The Fruit of the Spirit – Love

1.   The Fruit of the Spirit

      a.   “Fruit” is in the singular form, not plural. “Fruit” appears 67 times in the NT, 61 times the Greek karpos. May be used literally (Matt 21:19) or figuratively (John 15:1-8).

      b.   “of the Spirit”

            i.   Given by, through the Spirit, evidenced by the Spirit

            ii.  As made in the image of God (Gen 1:26-27), everyone has the ability to produce the fruit of the Spirit.

      c.   Like the works of the flesh, the fruit of the Spirit is also manifest.

      d.   Note the contrast between the first four works of the flesh and the first fruit of the Spirit.

1.   Love Defined

      a.   from the Greek agapao = unconditional love

      b.   a new word in 1^st century culture associated with Christianity

      c.   1 Corinthians 13:4-13

2.   Love Demonstrated

      a.   This love can only be known by the actions it prompts. (Vine)

      b.   John 3:16

      c.   Romans 5:6-8

      d.   John 14:15, 23-24; John 15:12-14

      e.   James 2:14-18 substitute “faith” with “love”

3.   Love Demanded

      a.   John 13:34-35

      b.   1 John 3:14-18

      c.   1 John 4:7-21

4.   Love Diminished

      a.   Matthew 24:12 iniquity = Greek anomia opposite of law

      b.   Revelation 2:1-7 – dedicated to doctrine but lacking in love

      c.   James 1:21-25