, 2020 • Gregg Parris

Galatians 5:16-26 Love Defined: Love is not a special way of feeling. Love is volitional good will. It is a matter of my will, my choice. If it is good will, then it is to will good things for someone else. Love is anchored in principle and conviction. A. Our inability to make sacrificial choices. B. Self-absorption, self-pity, self-centered, self-aggrandizing, constantly the center of everything. C. A coldness to God, the things of God, and the people of God. A. The ability to make decisions of importance. B. Become grace motivated and not judgmental. C. Grow in wisdom and discernment. D. Others are affirmed and set free in my presence. E. Love drives faith. Love is the power by which faith works. Galatians 5:6 F. Love is the key to success in life. Loving God is the key to overcoming. G. Love glorifies God in the world.

The Fruit of the Spirit | Peace

May 31, 2020 • Gregg Parris

Galatians 5:22-26 John 14:26-27 Definition: Peace is a state of being. Peace is a state of heart. It is an inner reality which is ministered to me. Peace is that which God ministers to me. I. The peace of God 1. Passes understanding. 2. Keeps your heart and mind 3. Through Jesus Christ. II. The counterfeit of peace 1. Self-confidence 2. Induced, extra-personal peace You cannot induce peace into your life from the outside, this is a fruit only of the Spirit. III. How do I increase my peace? 1. Grow in righteousness. 2. End the doublemindedness. 3. The peace of God is eternal. 4. Establish Christ's Lordship in your life. 5. Receive the Holy Spirit.

The Fruit of the Spirit | Patience & Gentleness

June 7, 2020 • Gregg Parris

Galatians 5:22-26 Patience: To dwell richly, fully alive, in abundance, in the moment, regardless of circumstances. Isaiah 40:31; Luke 21:19 I. Patience and the character of God. II. The counterfeit of patience. It is fatalism, indolence, laziness, a resignation to events and circumstances. A patient person can hear the word NO and comprehend it. III. The fruit of patience and gentleness. Impatience with the sins of others is a betrayal of the reality that we are not confident of our own grace. IV. Increase your patience A. Remember the goodness of God in difficult circumstances. B. Claim the perfect timing of God. (This is tough!) C. Accept the imperfections of others and the imperfections of the world. D. Affirm that God is working on my imperfections.