Remix III: Fruit of the Spirit (Part 1 of 2)
Introduction to the Remix Series and the Fruit of the Spirit
The series we are going through is entitled Remix. The goal is to remix things into our lives that need to be there and remix things that shouldn't be there out of our lives. We have looked at 1 Peter chapter 1 and 2 Peter chapter 1, seeing that we have all the ingredients already through the knowledge of Jesus Christ to remix into our lives. We have everything that pertains to life and godliness, everything needed to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
These things give us the motivation and ability to supplement our faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, godliness, brotherly affection, and agape—that selfless, transcendent love listed first among the fruits of the Spirit, showing its importance.
We examined the positive consequences of doing these things: being fruitful and effective in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. It's possible to know about Jesus without it changing you if you haven't trusted in Him. We also saw the negative consequences of neglecting these: forgetting we've been saved, returning to sin, and the seriousness of making every effort to confirm our calling and election.
Why the Fruit of the Spirit?
It makes sense to look at the fruit of the Spirit next. These are things we want to remix into our lives to enjoy life, enjoy God, have a higher quality of life, and avoid the miseries of sin—regardless of circumstances. They enable unshakable enjoyment of God amid horrific or tragic experiences.
As Christians, we receive the Holy Spirit; we are indwelt by God. This produces the fruit of the Spirit. It's not about breaking a sweat but enjoying God's presence, which produces these things—unless sin is present.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, or envying one another.
Galatians 5:22-26
This list is sandwiched between serious vices: the works of the flesh.
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21
These works are obvious and disqualify from the kingdom. Even fits of anger, jealousy, or impurity bar entry to heaven. They are not innocuous. Christians can quench and grieve the Holy Spirit through sin. The Holy Spirit, repulsed by sin, withholds good things until we forsake sin, crucify the flesh, and renew our relationship with God.
These fruits represent the greatest freedom—no law against them. They are enjoyable for us and others, leading to the highest quality of life and glorifying God.
Sin like anger is the opposite of joy; sexual immorality offers temporary pleasure but leaves craving and dissatisfaction, as with the woman at the well seeking satisfaction in men but finding none.
Three Categories of Fruit
Paul lists the fruits in three categories.
1. Sublime Fruits: Love, Joy, Peace
These are majestically beautiful, striking awe—true biblical, transcendent, holy love, joy, and peace produced by the Holy Spirit.
Love (Agape): Other-oriented, selfless, seeking another's highest good, even at personal cost. It flows from God.
Joy: Steadfast happiness and gladness, even unearned, produced by the Holy Spirit. Why pursue sin when divine joy is available?
Peace: Total well-being (Shalom), tranquility amid storms, emotional stability, peace with God—no fear of His wrath.
2. Serene Fruits: Patience, Kindness, Goodness
These reflect a tranquil state from inner peace.
Patience (Longsuffering): Enduring harsh circumstances without emotional change, like God's "long nose"—slow to anger.
An impatient person, like the man complaining in line over five minutes, shows unrest. Patience makes relationships enjoyable and attractive.
Kindness: Being helpful, beneficial, generous, with a favorable disposition.
Goodness: Genuine interest in others' well-being, pouring into lives. Opposite of takers who criticize or use others for ego. Givers maximize others' welfare with God's goodness.
3. Steadfast Fruits: Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control
These ensure the other fruits continue perpetually, like the virtues in 2 Peter 1 that must increase.
Faithfulness: Consistency and trustworthiness—you can count on this person producing fruit.
