The Fruit of the Spirit

Every believer experiences a “raging battle” within—a constant struggle between the old nature and the new life in Christ. In this 9-part study of Galatians 5, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores how we can win this internal war by yielding to the Holy Spirit. This series provides a deep dive into the ninefold fruit of the Spirit, showing that a life empowered by God is characterized by a supernatural quality of character that the world cannot duplicate.

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1. Winning the Raging Battle within Us (Galatians 5:16–21)

• Overview: Addresses the “tug-of-war” between the flesh and the Spirit. Chuck explains that the key to victory is not trying harder in our own strength, but “walking by the Spirit” to overcome the desires of the flesh.
• Key Fact: Victory is a moment-by-moment choice to yield our will to the Spirit’s control.
• Scripture: Galatians 5:16 – “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”

2. What the World Needs Now (Galatians 5:22a)

• Overview: Explores Love—the first and most foundational fruit. This is not a sentimental feeling, but a self-sacrificial commitment to the well-being of others, modeled by Christ.
• Key Fact: Biblical love is the “glue” that makes all other spiritual fruit possible.
• Scripture: Galatians 5:22 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love…”

3. Joy! Joy! Joy! (Galatians 5:22b)

• Overview: Focuses on Joy—a deep-seated sense of well-being that remains steady even when circumstances are difficult.
• Key Fact: Joy is distinct from happiness; happiness depends on “happenings,” but joy depends on the unchanging character of God.
• Scripture: Galatians 5:22 – “…joy…”

4. Don’t Miss the Entrance to Peace! (Galatians 5:22c)

• Overview: Addresses Peace—the internal tranquility that comes from being reconciled with God and trusting in His sovereignty.
• Key Fact: Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God in the midst of it.
• Scripture: Galatians 5:22 – “…peace…”

5. Your Companion in God’s Waiting Room (Galatians 5:22d)

• Overview: Explores Patience (Long-suffering)—the ability to endure difficult people and circumstances without losing one’s temper or hope.
• Key Fact: Patience is the “waiting room” of faith; it is developed when we trust God’s timing over our own.
• Scripture: Galatians 5:22 – “…patience…”

6. Courteous Twins in a Corrupt Culture (Galatians 5:22e)

• Overview: A study of Kindness and Goodness. These “twins” involve a gentle disposition (kindness) expressed through helpful, moral actions (goodness).
• Key Fact: In a culture of “outrage,” kindness and goodness are the most powerful ways for a believer to stand out.
• Scripture: Galatians 5:22 – “…kindness, goodness…”

7. The Bond between Close Friends (Galatians 5:22f)

• Overview: Focuses on Faithfulness—the quality of being reliable, trustworthy, and steady in one’s commitments to God and others.
• Key Fact: Faithfulness is the “bond” that sustains long-term relationships and ministry impact.
• Scripture: Galatians 5:22 – “…faithfulness…”

8. Extending Grace Ever So Gently (Galatians 5:23a)

• Overview: Addresses Gentleness (Meekness). Contrary to cultural definitions, gentleness is not weakness; it is “power under control,” used to restore and comfort others.
• Key Fact: Gentleness is the spirit in which we should approach those who have fallen or are struggling.
• Scripture: Galatians 5:23 – “gentleness…”

9. When Tapping the Brakes Is Crucial (Galatians 5:23b)

• Overview: The series concludes with Self-Control—the internal strength provided by the Spirit to master our appetites, emotions, and tongue.
• Key Fact: Self-control is the “brakes” of the Christian life, preventing our old nature from running off the road.
• Scripture: Galatians 5:23 – “…self-control; against such things there is no law.”