Fruit, Armor and Gifts....

The Fruit of the Spirit are the Character and Nature of God that grow in us as we continue in relationship with God. Intimacy, obedience, and experience with God in daily, minute by minute interaction produce and cultivate this fruit. Galatians 5:22 lists the Fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Against such things there is NO law."

Pruning ,John 15, occurs also, so that the fruit may be pure and clean, devoid of our own works and full of receiving His!

The Armor of God (Ephesians 6) are some of the gifts that He has given us to survive and thrive in this fallen and rebellious world. A Helmet to bring protection and peace to our minds so that we may know we are saved - and to think as He thinks. The very mind of Christ is given to us in greater and greater measures. A Breastplate of Righteousness is given to guard our hearts. He gives us His Very Own Righteousness as a gift. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word given to us by revelation to attack the evil works of the enemy and Destroy them. The Shoes of Readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace. His Peace makes us walk steady in a turbulent and deceitful world. They provide a Boldness to testify of The Blood of the Lamb and The Word of our Personal Testimony ( Revelations 12) The Shield of Faith enables us to extinguish the fiery attacks of the enemy - whether attacks of doubt, fear or despair or physical attacks on our bodies. As we Trust God the enemies attacks are overcome and come to nothing. The Belt of Truth is given to us to gird up our weak and vulnerable areas! To become more true and transparent. To hide less. To be more honest. To be more real. And lastly we are told to Pray always in the Spirit.

The Gifts of the Spirit (I Corinthians 12) are given us to continue in the advance of the Kingdom of God on the earth. The Message of Knowledge, the Message of Wisdom, and Prophesy seem to have to do with communicating the Mind of Christ to us to direct us according to what He wants done. According to what He wants said to others, for encouragement or correction. The Gift of Faith, the Gift of Healing, and Miraculous Powers may have to do with demonstrating the present power of the Kingdom of Heaven so that people can be healed, restored and have signs given so that they may believe in the power of Jesus to forgive and save them (Lk 5:24). The Distinguishing of Spirits, the Gift of Tongues and the Interpretation of Tongues seem to be given to drive out demons, to provide a Spirit-Initiated Groan or Prayer, and further instruction or knowledge.

Questions? Comments? Email me at ChrisSarris@hotmail.com