HOLY SPIRIT: How's Your Fruit?

Icebreaker:

Who is the gentlest person you know?

What is the difference between gentleness and weakness?

Overview:

While working for an international company, a Christian was passed over for a promotion because he lacked the degree required for the position. The position was filled by a qualified candidate from an out-of-state branch of the company. The Christian had to work closely with the new hire but was determined not to like him. The office environment was filled with jealousy and rivalry. Management noticed.

When the root is bitterness, imagine what the fruit might be. -- Woodrow Kroll

As the months passed, the Christian continued to pursue his education and slowly a relationship developed between him and the new hire. The new hire was not a Christian and had a troubled personal life. The Christian became something of a mentor and spiritual adviser to the younger man. He prayed for him and the Holy Spirit began to work in the lives of both men. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. – Galatians 5:22-24 ESV

Two years later, the new hire was attending church and in a healthy relationship with a Christian woman. When he accepted a higher position with a new company, the Christian, armed with a new degree and an improved attitude, applied for and received the promotion.

Discussion:

Read Galatians5 :13-24.

A tree produces fruit based on its condition. Healthy trees produce delicious fruit. Unhealthy trees produce rotten fruit. When we walk with the Spirit, we produce delicious fruit. How’s your fruit?

What type of fruit was the Christian producing in the beginning of the story?

What changed the situation?

What fruit was produced in the lives of both men by the end of the story?

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. – Galatians 5:13-15.

How should our freedom in Christ be manifested?

When have you let an unhealthy attitude affect a relationship?

What are the fruits of a Spirit-led person?

How can we serve each other? At work? At home? In the church?

What is at risk when we do not crucify the flesh?