The Christ Church Los Angeles Wednesday Bible Study Group is Fruit of the Spirit as identified in 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."
Welcome to the first session of our study on the Fruit of the Spirit. Over the next several weeks, we will move beyond a surface-level understanding of these traits and dive into what it means to live a life truly "in step" with God’s Spirit.
Today, in Session 1 we focus on the foundation: What exactly is the Fruit of the Spirit, and how does it differ from our own human efforts?
Key Scripture: 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."
1. The Singular Nature of the "Fruit"
One of the most important grammatical details in this passage is that the word "fruit" is singular. Paul does not say "the fruits of the Spirit."
This suggests that these nine traits where we can pick and choose the ones we like (e.g., "I'm good at being kind, but I don't do patience"). Instead, they are a composite whole. Think of it like an orange: it is one fruit, but it has many segments. As the Holy Spirit works within a believer, He produces the entire "cluster" fruit simultaneously.
2. Fruit vs. Works: The Source of Power
To understand the Fruit, we must look at the verses immediately preceding them (Galatians 5:19–21), which describe the "works of the flesh."
Galatians 5:19-21 NIV [19] The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; [20] idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions [21] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The Apostle Paul provides a sobering list of behaviors known as the "acts of the flesh" (or "works of the flesh"). These are described as being "obvious" or "evident," representing a life led by human nature rather than the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
To make this extensive list easier to digest, scholars often group these behaviors into four distinct categories:
1. Sexual Immorality
2. Religious Deviation
3. Social and Relational Conflict
4. Intemperance (Lack of Self-Control)
1. Sexual Immorality
These actions involve the misuse of physical intimacy and a departure from the biblical design for relationships.
Sexual Immorality (Porneia): A broad term for any sexual activity outside of marriage.
Impurity: Moral uncleanness in thought, word, or action.
Debauchery (Lasciviousness): A lack of self-control or public indecency; living without restraint.
2. Religious Deviation
These behaviors represent a shift in worship away from God toward other powers or self-interest.
Idolatry: Placing anything—money, fame, or literal idols—above God.
Witchcraft (Pharmakeia): Historically linked to the use of drugs or spells to manipulate spiritual forces or others.
3. Social and Relational Conflict
This is the largest category in the list, focusing on how the "flesh" destroys human relationships and community harmony.
Hatred (Enmity): Deep-seated hostility or being at odds with others.
Discord (Strife): Constant quarreling or a "fighting" spirit.
Jealousy: Resenting the success or possessions of others.
Fits of Rage: Sudden, violent outbursts of anger.
Selfish Ambition: Seeking one's own advancement at the expense of others; "party spirit."
Dissensions: Creating divisions or "taking sides" to cause conflict.
Factions (Heresies): Small, exclusionary groups that break away based on selfish opinions.
Envy: The desire to deprive others of what they have.
4. Intemperance (Lack of Self-Control)
These deal with the loss of physical and mental discipline through substances.
Drunkenness: Excessive consumption of alcohol.
Orgies (Revelries): Wild parties characterized by a total loss of inhibition and unrestrained behavior.
The Warning: Paul concludes this list with a stern reminder: "I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
There is a profound theological distinction between "works" and "fruit":
Reflection: Have you ever felt "exhausted" trying to be a good person? That is often the result of trying to produce "works" rather than allowing "fruit" to grow. Fruit is not something you do; it is something that grows because of where you are planted.
3. The Process of Growth (John 15:4–5)
John 15:2-8 NIV
[2] He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. [3] You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. [4] Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. [5] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. [7] If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. [8] This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Fruit is a biological metaphor. In nature, fruit does not appear overnight. It requires:
Connection to the Source: Just as a branch must stay attached to the vine, we must "abide" in Christ.
Time and Seasons: Growth is often slow and involves seasons of pruning (painful removal of dead areas) and seasons of waiting.
The Environment: Fruit grows best when the soil (the heart) is receptive to the "water" of the Word and the "light" of God’s presence.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think Paul used the metaphor of "fruit" rather than a "list of rules"
Paul’s choice of the word "fruit" is intentional and profound for several reasons:
Rules are external constraints that tell you what not to do. Fruit is an internal result of what you are. You don't "do" fruit; you "grow" it because of the life within the plant.
Rules are a checklist. Fruit is a process. It requires time, the right environment, and a connection to a source (the Spirit).
Notice that Paul uses the singular "fruit" rather than "fruits." While there are nine traits, they are all part of one harvest. If the Spirit is present, the whole cluster begins to grow together.
Look at the nine traits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which one feels the most natural to you right now? Which one feels the most challenging?
Usually, people find that "Kindness" comes easily in good moods, but "Patience" or "Peace" becomes incredibly difficult when life gets chaotic or when priorities feel misaligned.
What does "abiding in Christ" look like in your daily routine? Is it a mental state, a specific habit, or both?
"Abiding" is the difference between being a guest and being a resident.
A guest stops by for a scheduled appointment or a brief stay, but a resident is always present.
Practical Application: "Checking the Soil"
This week, instead of trying to "work harder" at being patient or kind, focus entirely on alignment. Spend 5–10 minutes each morning in quiet reflection, asking the Holy Spirit to take control of your day. Notice if your reactions change when you focus on the Source rather than the Result.
Next Step: Would you like me to outline Session 2, focusing specifically on the first segment of the fruit: Love?
Our Prayer Focus Areas
Divine Guidance & Timing Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead our steps. Ask for clarity on specific strategies and the wisdom to act according to God’s perfect timing rather than our own.
Committed Laborers Pray for the raising up of dependable, passionate volunteers. We ask for hearts that are ready to lead others to Christ and welcome them into the fellowship of His Church.
Financial Provision Pray for the resources necessary to sustain this mission. We trust in God’s provision for every budgetary need to ensure the outreach flourishes without lack.
Fruitfulness in Our Labor Pray for success in every interaction and event. May we work with excellence, knowing that our true reward comes from the Lord.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." — Colossians 3:23-24
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