Next Global Online Service

5

Days

5

HRs

:

 

5

MIN

:

 

5

SEC
Next Global Online Service

On Air

20130102_love-is-the-root-of-all-of-the-fruits_banner_img

Love is the root of all of the fruits

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22–23

If, as Paul writes, Christian freedom is not licentiousness or legalism (Gal. 5:16–21), what does it mean to “walk by the Spirit”? The answer, the apostle demonstrates, is seen in our manifestation of the Spirit’s fruit (vv. 22–24).

Let us begin with two observations about Paul’s use of the fruit metaphor itself. First, there is a degree of inevitability with the word fruit: well-nourished apple trees inevitably produce apples. Likewise, believers, as those who abide in Christ through the Holy Spirit, cannot help but yield lives in which the Spirit’s fruit predominate, not evil works (John 15:1–11; Gal. 5:19–21). In so doing, they fulfill the vocation given to Israel (Isa. 5:1–4). Second, the Greek word karpos or “fruit” in Galatians 5:22 is singular. Paul lists many different virtues in verses 22–23, but there is a unity to them. The “fruits” of the Spirit are one; thus, none of them is optional. John Calvin comments that only those who bear all of the fruit, to one degree or another, prove themselves to be in Christ.

We see evidence for the unity of the fruit in that Paul places love, the only quality to appear in all the other New Testament listings of spiritual traits (see 1 Cor. 13:13; 1 Tim. 4:12; 2 Peter 1:5–7), at the top of his list (Gal. 5:22). Commentators both ancient and modern agree that love is the root of all of the fruits in Galatians 5:22–23; in fact, they are manifestations of love, the chief Christian virtue, the one that will last forever (1 Cor. 13:8). The church father Jerome remarks, “Without love other virtues are not reckoned to be virtues. From love is born all that is good.” God is love (1 John 4:8), and to imitate him as we walk by the Spirit is to love others.

Paul expands upon these other fruits in the rest of Galatians, and in our study of the remaining parts of the epistle we will have the opportunity to look at them more closely. Note today that the apostle includes joy in his list (Gal. 5:22). Martin Luther writes that this proves that God “hates comfortless doctrine, heavy and sorrowful cogitations, and loves cheerful hearts.” Theology must always end in doxology—the joyful praise of our Creator—otherwise, we have not truly studied the things of God.

Coram Deo

The love commended in Galatians 5:22–23 is also the greatest apologetic for the Christian faith (John 13:35) and is defined by the character of God, who loves us both when he commends our obedience and when he condemns our sin, calling us to repentance.

Like him, we are to love those who are difficult to love. This week, strive to show love for another person in word and deed, particularly if that person is often “unlovable.”

Passages for further study

This post is adapted from Ligonier Ministries, the teaching fellowship of R.C. Sproul, one of the country’s leading theologians.

It's All About Jesus

Jesus was a man who claimed to be God. Think on that for a minute. If that were true, how would it change the way you thought, felt, and lived this life?

At Mars Hill, we believe that Jesus is God. We take him at his word. Because of this, everything we do is all about Jesus. We invite you to learn more about this man who is God and how you can find forgiveness and new life in him.

Learn More Stories

Making Disciples

God reveals himself through us to others. Our priority is to make disciples who love God and love others well.

Learn More

Planting Churches

God works through his church to make disciples. Our commitment is to plant churches that love God and love others.

Learn More

What to Expect

Visiting a church for the first time can be nerve-racking. But having an idea of what to expect can help. There are three main parts to every Sunday service: preaching, worship, and kids. To learn more about each of these, click the links below.

The Mars Hill Guide Leadership at Mars Hill

We value community

Church is more than a service. It’s people living life together and helping one another throughout our cities to serve our cities. Each week, thousands of people at Mars Hill meet in hundreds of small communities to learn about God, pray, eat, laugh, and live. We call these Community Groups—and they’re the heart of our church.

Learn More About Community  Log In to The City

Mars Hill Music

Mars Hill musicians write fresh music and rearrange timeless hymns for our worship services and recording. Explore Mars Hill Music.

Cheerful givers wanted

Jesus is the most generous person who ever lived. He gave his life so that we might live. As Christians, we give our time, talent, and money joyfully in response to Jesus’ generosity and to help more people meet Jesus.
 

Give Money Give Time

My Library beta

You can now save your favorite sermons, blog posts and Mars Hill content in one place!

To use My Library, you'll need to sign in or create an account.

Sign in / Sign up

My Notes

Did you know you can take notes while you stream our services on Sundays? You can view your notes at any time, and share them with anyone you choose.

To use My Notes, you'll need to sign in or create an account.

Sign in / Sign up