In Galatians 5 the apostle Paul describes the conflict between the lust of the flesh and the fruit that is developed in the child of God as we grow and mature, heeding the Spirit of God. Noting the works of the flesh first, (19-21), we will in this lesson describe and define the fruit of the Spirit, listed in verses (22-23). This is important, for in this context Paul assures us to, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (16).
Love
The Greek word agape is the word that Paul uses here. It is uniquely used in the New Testament to describe the highest expression of love for others. It is an unselfish love, motivated and informed as to what is best for others. For example, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). It is the type of love we should have for God (John 4:15); for our brethren (1 John 2); for our wives (Ephesians 5:25); and even for our enemies (Matthew 5:44). It is not surprising that this heads Paul’s list. A love for God and for man is the basis of God’s expectations for us as we serve Him (Matthew 22:36-40).
Joy
The Greek word chara is the word translated as joy in our text. Strong’s definition is helpful here: cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight:—gladness. On the front page of this bulletin, the first sentence I wrote was the following: “In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he wrote clearly that our default state as God’s children is joy!” Regardless of what besets us on earth, our recognition of a future eternal bliss should bring this about. What Jesus offers us is not a life of drudgery and despair, it is a wonderful, fulfilling and joyous life of anticipation and hope! Consider the invitation of our Lord, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Peace
The Greek word eirene. Another common concept for God’s children. Defined by Thayer: peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord. Conflict is not the way of our Lord. There will be such in our lives, but must not be because of us (cf. Romans 12:18). We have peace with God (a peace beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7), and Jesus prayed for us to have peace and unity with one another (John 17:20-21).
Longsuffering
Greek makrothymia. Definition: forbearance — longsuffering, patience. Often in the New Testament this word refers to God’s treatment of men. For example, 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). It is not surprising that God would expect the same type of forbearance from His people.
Kindness
Greek chrestotes. Definition: benignity, kindness. To be benign, not cancerous. We all know of the one who is harsh and unkind, and know just how destructive his personality can be to a congregation of God’s people. It is God’s kindness which ultimately leads us to repent. God expects the same from his disciples (Colossians 3:12).
Goodness
Greek agathosyne. Definition: virtue, uprightness of heart and life. We all know of one who calls himself a disciple of Christ but we can’t see it in his life. He is worldly, caught in a web of sin (2 Peter 2:20). Instead, God expects us to rise at our conversion to live a moral life. “…since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:1-2 ).
Faithfulness
Greek pistis. This word is heavily dependent upon context as it has reference to the faith (representing God’s revelation to man), our faith (our personal belief) and as it is used here, faithfulness. We define it here: (abstractly), constancy in such profession (of faith); fidelity. Christ promised the church in Smyrna, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). We can’t falter in our life before God. We must be steadfast.
Gentleness
Greek praotes. Definition: gentleness, mildness, meekness. In fact, the KJV of the text renders it meekness. The term implies humility. As we understand our own place, our own weakness, our own imperfections, we treat others with gentleness and mildness as we deal with their foibles in an attempt to save them. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1).
Self-Control
Greek egkrateia. Definition: temperance, the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites. Paul reasoned with Felix about “righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come” causing great fear in the man. God has given us passions that He requires us to control. These passions are good in their place but gluttony, drunkenness, fornication, adultery, and other excesses of the flesh have no place in the Christian’s life. This is seen in the call for us to resist the lusts of the flesh in our text (cf. 5:16).
We must develop all of these as Christ’s disciples. That is what it means to be a child of God. “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (5:24-25).
