The Fruit of the Flesh
In the early fall of 1999, the Lord answered my prayers for fellowship by leading me to a small church. Among those attending were Steve and Debbie (substituted names for privacy), with whom I had been previously acquainted as classmates in high school. We were not close back then, but this common bond led to a deeper friendship at this time.
Steve, in particular, was involved in a coffee house ministry. I also became involved through his influence, and was introduced to Jamie; the wonderful help-meet God had prepared for me!
There are probably few men closer to Steve than I was, though it often seemed quite superficial to me. It is desire of mine for close male fellowship in the Lord, but Steve wanted to keep more to himself. Numerous qualities and attitudes that he displayed suggested a form of godliness which had denied it’s power (II Timothy 3:5). I did not want to pressure him into a deeper friendship against his will, and the Spirit’s witness within me suggested that God wanted it that way…
My brother-in-law phoned me with the breaking news, and on this particular night it was the major story on all networks: Steve had shot Debbie. She did not die, but was critically injured from three shotgun blasts Steve had fired during an argument—apparently not intending her physical harm. With Special Forces training, if Steve had intended to kill Debbie, he would have. It was also he that phoned 911, and waited for the police to arrive.
It has been easily over five years since we have had contact with them. Of all the things that I knew about Steve, an unwavering love for his wife would be at the top of my list. Even if his relationship with Christ wasn’t what it should be, this turn of events was quite shocking. HOW did this happen?!? This was also a question I had asked regarding my own behavior many years ago.
We are all aware of falling believers, especially those of public notoriety. Satan loves to attack these individuals and loudly broadcasts their failures! We should praise the Lord through all these things: God’s infinite grace and mercy through Jesus Christ trumps any short-lived gains the devil may seem to achieve!
Men like Daryl Strawberry (baseball), B.J. Thomas (pop singer), and Glen Campbell (singer-actor) all publicly proclaimed their “born-again” status; only to fall back into trouble with drugs and alcohol. The devil tries to portray believers as hypocrites to the world around us—but we know the truth! All have sinned and are eternally lost without Christ. Even after receiving salvation, we will still struggle with the sinful flesh (Romans 7) and need to die daily to self (Luke 9:23).
The Lord has shown me that what is coming out at these times of weakness are the fruits of the flesh. Much is made over the fruits of the Spirit, and rightly so—but there is another side to that coin. Both sides are found in Galatians chapter five.
So why make a topic out of it? Because the fruit of the flesh vary greatly from one individual to another.
When you consider my friend Steve (shooting) or one of these mentioned celebrities (drugs), you may think (with certainty) that their behavior is very bad or evil. But God can see clearly into the heart, and even goes so far as to say;
And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15
Fruit of the flesh, or unrighteousness, is greatly influenced by culture and upbringing. You may not consider men like Pope Benedict or the Dali Lama to be particularly evil, but they are as certainly bound for the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15) as any murderer or drug addict. If one has been a life-long church attendee, and raised toward a “clean” living lifestyle, the outer appearance may seem to be quite good. In Luke 4, Jesus was nearly killed by the church (synagogue) people in His hometown! And our Lord also taught us;
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20
Many are fooled by apparent good works and fair speech. We are instructed Biblically to discern by their “fruit” according to the Word of God. Matthew 7:15-20 addresses knowing them by their fruits.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:15-20
Take time to examine the tree, and not merely the outer fruit. Even here in verse 15, Jesus tells us that false prophets are wolves in sheep’s clothing. II Corinthians 11:14,15 states that Satan’s ministers appear as ministers of righteousness! The very first sin of Eve also reflects deception concerning the “fruit.” Genesis 3:6 begins, “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes…” She momentarily forgot or disbelieved God’s Word—which told her not to eat of that tree!
Matthew 7:21-23 follows up the “fruits” section with a sobering example.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23
These examples from Jesus are real. As God, He is stating factually what will happen! These people came before God with good-looking “fruit” which they produced in Jesus’ name, only to be rejected. Some are terrified by these verses; but Jesus explains the root of their corruption in the next verses that follow.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Matthew 7:24-27
Many are those who corrupt the Words of God (II Corinthians 2:17), and do so in the name of Christ! Churches today are filled with new (corrupt) bible versions, and the true words of God are routinely torn out and retranslated. How do you even know what to believe?
God’s Word is perfectly preserved (Psalms 12:6,7) in the Authorized Translation; the King James Bible. Learn more of the truth and importance of this issue in our Word of God section. Everything a true believer needs to know is provided in God’s Word (II Timothy 3:16,17). This naturally includes the discernment of fruits, and the type of tree they grow on.
When a person slips spiritually, and goes back into drug use, we may view it as an unusually bad fall. But if that person was saved out of a drug use background, this is what they would naturally fall back into. Proverbs 26:11 says,
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. Proverbs 26:11
Satan is responsible for our falls, and he then tries to cast us down by accusations. It is important to remember that our enemy is the “father of lies” (John 8:44): only the blood of Jesus can save, and our beloved Lord will gladly forgive us when we repent before Him.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Romans 5:8-10
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Romans 8:31-34
When we start to specifically look at the nature of spiritual “fruit”, you would expect what I call the fruit of the flesh to be larger in variety than the fruit of the spirit. God is holy, and of one nature. Mankind is many, and diverse: while many of the root sins are the same, the way they manifest (show up) individually is unique and varied.
