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Author Topic: The Fruit of the Spirit - a must or an option  (Read 2203 times)

Richard OFfill

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The Fruit of the Spirit - a must or an option
« on: June 04, 2014, 10:18:30 AM »

My dad use to say that we should not be concerned with what might be our gift of the Spirit until we settle the matter of the Fruit of the Spirit in our personal lives.

You are invited to read this month's sermon and share your personal comments. The problem with this topic is that it is too close to home. You might even share what Fruit of the Spirit you need in your own life!

Personally, I need Joy. I tend to be a pessimist. :-(

http://www.revivalsermons.org/index.php?pg=sermons&id=69#sthash.WtAsf77C.dpbs
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Larry Lyons

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit - a must or an option
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2014, 11:46:45 AM »
Quote from: Richard OFfill on June 04, 2014, 10:18:30 AM

My dad use to say that we should not be concerned with what might be our gift of the Spirit until we settle the matter of the Fruit of the Spirit in our personal lives.

You are invited to read this month's sermon and share your personal comments. The problem with this topic is that it is too close to home. You might even share what Fruit of the Spirit you need in your own life!

Personally, I need Joy. I tend to be a pessimist. :-(

http://www.revivalsermons.org/index.php?pg=sermons&id=69#sthash.WtAsf77C.dpbs
You have probably heard this one: A pessimist is complaining: "Someone said 'cheer up, things could be worse'.  So I cheered up and sure enough, things got worse."  :-D
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newbie

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit - a must or an option
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2014, 07:08:12 PM »
we are to look for the silver linings... rainbows...to show that God was working on behalf behind the scenes...sometimes it is difficult but our minds must rule over the feelings :-)
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Ed Sutton

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit - a must or an option
« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2014, 01:04:42 AM »
First obtain and plant and cultivate the tree then the fruit from the tree comes in it's time.

Open the heart and life for Jesus to come in, the Holy Spirit enrolls us in His fruit of the day club.

As long as we stay in the club, we will get all the fruit we can eat, but if we don't eat, He trims down the selection till we open our selves to receive the fruit He offers, Jesus didn't waste fish & bread; the Holy Ghost does not waste fruit.

Keep being in position to receive each kind of fruit and keep eating what the Holy Ghost offers, He never cuts anyone short because He is always generous.

"produce joy" = 11 hits

Quote
Do not gratify the enemy by dwelling upon the dark side of your experience; trust Jesus more fully for help to resist temptation. If we thought and talked more of Jesus, and less of ourselves, we should have much more of His presence. If we abide in Him, we shall be so filled with peace, faith, and courage, and shall have so victorious an experience to relate when we come to meeting, that others will be refreshed by our clear, strong testimony for God. These precious acknowledgements to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christlike life, have an irresistible power, which works for the salvation of souls The bright and cheerful side of religion will be represented by all who are daily consecrated to God. We should not dishonor our Lord by a mournful relation of trials that appear grievous. All trials that are received as educators will produce joy. The whole religious life will be uplifting, elevating, ennobling, fragrant with good words and works.  {AG 184.4} 

"my joy" Bible  texts

John 3:29  He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

John 15:11  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

John 17:13  And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

2 Corinthians 2:3  And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

Philippians 2:2  Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Philippians 4:1  Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
********************************

God is the source of joy  -  {1MCP 247.4}     Find out what is blocking the faucet, turn the tap, fill up the hot tub of life for the day, soak in His promises for 24 hours.  After-a-while feelings will catch up to faith and at last the joy through faith in God's promises will finally feel good also.

Joy is not always unalloyed, even Jesus endured such, but joy is not deferred forever.

Isaiah 53:3  He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Hebrews 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
« Last Edit: June 05, 2014, 01:26:54 AM by Ed Sutton »
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Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 While it is true that God gives the message from Scripture and SOP. The taste I give to others about the message sells it or kills it, I learn to walk it well & cook it well & eat it myself, before I preach it.  Then the SDA message appeals by His righteousness.

sdazeal

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit - a must or an option
« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2014, 08:21:31 PM »
I was just thinking on this topic while at work today. The fruits of the Spirit are found hanging on the Tree of Life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations and are "eaten" by surrendering self... while the fruits of the flesh are found hanging on the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and are "eaten" by self-preservation and gratification.

Just a few weeks ago we got yet another preacher who handed out "spiritual gift inventory tests". I know the conference is behind this and has been for some time. They just don't get it. The gifts are there, period. God will put us in position to use them, period. We do not need to "identify" our gifts according to how we feel and then "cultivate them" according to our desires. The charismatics are NOT the ones to be learning from.
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newbie

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit - a must or an option
« Reply #5 on: June 06, 2014, 12:54:29 PM »
been asked several times from diff. churches to do this sort of survey... once back as early as 1993...  back then I didn't know much so watched those I trusted most and they all decided not to fill them out so I didn't either...
What's the point?
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Ed Sutton

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit - a must or an option
« Reply #6 on: June 07, 2014, 02:33:21 AM »
When ever I would allow God to lead me to someone, no matter my past failings, discouragement, depression, it would restore in me happiness and joy - realizing that the God of Heaven and Earth would stoop to use me to help someone, even though I had failed Him and let Him down.   

Being lead to help and bless someone in partnership with Jesus always cheers me up and strengthens my joy and hope.   

So from time to time I pray in faith asking God to make me willing, then to lead me as He sees fit, to someone, or someone to me, and cause me to perceive the opportunity to help and bless that person in partnership with Jesus,  for His sake.   And in God's time He does.

Quote
Light, light from the Word of God,--this is what the people need. If the teachers of the Word are willing, the Lord will lead them into close relation with the people. He will guide them to the homes of those who need and desire the truth; and as the servants of God engage in the work of seeking for the lost sheep, their spiritual faculties are awakened and energized. Knowing that they are in harmony with God, they feel joyous and happy. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they obtain an experience that is invaluable to them. Their intellectual and moral powers attain their highest development; for grace is given in answer to the demand.--Review and Herald, Dec. 29, 1904.  {Ev 434.3}

*******************************

OK Pastor O'Ffill I just clicked on the link and read the sermon, and I say amen, I from the heart agree. 

All these Good things I need, Jesus already has them, and by His righteousness, grace, and power, is willing to implant and develop them in me.

I choose to open my heart to Him so that the Holy Spirit can implant all His good things and His righteousness as fast and as deep as He makes me able, and willing  to receive and retain and keep them. 

And I choose to follow the admonitions of James to be on my part a doer of these things, to open my heart's door to Jesus,  so that Jesus and the Holy Spirit can come in and abide when and however they choose, and stay.

*************

 Lord Jesus, give me spiritual hearing aides to hear your lightest knocking on the door, install a doorbell to wake me up and call me if I get otherwise too far from the door, and bore a hole in the door and install a door handle on the outside too so if I hear you but get too weak to reach the inner handle you can help mine unbelief or whatever weakness and amplify my desire and efforts to open my heart by your eternally strong grip helping me.

Amen
« Last Edit: June 07, 2014, 03:05:33 AM by Ed Sutton »
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Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 While it is true that God gives the message from Scripture and SOP. The taste I give to others about the message sells it or kills it, I learn to walk it well & cook it well & eat it myself, before I preach it.  Then the SDA message appeals by His righteousness.

V. Hahn

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit - a must or an option
« Reply #7 on: June 10, 2014, 07:08:29 AM »
Amen, Ed!
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ColporteurK

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit - a must or an option
« Reply #8 on: June 10, 2014, 12:54:10 PM »
 I'm not even sure what the point of this is. It seems to me that these surveys to identify gifts is to make the laity and leadership comfortable about doing much of nothing and as if identifying what we already "like" to do is enough.

I really believe that the only way many untapped gifts can be identified is by putting on the boots, rolling up the sleeves, and getting into the mud. 
« Last Edit: June 10, 2014, 12:59:09 PM by ColporteurK »
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Ed Sutton

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit - a must or an option
« Reply #9 on: June 11, 2014, 06:19:02 AM »
I bet these are basic gifts they won't think of seeking . ( "is a gift " = 69 hits )

Quote
As he worked at his trade, the apostle had access to a class of people that he could not otherwise have reached. He showed his associates that skill in the common arts is a gift from God, who provides both the gift and the wisdom to use it aright. He taught that even in everyday toil God is to be honored. His toil-hardened hands detracted nothing from the force of his pathetic appeals as a Christian minister.  {AA 351.3} 


Quote
... His unaided reason can explain nothing in the deep things of God, nor can he understand the spiritual lessons that God has placed in the material world. But reason is a gift of God, and His Spirit will aid those who are willing to be taught. Man's words, if of any value, echo the words of God. In the education of youth they should never take the place of the divine word.  {CT 423.3} 


Quote
God gives more than money to His stewards. Your talent of imparting is a gift. What are you communicating of the gifts of God, in your words, in your tender sympathy? . . . The knowledge of truth is a talent. There are many souls in darkness that might be enlightened by true, faithful words from you. There are hearts that are hungering for sympathy, perishing away from God. Your sympathy may help them. The Lord has need of your words, dictated by His Holy Spirit. . . . {OFC 140.2}

The first work for all Christians to do is to search the Scriptures with most earnest prayer, that they may have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul from every thread of selfishness. If the truth is received into the heart, it works like good leaven, until every power is brought into subjection to the will of God. Then you can no more help shining than can the sun. . . . {OFC 140.3}

