1. The Fruit of the Spirit
Visible evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work:
| Fruit | Healthy Expression | Counterfeit Expression |
|---|---|---|
| Love | Patience, compassion, sacrifice | Flattery, manipulation |
| Joy | Inner stability | Forced positivity |
| Peace | Reconciliation | Avoidance |
| Patience | Grace for growth | Apathy |
| Kindness | Gentle strength | Selective niceness |
| Goodness | Integrity | Performance morality |
| Faithfulness | Loyalty | Convenience loyalty |
| Gentleness | Humility | Fragility or false humility |
| Self-Control | Discipline | Control of others |
Fruit means direction, not perfection.
Galatians 5:22–23
2. Works of the Flesh
| Works | Description |
|---|---|
| Immorality | Unrestrained desire |
| Idolatry & Sorcery | Seeking identity outside God |
| Hatred & Strife | Conflict, jealousy, resentment |
| Fits of Anger | Uncontrolled reactions |
| Dissensions | Division-making |
| Envy & Excess | Destructive indulgence |
Flesh-driven patterns choke Spirit-grown fruit.
Galatians 5:19–21
3. Wisdom from Above vs Below
| Wisdom Above | Wisdom Below |
|---|---|
| Pure, peaceable | Selfish ambition |
| Gentle, open to reason | Stubborn, defensive |
| Merciful & fruitful | Produces confusion |
| Impartial & sincere | Prideful & chaotic |
The type of wisdom reveals the source of influence.
James 3:13–18
4. Good Trees vs Bad Trees
| Good Tree | Bad Tree |
|---|---|
| Good fruit consistently | Bad fruit consistently |
| Teachable, obedient | Resistant, self-centered |
| Points to Jesus | Points to self |
True or false character is revealed over time — not in one moment.
Matthew 7:15–23
5. Why Good Fruit Takes Time
- Fruit grows gradually, not instantly.
- Patterns matter more than isolated events.
- Pruning seasons increase fruitfulness.
- Repentance restores fruitfulness.
John 15:1–5
6. Self-Reflection Fruit Inventory
Prompts:
– Where do I see spiritual fruit growing?
– Where do I struggle with reactions or pride?
– What patterns best describe my responses?
– What might God be pruning now?
– Where do I see spiritual fruit growing?
– Where do I struggle with reactions or pride?
– What patterns best describe my responses?
– What might God be pruning now?
7. The Fruit Ladder
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Faith | Foundation — trusting Jesus |
| Virtue | Moral courage |
| Knowledge | Understanding truth |
| Self-Control | Emotional mastery |
| Perseverance | Steadfast endurance |
| Godliness | Christlike character |
| Brotherly Kindness | Warmth & compassion |
| Love | Highest virtue — God’s nature |
2 Peter 1:5–8
8. Fruit vs Gifts
| Fruit of the Spirit | Gifts of the Spirit |
|---|---|
| Reveals character | Reveals assignment |
| Grows slowly | Appears quickly |
| Cannot be faked long-term | Can be mimicked |
Gifts impress.
Fruit protects long-term integrity.
9. Scriptural Fruit Test Summary
- Look at patterns, not moments.
- Check alignment with Scripture.
- Look for humility and repentance.
- Notice treatment of others.
- Discern the type of wisdom operating.
Matthew 7
Galatians 5
James 3
2 Peter 1
Acts 17:11