MANIFESTING THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (1)

In order to have the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in your life, you must believe the promise of Christ according to His word.  Fruitfulness and abundance has been promised for you and everyone who receives Christ as Lord and Savior and continue in faith and obedience. Here is the promise: “Truly, truly, I  say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go to the Father.  And whatsoever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” John 14:12-14.

Faith in God and in His promises and obedience to His commands are the only means by which you can live the supernatural life.

Some of you are probably already saying within yourselves, this is going to be tough, I can’t live that kind of life.  Well, you’re right. YOU, cannot do it.  The only one who can truly live it is the Lord Jesus Christ in you.

Therefore, your life must be Christ directed.  That means He must be in your life and on the throne.  That is when you have decided to make Him Lord of your Life allowing Him to lead as you follow.  Self then is yielding to Christ.  Your interests become directed by Christ resulting in harmony with God’s plan.  All other agendas become secondary to Christ.

As you continue to trust Christ, moment by moment, you will begin to experience many wonderful benefits.  Your prayer life will become more powerful.  Your study of God’s Word will become more meaningful and you will experience His power in witnessing.

WHAT HINDERS US FROM MANIFESTING THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT?

Lack of Knowledge.  Can you imagine a person saying “No” to the Christian life, if they knew all of the scriptural facts and benefits?

Pride – This is not the same thing as a healthy love and acceptance of oneself.  Pride was the sin of Satan (Isaiah 14: 12-14).  The self-centered, egocentric Christian cannot have fellowship with God (1 Peter 5:5)

Fear of man – Peer pressure keeps man Christians locked out of the supernatural life.  We need to see what the word says about the Christian. (1 Peter 2:9)

Worldly-mindedness – A love for material things that lead you away from the Mind of Christ. (Romans 12:2). We must be renewed in the spirit of our minds.

Lack of faith – Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6a). 

Secret sin – Unconfessed sin keeps many Christians from experiencing the joy of supernatural living  (Proverbs 28:13a).