All natural gifts are to be sanctified as precious endowments. They are to be consecrated to God, that they may minister for the Master. All social advantages are talents. They are not to be devoted to self-pleasing, amusement, or self-gratification. . . . The gift of correct example is a great thing. But many gather about the soul an atmosphere that is malarious. . . . {OFC 140.4}

The gifts of speech, of knowledge, of sympathy and love, communicate a knowledge of Christ. All these gifts are to be converted to God. The Lord stands in need of them, He calls for them. All are to act a part in preparing their own souls and the souls of others to rededicate their talents to God. Every soul, every gift, is to be laid under contribution to God. All are to cooperate with God in the work of saving souls. The talents you possess are given you of God to make you efficient colaborers with Christ. There are hearts hungering for sympathy, perishing for the help and assistance God has given you to give to them. {OFC 140.5}


If they want gifts - first they must be in position to receive the Holy Spirit.

Quote
The soul of the prophet, emptied of self, was filled with the light of the divine. As he witnessed to the Saviour's glory, his words were almost a counterpart of those that Christ Himself had spoken in His interview with Nicodemus. John said, "He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from heaven is above all. . . . For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him." Christ could say, "I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me." John 5:30. To Him it is declared, "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows." Hebrews 1:9. The Father "giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him."  {DA 180.1}
 
     So with the followers of Christ. We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We cannot discern the character of God, or accept Christ by faith, unless we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. To all who do this the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ "dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and in Him ye are made full." Colossians 2:9, 10, R. V.  {DA 181.1}

Such things are a lot more personal and effective than a purpose driven church gifts inventory
« Last Edit: June 11, 2014, 06:38:05 AM by Ed Sutton »
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Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 While it is true that God gives the message from Scripture and SOP. The taste I give to others about the message sells it or kills it, I learn to walk it well & cook it well & eat it myself, before I preach it.  Then the SDA message appeals by His righteousness.

restoretruth

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit - a must or an option
« Reply #10 on: June 11, 2014, 07:45:03 AM »
Quote from: Ed Sutton on June 11, 2014, 06:19:02 AM

     So with the followers of Christ. We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We cannot discern the character of God, or accept Christ by faith, unless we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. To all who do this the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ "dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and in Him ye are made full." Colossians 2:9, 10, R. V.  {DA 181.1}

Such things are a lot more personal and effective than a purpose driven church gifts inventory
[/quote]

AMEN!

The Holy Spirit our Efficiency

     Christ, in His mediatorial capacity, gives to His servants the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is the efficiency of the Spirit that enables human agencies to be representatives of the Redeemer in the work of soul saving. That we may unite with Christ in this work we should place ourselves under the molding influence of His Spirit. Through the power thus imparted we may co-operate with the Lord in the bonds of unity as laborers together with Him in the salvation of souls. To everyone who offers himself to the Lord for service, withholding nothing, is given power for the attainment of measureless results.  {7T 30.2} 

     The Lord God is bound by an eternal pledge to supply power and grace to everyone who is sanctified through obedience to the truth. Christ, to whom is given all power in heaven and on earth, co-operates in sympathy with His instrumentalities--the earnest souls who day by day partake of the living bread, "which cometh down from heaven." John 6:50. The church on earth, united with the church in heaven, can accomplish all things.  {7T 31.1}
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restoretruth

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Raven

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Re: The Fruit of the Spirit - a must or an option
« Reply #11 on: June 11, 2014, 05:14:00 PM »
Quote from: sdazeal on June 05, 2014, 08:21:31 PM
I was just thinking on this topic while at work today. The fruits of the Spirit are found hanging on the Tree of Life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations and are "eaten" by surrendering self... while the fruits of the flesh are found hanging on the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and are "eaten" by self-preservation and gratification.

Just a few weeks ago we got yet another preacher who handed out "spiritual gift inventory tests". I know the conference is behind this and has been for some time. They just don't get it. The gifts are there, period. God will put us in position to use them, period. We do not need to "identify" our gifts according to how we feel and then "cultivate them" according to our desires. The charismatics are NOT the ones to be learning from.

The fruit of the Spirit is not to be confused, of course with spiritual gifts.  The fruit of the Spirit is the Christlike character which we must all develop, while the gifts of the Spirit are special endowments that He gives according to His omniscient understanding of where they are most needed and who is the best person to entrust them with.

I've noticed that the so-called "spiritual gifts tests" are nothing more than than aptitude tests with a religious name.  They really prove nothing other than what our interests and talents are.  I've always avoided filling them out.  I'm a bit of a rebellious non-conformist.  :evil:
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Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.  I Cor. 10:12

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