Read:
Reflect:
The Holy Spirit, poured out at Pentecost, had a transforming and empowering effect on people. We’ve already observed this in the life and witness of the early church. Now it is important to reflect on how that same Spirit can work dynamically in our own lives as the aftermath of Pentecost. Galatians 5 is a helpful passage to guide our thoughts in the right direction.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (v 25)
The Spirit has given us new life through rebirth, which is like the mysterious and untraceable blowing of the wind (cf. John 3:8). So it is obvious that we also need to deliberately keep in step (walk) with the Spirit (cf. v 16), that is, our lives need to be aligned with the desires of the Spirit. This is difficult to do because our natural corrupted inclinations are often the opposite of what the Spirit desires to produce in us (vv 17-21). We need the help and guidance of the Spirit so we can be genuinely led by the Spirit (v 18) in the freedom that Christ died to give us:
1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (v 1; cf. v 13)
Christ has liberated us from sin’s domination, and given us power by his Spirit to walk in true freedom. What that looks like in practice is found in the description of the fruit the Spirit produces in those who diligently pursue it (vv 22-23), to which we now turn our attention.
Normally fruit does not appear instantly, but requires time and growth to bring it to maturity. So it is with the fruit of the Spirit. This fruit is also pictured as a cluster, meaning that the nine virtues develop simultaneously, rather than sequentially. Furthermore, these are not simply private spiritual qualities, but virtues that only blossom brightly in relationships with others. Finally, looking briefly at each virtue, we suddenly realize how they describe the wonderful nature of God which the Spirit wants to bring to fruition in us.
Love tops the list since it describes the core of God’s nature (1 John 4:8, 16), and comes to particular expression in our loving service to others (vv 13-14). Joy is the profound sense of gratitude for the liberating salvation we have freely received, and the glad desire to share it with others. Peace with God (Romans 5:1) gives a settled assurance of well-being, and prompts us to live in peace with others and be peacemakers in situations of conflict. Patience is often hard and difficult to maintain, but it is most powerfully modelled for us by God himself in his long-suffering endurance of our rebellions and failures. Kindness shines brightest when offenses are absorbed and responded to with generosity rather than vengeance (Romans 12:18-21). Goodness extends deep into the very heart of our character. After all, Jesus said that only God is truly good (Mark 10:18). Nevertheless, the Spirit seeks to produces genuine goodness in us so we become more like God. Faithfulness in our loyalty to God, integrity in keeping our word, and diligence in remaining steady in our care for others is a vital part of spiritual fruit. Gentleness in treating others with consideration and recognizing our common weaknesses, is a sure sign of the strength of a truly meek person. Self-control is the ability to bring positive solutions into aggravating situations with grace and humility, so everyone can benefit. And so, people made alive by the Spirit can walk in step with the Spirit and experience the fruit of the Spirit growing in them.
Respond:
Let us invite the Holy Spirit to imprint this benediction deep into our hearts and lives.
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)