I. We must follow God
A. There are many different ways God tells us we must follow Him. Often this is
stated by discussing the Holy Spirit and how we follow Him.
B. When such is done, we must understand that the Spirit reveals the things of the
Father so that we can study, know, and obey them. 1 Cor 2:9-13, Acts
7:51-53.
C. What is vital is that we understand that we have a choice as to whether we
follow God's Spirit (meaning God Himself) or not. God never forces us to
obey Him. Eph 4:30, Eph 5:18, Rom 8:5-9, Rom 8:15, 1 Thess 5:19.
D. When we don't follow God, we resist, grieve, and quench the Spirit. Such is
sin.
E. However, when we do follow God by heeding His Spirit and setting our minds
on things above, it leaves certain evidences in our lives. Gal 5:16-17, 22-
25.
F. It is these evidences, or fruits, of Christian living that we want to study and
develop in our lives. These are the outgrowth of God dwelling in us.

II. Love (Gal 5:22)
A. Bible love is never simply an emotion. It is always shown in action.
B. The love the Spirit has revealed begins with Calvary. John 3:16, John 15:13,
Rom 5:8.
C. We can never look at Jesus' death on the cross and doubt that we are loved.
D. Because of this we have a deep devotion to our Savior and our God.
E. However, Christ's love compels us to zealously love our brethren as well. 1
John 3:16-18, 1 John 4:7-11.
F. Action without love is meaningless. (1 Cor 13:1-3). Yet love without action
is also meaningless! (1 Cor 13:4-8).
G. We need to especially learn these characteristics of love. They are what the
Spirit reveals, and we must develop them in our hearts and lives.
H. In fact, it is love for the lost that forces us to share the gospel with them. 2
Cor 5:14, Mark 10:21.
I. We must love as Jesus loved-with a sacrificial zeal. When we begin to feel
and demonstrate real love for God, our brethren, and the lost, we are
bearing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

III. Joy (Gal 5:22)
A. Joy is an intense satisfaction and happiness. It is not just being happy, but is a
satisfaction that is independent of physical circumstances.
B. We must understand that joy comes from a relationship with Jesus. Phil 4:4,
Luke 10:20, 1 Pet 1:4-6.
C. The idea is that we rejoice because we realize we have found something of
absolutely enormous value. Matt 13:44.
D. However, this rejoicing requires a shift in what we value. If we don't value
the kingdom, we won't rejoice to be in it! Further, we won't rejoice in the
promotion of the kingdom or the rule of the King in our lives!
E. In the New Testament, Christians rejoiced in faithful brethren doing the Lord's
will. 2 John 4, 3 John 4, Phil 4:1. We must do the same.
F. We rejoice most of all when our Father's will is done on earth, even within our
own lives. James 1:2-4, Phil 1:15-18, Gal 1:22-24.
G. New Testament joy is not necessarily constant smiling, but is rather a feeling
of satisfaction, happiness, and peace because of all God has given us.

We will examine more of the fruits of the Spirit, Lord willing, in future lessons.___Jacob Hudgins