The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New
Course: The Fruit of
the Spirit
Lesson Eight (outline)
Lesson Title: Faith
Text: Galatians
5:22-23.
Introduction: Faith (Greek: pistis).
In connection
with the fruit of the Spirit, faith means faithful or trustful.
It is a total
reliance upon the promises of God in our everyday lives.
It is living
our lives trusting fully in the Lord.
Faith in the
believer's life is a beautiful fruit because it rests in the Lord.
Paul rejoiced
when he found a living faith and love one for another in the churches. (Ephesians
1:15-16; Colossians 1:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 1:3).
Question: What did Paul hear about the Ephesian believers
that showed their faith? Steadfastness under trials; trust in daily life; resting not worrying.
Introductory Story: Personal Testimony: Tried in the fire (1 Peter 1:7). The testing of our faith through trials and accusations.
Question:
What is the difference between the gift of faith and the fruit of
faith? The gift of faith will empower us
to do great things at a particular time.
The fruit of faith will enable us to live a victorious Christian life.
Lesson Outline:
The fruit of
faith
1) Rests in the Lord,
2) trusts in the character of the Lord,
3) relies upon the Word of the Lord, and
4) overcomes in the Lord.
Main Points:
1.
Faith
rests: David learned to rest (Psalm 4:8)
Illustration: Swimming
– having confidence that the water is able to hold me up.
a)
Faith
learns to rest through maturity. (Hebrews 4:9) David’s faith was great in his youth but
years of trials produced a mature faith that rested. (1 Samuel 30:6).
b) Resting means being dependent upon Christ
alone. Accepted in Christ; in prayer; in worship. (Romans 12:1)
b) Resting means trusting Him without
regard to our own welfare. (Daniel
3; Daniel 6; Psalm 23; Acts 21:13).
2.
Faith
trusts in the character of the Lord.
When we know His nature and His character we have
confidence to trust Him. (Proverbs 18:10) His loving kindness (Micah
a) Trust develops through relationship (Hebrews
b) Levels of Knowing Him (1 John
c)
There
are always greater heights to be reached in knowing Him. (Philippians 3:10;
Exodus 33:13)
3.
Faith
relies upon the word of the Lord. (Psalm
119:49).
a) The fruit of faith is produced through
growing confidence in the promises of God.
Know, Abide (John 15:7), Rely (Romans
b) Faith does not doubt the promises of
God. (1 Corinthians 1:20) Bought
by the blood of Christ. Applied by the
Holy Spirit. Received through obedience
and faith.
c)
Faith
is not affected by difficult circumstances. Faith trusts (Psalm
91:2), Faith rejoices (Philippians
4:4), Faith is generous (2
Corinthians 9:7; Philippians
4.
Faith
is always victorious because in Christ we are more than conquerors. (Romans 8:37).
a) The Greek
word for more than conquerors means literally ‘above an overcomer’
(hupernikao). (1 John 5:4)
b) It is the
life of Christ in us that overcomes. (1 John 3:1-3)
c)
The gospel message is ‘you must be born
again’. (2 Corinthians
5:17). Personal Testimony
Summary:
1) The fruit of faith rests in the Lord.
2) The fruit of faith will trust in the
character of the Lord.
3) The fruit of faith relies upon the
word of the Lord
4) The fruit of faith allows us to be
victorious in all things.
What should the student do?
1)
Learn
to rest in the Lord as a swimmer learns to rest in the water.
2)
Get
to know the Lord and learn to trust in His character.
3)
Be
saturated with the scriptures and rely totally upon the promises of God.
4)
Let
His life in us make us victorious in every situation.