2 weeks Ago By By Samuel Abbate Faith
Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Disciples of Jesus have the tremendous privilege and benefit of having the Holy Spirit indwell them. Jesus promised that after His resurrection that He would send the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth.
Jesus said the Holy Spirit would “be with you forever” (John 14:16). Paul gave further details of the Holy Spirit’s presence – the Holy Spirit would live in us. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
In the Garden of Eden, God had close association with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8). However, sin caused a separation between God and mankind. As we study God’s plan for redemption, we see the stepwise restoration of this intimate relationship – evidenced by His indwelling us.
The first step, God’s presence was displayed when He appeared to His people at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:3). From Mt Sinai God spoke the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). However, as God spoke “the people trembled and stood at a distance” (Exodus 20:18).
On Mount Sinai, Moses not only received the Law but also plans for a Tabernacle – the place where God would dwell among His people (Exodus 25-31). When it was completed, God’s presence filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34). God was present among His people.
While He was present, He was not approachable “Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:35). Further, God’s presence in the Tabernacle was in the Holy of Holies behind a curtain that separated Him from the people (Exodus 26:33). The High Priest was only allowed to enter the Holy of Holies once each Year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:34).
The Temple was built to be a more permanent place for the presence of God to dwell among His people. When it was dedicated, His presence visibly entered it “the glory of the Lord filled the house.” (2 Chronicles 7:1).
God had moved from the heavens, to the mountain top, to being in a structure among His people. The final step in the process of restoring our intimate relationship occurred on the Day of Pentecost when God moved inside His people – “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4). When we become disciples of Jesus, (Romans 10:9-10) we are filled with the Holy Spirit.
An example of this is given when Paul became a Christian. Ananias prayed for him to “be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 9:17). Now that our relationship with God has been restored through Jesus’ death and resurrection, our lives will show evidence of our being filled with His Spirit.
We will demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. Let us understand the nine elements of that fruit and endeavor to consistently demonstrate them..
