Remix III: Fruit of the Spirit

Remixing the Fruit of the Spirit into Our Lives

The series we are going through is entitled Remix. The goal is to remix things into our lives that need to be there and remix things that shouldn't be there out. We have looked at 2 Peter chapter 1, the idea that we have all the ingredients already through the knowledge of Jesus Christ to remix into our lives. We have everything that pertains to life and godliness, everything to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

Those things give us the motivation and ability to supplement our faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, godliness, brotherly affection, and agape—that selfless, transcendent love listed first among the fruit of the Spirit, showing its importance to every other fruit.

We looked at the positive consequences of doing these things: being fruitful and effective in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. It's possible to know about Jesus without it doing anything for you if you haven't trusted in Him. We also saw the negative consequences of not doing them: forgetting we've been cleansed from sin and returning to unbeliever ways. Peter urged us to make every effort to confirm our calling and election.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, or envying one another. (Galatians 5:22-26)

It makes no sense to skip the fruit of the Spirit in this Remix series. These are things we want to remix into our lives to enjoy life, enjoy God, have a higher quality of life, and avoid the miseries of sin—regardless of circumstances. They enable unshakable enjoyment of God amid tragedy.

As Christians, we receive the Holy Spirit; God indwells us. The Holy Spirit produces this fruit. This isn't about breaking a sweat but enjoying God's presence, which produces these things—unless sin quenches or grieves the Spirit.

The Works of the Flesh vs. the Fruit of the Spirit

This list of incredible qualities is sandwiched between serious vices. The works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.

Paul warns that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. These are obvious, not hidden. It's not exhaustive, but even fits of anger or jealousy alone bar one from heaven. These aren't innocuous "respectable sins"—they disqualify.

For Christians, sin quenches the Holy Spirit, who willingly allows Himself to be resisted because sin is repulsive to Him. Crucify the flesh with its passions and desires (v. 24) to resume the Spirit sowing beneficial things. These fruits offer the greatest freedom—no law against them.

Being around someone with this fruit is enjoyable. No ill feelings or antagonisms. They produce the highest quality of life. Anger is the antithesis of joy. Sexual sins offer temporary pleasure but leave craving and demoralization, unlike the satisfying water Jesus offers (John 4).

Paul lists the fruit in three categories.

1. The Sublime Fruit: Love, Joy, Peace

These are majestically beautiful, striking awe—true biblical, transcendent, holy love, joy, and peace produced by the Holy Spirit.

Agape love is other-oriented, sacrificial, seeking another's highest good at your expense—like Christ laying down His life. It's personal interest for their benefit, willing to do whatever is biblically necessary.

Joy is happiness, enjoyment of someone or something—steadfast, unearned (root shared with grace). The Holy Spirit produces divine gladness. Why pursue sin that quenches this?

Peace is total well-being (like Hebrew shalom), tranquility even in storms—emotional stability, peace with God, no wrath abiding on you. Unbelievers sense God's wrath constantly (Romans 1) and heap sin to escape it.

2. The Serene Fruit: Patience, Kindness, Goodness

These reflect a tranquil life.

Patience (makrothumia, long-suffering) endures harsh circumstances without emotional change—like God's "long nose," slow to anger. Divine patience makes you attractive in relationships.

Kindness is being helpful, beneficial, generous—favorable disposition, unearned interest for good.

Goodness is genuine interest in others' well-being—not content unless benefiting others, pouring into lives. People either give or take; givers maximize welfare with God's goodness. Jesus said it's more blessed to give than to take.

3. The Steadfast Fruit: Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control

These make other fruits perpetual, practiced and increasing (like 2 Peter 1).

Faithfulness is consistency, trustworthiness—count on them producing fruit. Utilizes all fruits to bless others continuously.

Gentleness (prautes) is not being overly impressed with self—humility, meekness (strength properly applied for others' benefit). Restrain impact like holding a child's arm or treating an egg gently.

Self-control is restraining emotions, impulses, desires—saying no to self, mastering the body (Paul: "I discipline my body and make it my slave"). Not addictive, controlled by self, not things like impulses or habits.

No Law Against These: Extraordinary Freedom

Against such things there is no law—no restriction, total freedom. "Law" also means societal norms or customs. These are uncommon, abnormal in the world—shocking, virtuous (2 Peter). People respond stunned (inquiring why) or offended (jealous, hating the reminder of Christ).

Those belonging to Christ have crucified the flesh (v. 24), ridding anger, jealousy, etc., freeing them for extraordinary, enjoyable life.

Where are you? Barred from the kingdom? Failing to enjoy due to uncrucified flesh? Or absent because not in Christ? The gospel solves it: repent, see sin as disgusting, let the Spirit bear fruit. Jesus died to purchase this life.