The Power to Bear Fruit: Self-Control that Lasts

Scripture References: John 15:1-8

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From Series: "Real Fruit: Outcomes of Transformation"

The gospel becomes visible in our lives through what Paul describes as “fruit” of the Spirit in Galatians 5. This fruit is evidence that the Holy Spirit is at work within us, shaping us to become more like Jesus. As we follow Him, we begin to reflect His character, both personally and in how we interact with the world around us. In our part of the world, we often think of Christlikeness as simply the absence of sin—or personal holiness. Instead, fruits of the Spirit point to a transformation that impacts our relationships, mirroring how Jesus loved and served people in a broken world. They tie Christlikenss to relationships. As we grow, we become less satisfied with the imitation “fruit,”—inauthentic lives that may look good on the surface, but can ultimately cause harm to ourselves and others, falling short of being who Christ wants us to be. Instead, the process of transformation leads us to desire genuine fruit that reflects our Creator’s design for us and for the world around us.

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