NATURE OF GOD (Fruits of The Spirit)
5/8/20245 min read
Have you ever wondered what is the nature of GOD and by what principles and values HE lives by?
The Bible says if we live on this earth in the likeness of JESUS, then we have no fear of judgment left for us on Judgment day because we lived on earth by the values and principles of GOD. Imagine your lifestyle just like JESUS CHRIST and you are filled with all the righteousness and holiness of GOD. It may seem challenging and far away from goal, but if you love GOD, you will make every effort to live by principles which pleases HIM and out of this love is born the desire and goal to be like JESUS in this world.
1 John 4:17
'This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. '
If you live and invest in these principles, you are sowing and reaping for Eternity with CHRIST and the consequences are eternal. That's how powerful these principles and values are. They are not just impacting your life on earth, but also eternally. Let’s learn about principles, values and lifestyle listed in the Bible which pleases GOD and prepares you to live eternally with GOD.
John 4:24
"God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” '
Galatians 5:22-23
'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. '
The actions (listed above in Galatians 5:22-23) which are Originated, influenced and executed by spirit becomes an act of Worship to God and such a godly lifestyle is considered as True Worship and Apostle Paul describes it as true and proper worship.
'Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ' Romans 12:1
The greatest proclamation of gospel is not done by shouting, but by living it and dispensing it through your lifestyle. Your lifestyle speaks louder than your words. In Romans 12:1 Apostle Paul is emphasizing on living a lifestyle which pleases God and the sacrifice you make to live that godly lifestyle goes before FATHER in Heaven like a sweet aroma and GOD considers that as true worship and sacrifice. For example when you say no to sexual immorality which leads to death, you are sacrificing your fleshly desires and you are upholding yourself before God as Holy and pleasing to God.
Some of the daily sacrifices that can be done and is considered as worship to God are :
You choose to avoid gossiping no matter how enticing it could be. You allow the spirit of wisdom to help you and control your mouth.
You choose to avoid men or women who are winking, smiling, trying to come close and lusting at you. You just avoid, walk away or give a stern warning to that person not to involve in such immoral activity.
You choose to avoid wearing short mini skirts or any dressing which makes people lust at you. You clothe yourself appropriately to honor God and not please human beings.
You choose to say NO to money corruption at your job place or in your business. You choose to uphold the principle of righteousness and fear of God in you.
You choose to say NO to your friends, cousins, family members, carnal church members who are going to a party wherein people are eating, drinking, committing immorality and defiling themselves with all kinds of foolish talk. Rather you decide to spend that time with God in devotion or doing something which brings personal godly growth (doing good works and helping others). You can also plan to use that time to clean your home, iron your clothes and put your house in order which is messy.
You choose to look away from immoral pictures and videos which are popping in ads and social media platforms.
You choose to say NO to anger, ungratefulness, lies, discord, jealousy and anything which disrupts the peace of your family and relationship with God. You choose to avoid arguments and ungodly conversation.
You choose to start your day by honoring God with devotion time, rather than going straight to your daily worldly task.
You keep God in your heart, thoughts and decisions all the time.
The list can go on and on, but I want you to self analyse yourself and write down where you are lacking the principles of God and what areas of Life can be made more godly.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling - Philippians 2:12
'Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ ' Luke 13:6-7
I want you to note this very important point when God comes to check your life, God is not checking or expecting how successful you became in ministry, how good you were in your gifting (Healing, teaching, giving, etc), career or in your business; rather God is looking for the fruits of the spirit and how much you are like JESUS in this world. With eloquence and power of gift you can still end up in hell if that gift is not regulated with the fruit of the Spirit(Nature of God).
' “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. '
Matthew 7:15,19-20
Many gifted and powerful ministers have ended up in hell because there was no fruit of the spirit or character of God in them. God wants to see Jesus in you more than any power or gifts. When you see this reality, you begin to realise that the main goal of christian life is to please the Lord and become like JESUS and surrender everything under his feet in humility. Now your delight and satisfaction is in the Lord rather than any gift or power that comes from Him. You consider everything worthless before the beauty of HIS character. I am not against gifting or ministry, it's good to have it and you can serve the Lord better with those gifts, but remember that if you don't have the character of Christ, then that ministry or serving becomes futile and unclean to God.
Desire fruit (Character of God) more than Gift (meant to serve God).
'Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ '
Matthew 7:22-23
I want you to look at the picture below and analyze it very well. Spend some ample time looking at it and studying it. In Part 2, we will discuss briefly each fruits mentioned in Galatians 5:22