Scripture supports these previously mentioned notions. The Lord led me to understand by the term fruit of the flesh in Galatians 5:19. The number of listed “flesh works” are 17 “and such like.” The Spirit’s fruit as listed numbers 9.
It is not my intention to go over all the listed works of the flesh: most believers are well acquainted with Biblical guidelines. I do intend to throw scriptural light on what may seem to be baffling behavior. Be reminded that a sin is a sin, no matter how seemingly great or insignificant.
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Galatians 3:22
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Galatians 5:24
Remember that we are also accountable to do what we have learned to be right in the eyes of the Lord; even if it is not a specifically mentioned sin in God’s Word.
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17
The fruit of the Spirit deserves to be studied a bit more deeply. These fruit are a measure of how we are growing to be more Christ-like every day. Still, there is some misunderstanding of how these fruit apply, and our adversary often tries to accuse us in regard to them. Let’s look at the scripture;
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22, 23
Before going deeper, it should be pointed out that not every spiritual fruit will be prominently displayed in us all of the time. This is a way the enemy accuses us; railing against us if we seem without certain “fruit” in particular situations. “Where is your love?” “Why aren’t you gentle?” “Aren’t Christians supposed to be joyful?” These are some words of contention you may hear. So what is our defense? 1) Understand what each spiritual fruit actually is, because there are a lot of false perceptions. 2) What is your circumstance? During severe trial, joy may not be the main fruit to rely on—it is probably longsuffering. These fruit come from the Holy Spirit, and while they are a reflection of Christ these qualities are also given to help us cope during each situation life brings (Isaiah 59:19, I Corinthians 10:13). 3) Remember that fruit grows. As we mature in Christ, the Holy Spirit takes over more and more; with visible results. 4) You must be who God made you to be. While all these fruit are indeed of the Spirit, and each will be in you, each individual will have some areas that are stronger than others. We can see this kind of uniqueness displayed in the different personalities recorded in the Bible. These differences also account for how we fit together as members of the body of Christ. 5) Rest in your salvation; your first love for Christ Jesus. God loved us while we were yet in sin, so He will surely love you as you are growing in the fruit of the Spirit (Romans 5:8-10). It is Jesus that justifies (Romans 8:31-34). God is patient with us as we grow (Psalms 103:8-13), and has promised to work all things to the good for His children (Romans 8:28).
LOVE: What a small word, which carries such powerful meaning! Yet today, the word love is applied toward many things. The love spoken of here is a Godly Characteristic. This love is not referring to warm feelings of affection, but rather a legitimate desire for the well-being of others. You long for them to receive salvation; but also that their material needs (food, clothing) be provided.
To want the best welfare for another, we must often deny our own understanding and feelings. Even as it may be hard to discipline a child, but we know that it is for their best development. Please see Hebrews 12:5-11 for more on this.
In regard to others in varying situations, remember that your feelings (Jeremiah 17:9) may not always be warm; the Spiritual fruit of love still exists! Don’t’ fall for such a false accusation from the enemy.
JOY: For a true follower of Christ, joy goes far deeper than a superficial happiness. Our joy comes from being eternally saved; knowing that you trials in the flesh are for but a fleeting moment in time (II Corinthians 4:17).
One example of this type of joy is found in Acts 16. Paul and Silas had been whipped, and imprisoned with chains. The “inner prison” where they were confined was the deepest, darkest confinement of the jail. Yet verse 25 tells us that they sang praises to God at midnight! Only the joy of the Spirit could make such a thing possible—and the results were incredible.
Praise to God is often an outer sign of this joy. Psalms 22:3 tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people. Remember this wonderful promise! It is a great help in drawing near to God in spite of our feelings.
PEACE: Peace is a major reward that God gives us. Just think of all the troubles we face in this world, along with fears—especially the fear of dying. Scripture shows the promise of peace very plainly, so let us look there.
The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. Psalms 29:11
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Proverbs 3:1,2
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Romans 5:1
But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. I Corinthians 7:15
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7
Many times I have experienced the peace of God, when earthly circumstances showed that I should not. Not only is peace a gift that God brings us, but a way that He directs. After I lay down a difficult issue before the Lord in prayer, He often brings a powerful peace; which is a confirmation of the direction He is leading me in. How do you know if something is of the Lord? By His peace (not man’s approval). I Corinthians 14:33 tells us that God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. James 3:17 tells us that God’s wisdom is peaceable.
We should pray and seek the Lord for clarity on things—but using the principle of Spiritual peace is a powerful tool of discernment.
LONGSUFFERING: Some prayers seem to take a long time to be answered! If we are praying for a person to change, we will usually only see the final outer results; not the inner workings that have led to this change. Jesus tells us that we are always to pray (Luke 18:1), and not to faint. Longsuffering is reflected in God’s extreme patience and mercy toward us; both for salvation, and for Holy perfection.
