Episode 19: The Fruit & Gifts of the Spirit | We Believe: A Study of the Apostles Creed
The Apostles Creed: Embracing the Gifts and Fruit of the Spirit
As we explore the Apostles' Creed and the essence of our faith, we must not only reflect on the foundational truths about God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit, but also understand the active presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives today. In this post, we’ll dive into the gifts and fruit of the Spirit, discussing how they manifest in our daily lives and the ongoing work of the Spirit in the church.
Understanding the Gifts of the Spirit
The gifts of the Spirit are often a topic of both awe and confusion within the church. Some people believe in the continuation of these gifts today, while others hold to the belief that the gifts ceased after the early church. The biblical foundation for the gifts of the Spirit can be found in several key passages, including 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. These scriptures give us a clear picture of how the Holy Spirit equips believers for ministry and service within the body of Christ.
While some argue that these gifts are no longer relevant in the modern church, this perspective, often referred to as cessationism, arises from personal experience or the fear of misuse. However, we believe that the gifts of the Spirit are not only for the early church but are very much active today. Church history, too, tells the story of revivals and miraculous events long after the apostolic age, proving that God's power is still at work in the world.
The Ongoing Work of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives
The gifts of the Spirit are not just theoretical concepts or historical events; they are a living reality in the life of the believer today. We’ve all had experiences where we can sense the Spirit’s presence guiding us, sometimes in ways that defy explanation. For example, one person might receive a specific word of knowledge that provides clarity and direction at a crucial moment, or another might be led to pray for someone in need, only to see miraculous healing take place.
We can remember moments when God prompted us to act in ways that we knew were not of our own doing—whether that was offering a word of encouragement, stepping out in faith to serve someone in need, or experiencing something supernatural that we could not explain. These are not just random coincidences; they are examples of the Spirit working in and through us to accomplish God's purposes.
Take, for instance, the story of a neighbor who was struggling with addiction and family turmoil. Through a quiet prompting from the Spirit, someone was able to open their door to her at the perfect moment, offering love and grace that made a significant impact. These kinds of stories are reminders that the Spirit is always at work, guiding us to fulfill God's will on earth as it is in heaven.
The Gifts and Fruit: A Unified Work of the Spirit
The gifts of the Spirit—whether they are wisdom, healing, prophecy, or others—are all designed to serve the body of Christ and build up the church. However, the fruit of the Spirit is equally important, as it represents the character of God being formed in us. The fruit includes qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control. As we walk in the Spirit, these characteristics become evident in our lives, demonstrating the transforming power of God’s presence.
The beautiful thing is that the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit are not in opposition to each other. Rather, they work together in harmony to bring about God's will on earth. The fruit ensures that the gifts are used in love and humility, while the gifts empower us to be effective in the work of the kingdom.
As we look at the church today, it’s easy to see that there can sometimes be a disconnect between the Word and the Spirit. Some churches emphasize one to the exclusion of the other, creating division instead of unity. But we believe that the church is called to embrace both—the Word of God and the Spirit of God—in a beautiful balance that allows us to fully engage with God's power in the world.
Developing Our Relationship with the Holy Spirit
When we reflect on our connection with the Holy Spirit, it's essential to think about it as a dynamic relationship, not just a set of practices or experiences. The Holy Spirit is not something we master or control; instead, the relationship we cultivate with the Spirit is rooted in genuine communication and mutual growth. Just as with any meaningful relationship, we need to spend time together—through prayer, in the Word, and in discerning God’s voice in our lives.
This relationship takes effort. We need to invest time in prayer and study to understand and hear God’s voice. It’s not just about asking for power or spiritual gifts but about learning to walk with God, recognizing His presence in our everyday lives, and trusting that He is speaking to us through His Spirit. We must also walk in humility, discerning whether what we think is a word from God aligns with His truth. Through humility and prayer, we grow closer to the Holy Spirit, and our lives reflect this in both big and small ways.
Using Our Gifts for the Kingdom
We are all uniquely gifted by the Spirit for a purpose. In 1 Corinthians 12-14, Paul writes about the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ and how each part has an essential role to play. Just like a body that requires each of its parts to function properly, we, as believers, must step into our spiritual gifts to fulfill God’s mission.
Each believer has been entrusted with a gift, and it’s our responsibility to live that out. Whether it’s through acts of service, encouragement, or even speaking in tongues, our gifts are given not for personal gain but for the building up of the church and the glory of God. It's a reminder that God has equipped each of us to contribute to His work on earth. As we use our gifts with love and humility, we bring others closer to Christ and point them toward the love of the Father. It's not just about the gifts themselves, but about the Spirit at work in us, shaping our hearts to reflect Christ.
The Fruit of the Spirit in Our Lives
As we walk in the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit begins to manifest in our lives. The Apostle Paul gives us a list in Galatians 5:22-23—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are not something we can produce on our own through sheer willpower; they are the natural result of living in communion with the Holy Spirit.
The fruit of the Spirit is a sign of spiritual maturity, not something we can force or manufacture. It is the result of leaning into our relationship with God, allowing His Spirit to work in us. Over time, we should see more of these traits in our lives, and it's a beautiful witness of God's transformation. As we experience this growth, we begin to reflect more of God's nature to those around us.
Interestingly, the Bible refers to the fruit of the Spirit in the singular. It’s not "fruits of the Spirit," suggesting that all of these qualities are interconnected and should be present in our lives. We cannot pick and choose which ones we want to focus on, just as a tree doesn't pick and choose which fruit to bear. The Holy Spirit works in us to cultivate all of these qualities together, shaping us into the image of Christ.
The Holy Spirit's Presence in Our Everyday Lives
Finally, the presence of the Holy Spirit isn’t confined to church gatherings or special moments. He is with us everywhere we go—whether at the grocery store, at home, or at work. The Spirit invites us to be a blessing to others, using the gifts He has given us to further His kingdom and bring glory to God. This could mean offering encouragement to someone who needs it or stepping out in faith to share the love of Christ in a difficult situation.
We are never alone in this journey. The Holy Spirit is always with us, guiding, strengthening, and empowering us to live out our calling. A simple prayer before heading out to any situation could be: “Lord, help me to see what you're doing here and give me the courage to step into it.” This prayer reminds us that we are not just passive participants but active co-laborers with God in His mission to the world.
In all, as we deepen our relationship with the Holy Spirit, we find that He is not just a theological concept but a real, transformative presence in our daily lives. And as we grow in Him, the fruit of the Spirit will increasingly reflect His work in us and through us.
