Woody Posted April 7, 2012 Posted April 7, 2012 At Sabbath School lesson study today - The teacher made this statement which kinda shook me ... If you don't have ALL of the fruits of the Spirit - you don't have the Spirit. Is this true? Is it all or nothing? Did the disciples ever have the Spirit under this definition? Do any of us? OR --- is this hogwash? Help me out here ........... Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Guest Posted April 7, 2012 Posted April 7, 2012 There is a distinct difference between fruits of the spirit, and gifts of the spirit. You are trying to blend both into one and the same, and they're not. Hope that helps.. :) Quote
Woody Posted April 7, 2012 Author Posted April 7, 2012 No I'm not Richard. I am reporting what the teacher stated and asking the question. Do you have some insight into this? Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
SivartM Posted April 7, 2012 Posted April 7, 2012 If the fruits of the Spirit are products of the Spirit's presence in one's life, then I suppose if one doesn't have the fruits then it could be a sign of not having the Spirit. But how does one objectively identify the fruits in one's own life? I don't think that one ought to go about it by making a checklist and each day checking off all of the fruits that they think they displayed; what's that going to do other than make them feel better about themselves? So, while the fruits of the Spirit are signs of the Spirit's presence, I don't think that for most of us they're very useful diagnostic tools to analyze our entire lives. We can analyze our individual actions in the light of the fruits of the Spirit. Will this action display or produce the fruits of the Spirit? If not, then the Spirit is not in it. If so, the Spirit is in it. Quote "Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much." - Oscar Wilde�Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." - Jesus
Woody Posted April 8, 2012 Author Posted April 8, 2012 Interesting line of thought SivartM. Thanks. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Administrators Gail Posted April 8, 2012 Administrators Posted April 8, 2012 I should hope that the Spirit would make SOME difference to a person's life, and that difference should have something to do with the fruits! Wouldn't you know if you have been changed? Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Raphael Posted April 13, 2012 Posted April 13, 2012 Yes, tis true. But who can judge the man's inner heart except God and further, when God sees it fit to His will, He can work anything out throughout anything. Just keep doin' the good ol' fight with all thine heart and the journey will take care of itself.. said someone back in the ol' days.. Quote Test me with thy might but grant me safe passage. Now, who said that?
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