Remember that God’s eternal nature enables Him to see time differently than we do, in our short-term life in the flesh. We were created in God’s image, and we are to emulate Him in every respect. Let us pray for and seek longsuffering from the Spirit: persisting by faith through prayer, until the day we are called home to be with our Lord.
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psalms 86:15
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. II Timothy 4:2
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. II Peter 3:9
See also Exodus 34:6, Numbers 14:18, and Colossians 3:12.
GENTLENESS: While this is an important attribute, it is often misunderstood.
To use gentleness in dealing with others shows common sense. People naturally rebel against inappropriate forceful approaches. The Bible also advises us to do this, found in verses such as Proverbs 15:1 and II Timothy 2:24.
Yet there are many places in which we are shown not to be gentle (by example). In other words, the Word of God clearly shows us that we cannot be gentle with everyone all of the time. The Biblical lives of the saints, as well as of our blessed Savior, provide much to think about.
Gentleness is good to exhibit, but let no one condemn you for not having it during some particular instance. One of the other Spiritual fruit will be manifesting itself at that time, when gentleness is not called for.
GOODNESS: When I think of goodness, I think of godliness. True goodness is a fruit of the Spirit which reflects who God is. In Matthew 19:17, Jesus says;
And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Matthew 19:17
So to be good is to be Godly. It is to be concerned and prayerful, as well as physically helpful (I John 3:17).
Since goodness is a fruit of the Spirit, it is also Holy. Many believers compromise their walk with Christ in order to “get along” with family and friends. Yet we are called upon to be separate! We must not be permissive where sin is involved: a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11
Goodness from the Spirit should permeate our being. Even small acts of help and kindness display this fruit to others; it should be a natural extension of who we are in Christ.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23,24
FAITH: The shield of faith is also a powerful spiritual weapon (Ephesians 6:16). Hebrews 11:6 begins with; “But without faith it is impossible to please him…” Pretty important, huh?
Faith defines everything a believer is—why we deny ourselves, love our enemies, why we hope in heaven. We live an other-worldly lifestyle because of faith!
The Spirit prompted Paul to write this in I Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” What we are asked to live in the Bible is contrary to our sinful, human nature. It is our faith that causes us to serve Christ this way!
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. II Corinthians 4:18
Jesus warned us of a time when faith would be virtually extinct (Luke 18:8). Such is the case in these last days. In most churches, the new bible “versions” are pushed. Congregations which are led by these think they can have salvation in Christ, even while doubting or disbelieving most of God’s Word! They are deceived. Remember that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” How could you claim to believe the salvation message in the Bible, but reject many other parts? You are creating another gospel (Galatians 1:6), one conformed to your own personal point of view!
Ask the Lord to open your eyes and increase your faith. Be ready! Some real life lessons will shortly follow! Remember that real faith is born in adversity.
MEEKNESS: Please see our article on Biblical Meekness for more on this fruit. Biblical meekness is obedience to God. Many have a misunderstanding of meekness today—they think it to be kind of timid and shy, or soft-spoken.
Numbers 12:3 gives us our clue for Godly meekness.
(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) Numbers 12:3
Was Moses timid? What about David, Elijah, Jesus, or Paul? Remember that the righteous are “bold as a lion.”!
Since meekness as a fruit of the Spirit means to obey God, it can appear quite different depending on each circumstance. If someone is out-spoken for the gospel, they are showing meekness toward God—even if others don’t like it!
TEMPERANCE: Here in U.S., this failing is huge within the organized church. Temperance simply means self-control, restraint from excess, moderation, or self discipline.
Self indulgence is everywhere in Western culture, and it has infected those who claim to belong to Christ! As a result, illness and disease are rampant. We are partaking of communion unworthily and bringing damnation upon ourselves.
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. I Corinthians 11:29-32
As I embarked on my weight loss venture, I was disturbed to see how much of a glutton I had become. The bible refers to over-eating in the same vein as being a drunkard! See Deuteronomy 21:20 and Proverbs 23:21 for this. I had been taught to be this way, but it still isn’t excusable in God’s eyes.
Jesus is to be the LORD of our lives, in every area. For some reason, over-eating and bad eating habits have become accepted within churches. So have many pleasure activities and gadgets. We were told to deny ourselves, and take up our cross! If we “find our lives” here (on hearth), we will lose them.
We are so self-determinate that it is difficult to truly surrender every area of our lives. This we must do every day, asking the Lord show us plainly of problem areas in our lives. We must do this.
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalms 139:23,24
It is a true blessing when you witness the fruit of the Spirit blossoming more and more in your life each day! But there are also growing pains. Hopefully you have found this section useful in providing more clarity and understanding in regard to “the works of the flesh,” and the fruit of the Spirit. Remember that we are growing with you in this!
WARNING: To avoid Satan’s snares and deceptions, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will tend to bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27.
Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist.
Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Word of God section and the section on A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security.