Fruit of the Spirit
What They Look Like in the Christian's Life
Gentleness
October 27, 2019 • Bryan Dugger • Matthew 11:28–30, Galatians 6:1–2
Gentleness is not a weakness. It is a kind and humble empathy that is neither easily provoked nor slow to forgive. Even more, it is a virtue and fruit of the Holy Spirit that God expects and enables Christians to possess and display.
Goodness
October 6, 2019 • Bryan Dugger • James 1:17, Acts 10:38, 1 Timothy 6:17–19
The Holy Spirit empowers followers of Jesus Christ with the ability and desire to both be good and do good. If you are born-again, the power to make a difference by being a force for good is readily available and will not expire.
Kindness
September 22, 2019 • Bryan Dugger • 2 Samuel 9:1–8, Ephesians 4:31–32
Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous & considerate, and God expects His people to show and share kindness toward others. This very same Holy Spirit-empowered kindness has the power to change lives. In light of today's sermon, ask yourself: Is it flowing through your life, or is it being restrained by your pride?
Patience
September 8, 2019 • Bryan Dugger • Habakkuk 1:1–5, James 5:7–11
Being willing to wait, and even seeing the virtue in the experience, is not a natural human proclivity. But waiting on the perfect timing and leading of the Lord is a fundamental part of living by faith. How then are you handling the tests of patience that are at work in your life right now, and how will you handle them in the future?
Peace
September 1, 2019 • Bryan Dugger • Romans 12:14–21, Philippians 4:4–7
Having peace is more than merely being free from worry or insecurity. Fundamentally, peace is about the abiding assurance of one's ongoing security - especially in the context of relationships. Most notably, there is a peace that comes from the Holy Spirit that is rooted in a wholeness and completeness in one's relationship with God. This is a peace we should be bearing in our life.
Joy
August 11, 2019 • Bryan Dugger • Psalm 16:8–9, Acts 8:4–8
Happiness and joy are often understood as being synonymous. Happiness exists in the moment and diminishes when the good feelings subside. Joy, on the other hand, transcends the limitations common to happiness because it is achieved in knowing and serving God.
Love
July 21, 2019 • Bryan Dugger • Matthew 22:37–39, 1 Corinthians 13:4–7
As a fruit of the Spirit, God's love is able to work in and through the life of a born-again believer. The result is a capacity for selflessness, service, and sacrifice that far exceeds human ability. This love will require sacrifice and persistence, but you will not be doing it alone nor will it be in your power. God will be loving others through you.
Works & Desire
July 14, 2019 • Bryan Dugger • Galatians 5:16–24
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you regularly experience the tension between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit. The struggle is an unavoidable consequence of being a human being whom the Holy Spirit is endeavoring to transform and mature. It can be daunting at times to feel pulled in multiple directions, but thankfully the situation is far from being hopeless. The Holy Spirit is always ready and able to lead those who are willing.
Trees & Their Fruit
July 7, 2019 • Bryan Dugger • Luke 3:7–9, Luke 6:43–45
Jesus calls men and women to allow the Spirit of God to reveal the condition of their hearts so that the transforming power of God can replace evil motives and actions for those that are good. Each person must choose to either be a good tree bearing good fruit or an evil tree bearing evil fruit. The choice begins in the heart.