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The “Fruit Of The Spirit” Demands Good Fruit

Since farming was a common employment in the first century, it became the background for a very common figure used in Scripture. For example, Jesus identified false prophets by their behavior and He used
vegetation and its produce as an appropriate figure, (Matthew 7:15-20). Jesus also used fruit to describe the spiritual production of disciples (John 15:1-7). The parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-15 and parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30) are also “farming” illustrations.

Paul did not elaborate on the vegetation figure, but much is implied from his expression “fruit of the Spirit” in Gal. 5:22, which is the antithesis of “works of the flesh” in Gal. 5:19. “Fruit of the Spirit” may be understood as fruit that is the product of the Holy Spirit’s revealed influence by the “hearing of faith” (Gal. 3:2; Gal. 3:5; cf. Romans 10:17).

There are several verses in the general context that may help us understand the phrase “fruit of the Spirit” in Gal. 5:22). In Gal. 5:13, Paul tells us, “…only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh.” In other words, as an occasion to do the things directed by fleshly, selfish ambition where flesh dominates over the noble aspirations of our spirit. Gal. 5:16 presents walking in the Spirit versus not fulfilling lust of the flesh.

Gal. 5:17 indicates that the Spirit and flesh lust against each other therefore Christians are to allow the Spirit control and abstain from those things instigated by fleshly desire. Gal. 5:18, says that if they are led by the Spirit, they are not under law. Then Gal. 5:19-21, describes where the flesh is in control as opposed to Gal. 5:22-23 where the Spirit is in control.

Finally, Gal. 5:24-25 describe a crucifixion which has taken place with regards to the desires of the flesh — Christians are to walk according to the nobler dictates and desires of the Holy Spirit.

How can we tell if the Holy Spirit is in control? It is just like looking at a tree and its produce. We must look at the kind of fruit we are bearing (cf. Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew 12:33). Is our fruit love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance? If so, we are bearing good fruit — the proper fruit of the Holy Spirit’s teaching through God’s faith system (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6).