THE GLORY OF GOD ( PART 58 )
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3356
THE GLORY OF GOD ( PART 58 )
From Glory to Glory ( Study 37)
Walking By The Spirit #7
The Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace
At this juncture, let us take stock of what we have studied so far about the first three aspects of the singular FRUIT of the Spirit.
We can see that
they are inter-related especially as they typify the heart qualities of Christ for us:
1. We are called to abide in His LOVE ( John 15: 9 )
2. Then we can know His JOY (John 15:11 )
3. And experience His inner PEACE ( John 14:27 ).
They are inseparable virtues but Love remains foundational. Love is the source from which all the other eight aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit flow and is their underlying reason. " I live by faith in God the Son, who LOVED me and gave Himself for me" ( Gal.2:20 ).
Moreover, there are practical aspects of these three virtues which should not be missed.
1.LOVE is not just mere affection or sentiment but proved through our words, thoughts, and actions:
a) If we do have the love of God, it is manifested as goodwill and good deeds shown to others ( 1 John 3:17 ).
b) Love is a matter of the will ( we choose to love the unlovable ! ). For example, it is a divine obligation and act of duty to love our enemies in this age - to practice acts of righteousness that will benefit them.
2. JOY is inward sensing, regardless of circumstances. We can thus rejoice even in the midst of sorrow ( 2 Cor.6:10 ). Joy is related to PEACE. "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and PEACE and JOY in the Holy Spirit ( Rom.14:17).
3. PEACE and JOY are thus complementary graces, " since we are justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through Jesus our Messiah " ( Rom.5:1 ), and those who are reconciled to God have the greatest reason to REJOICE ( Rom.5:11 ).
Abba Father, there is so much revelation in just three words from You. We know that JOY indescribable is an eternal feature of Heaven. And out of Your LOVE for us, You want us to enjoy Your presence and PEACE forever with You. Thank You for giving us a glimpse of our future in You, of having a touch of daily Heaven while we are still on earth. Indeed the experience of JOY is related to that of hope since " we rejoice in hope of the glory of God" ( Rom.5:2 ).
