How can we experience and exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit that Paul lists in his letter to the Christians

in Galatia? These characteristics are universally appreciated; let’s discover how being a disciple of Jesus

produces these desirable qualities in our lives.

How can we experience and exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit that Paul lists in his letter to the Christians in Galatia? These characteristics are universally appreciated; let’s discover how being a disciple of Jesus produces these desirable qualities in our lives.

The Holy Spirit produces “fruit” and valuable characteristics in each of us. By inviting and allowing the Holy Spirit to be our counselor, comforter, teacher and guide, and by receiving his gifts “by faith” and inviting him daily into our hearts and thoughts… through THIS kind of LIFESTYLE: The Holy Spirit produces great fruit in us. The fruit can be seen and enjoyed in our relationship with God, with others and experienced within ourselves. Text: Galatians 5 and John 15.

The Holy Spirit desires that we use the gifts He gives us to build others up and function as a healthy, life-giving body of Christ. These gifts are for others in the body, and for those He wants to bring into the body. At times we forget who and what the gifts of the Holy Spirit are for and it can lead to disorder or dysfunction in the body. Paul brings some correction and encouragement to the believers in Corinth regarding the gifts that is remarkably relevant for us today – buckle in!

So far in this sub-series (the series within a series) on the Holy Spirit, we have been introduced to the person and the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the importance of being filled (baptized) with the Holy Spirit. This Sunday and next we will be looking at the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

As believers, functioning in the body of Christ, God wants us to know and use the gifts He has given to us.

We need the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us to fulfill the purposes that God hascreated us for. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:10) according to Paul. So how are we filled with the Holy Spirit and how do we know that we have been filled? The book of Acts provides wonderful answers and examples for living life full of the Holy Spirit.

The apostle Paul issued an imperative command when he wrote, “Be filled with the Spirit”

(Ephesians 5:18). We’ve all read and heard that phrase before but what does it really mean to

be filled with the Holy Spirit? The truth is, no one can live an active Christian life in his or her

own strength and expect to do all that we are called to do. God must empower us to live with

His power. He brings us to life, and then He indwells us and enables us to live out our destiny in

Him- the filling of the Holy Spirit is His enabling.

Paul rejoices that he is able to be poured out as a drink offering to the people in the church at Philippi (Philippians 2:17). What does it mean to be “poured out”? As growing disciples of Christ, how does this apply to me?

Characteristics of the First Church

Dad’s have incredible influence in our lives – for good or bad. Here are some qualities I learned from my dad that helped me connect and grow close to my Heavenly Father; may they encourage you to grow closer to your heavenly Dad!