The Real Fruit (Galatians 5:22–25) | Looking or Living

Looking or Living: The Real Fruit (Galatians 5:22–25) | Sermon on the Fruit of the Spirit What does real spiritual fruit look like in the life of a Christian? In this sermon from Galatians 5:22–25, we explore the powerful difference between looking like a Christian and truly living by the Spirit. The Apostle Paul reminds us that “for freedom you have been set free” (Galatians 5:1), and that true freedom is expressed through a life shaped by the Holy Spirit—not by rule-keeping, self-effort, or religious performance. Gal 5.22-25 - Manuscript This message continues our journey through the book of Galatians by contrasting the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, and by answering crucial questions every believer must face: • What is the fruit of the Spirit, really? • Can I produce it on my own? • Why does Paul call it fruit (singular) and not fruits? • How do I recognize counterfeit spiritual fruit? • How do I grow real, lasting fruit in my life? ________________________________________ 🌿 The Fruit of the Spirit Is the Character of God in You Galatians 5 teaches that the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—is not a list of behaviors to perform, but the very attributes of God being formed in us through the Holy Spirit. These qualities flow from a life rooted in Christ, not from human willpower or moral effort. Gal 5.22-25 - Manuscript Just as healthy fruit grows naturally from a healthy tree planted in good soil and nourished by clean water, spiritual fruit grows when our lives are deeply rooted in Jesus Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit. ________________________________________ 🍊 One Fruit, Many Segments Paul intentionally uses the singular word fruit. These qualities are not separate achievements, but different “segments” of the same fruit—like sections of an orange. If one segment is rotten or missing, the fruit itself is damaged. True spiritual maturity is holistic, shaped by the Spirit in every area of life, not selective or partial. Gal 5.22-25 - Manuscript ________________________________________ ⚠️ Counterfeit Fruit vs. Real Fruit Jesus warned that false trees produce bad fruit (Matthew 7:15–20). This sermon explains how counterfeit fruit often looks convincing on the outside but grows in isolation: • Joy becomes temporary excitement based on circumstances. • