Galatians 5:22-23 - The fruit of faithfulness often looks like a slow, plodding, consistent obedience in the same direction over the long haul. It is often not spectacular or radical, just faithful, and that is what God calls the fruit of the spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 - These three fruit of the spirit are closely related to one another. They require a humble spirit, willing to think of others ahead of ourselves, and being willing to serve others for their good. There is no more manly trait than this, that a man be willing to serve others for their good.

Galatians 5:22-23 - The parable in Matthew 18:23-33 teaches us that if we are not patient with others, perhaps it is because we have not experienced God's patience towards us in the gospel. When we know his patience, it gives us the resources to be patient with others.

Galatians 5:22-23 - Joy and Peace are not personality traits we are born with, or habits we learn, they are fruit of the spirit's work in us. That is why we can know joy in the midst of trials, and peace in the midst of a broken world.

Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit grows in our lives Spiritually, Indirectly, Organically, and through Pruning. The first fruit that Paul lists as a result of the Spirit's work in our lives is Love. Unlike modern cultural definitions, the Bible describes love as a self-sacrificing preference to please others ahead of ourselves. It is not possible apart from the death of Jesus, and his call to follow him.

Galatians 5:7-15 - Paul is eagerly contending for two vital things for our churches. First, the PURITY of Gospel Doctrine, and second, the POTENCY of Gospel Love. We must have both or we will have neither.

Galatians 5:1-6 - The gospel of Christ leads to freedom for the believer. And freedom in Christ, when properly understood, always leads to a life of love. Love for God, love for others in the church, love for those far from God.

Luke 8:4-15 - Jesus' parable of the four soils encourages us to take care how we hear the gospel. Has it truly taken root in our lives? If so, it will sustain us through trials, and ground us in the midst of pleasures. Without the gospel both trials and pleasures will undo us.

Romans 1:8-21 and 5:1-2, 10

Revelation 21:1-8 and 22:1-5 - The Bible primarily described Heaven as the place where God will be. We will see his face. We will enjoy his presence, we will be his people, and he will be our God.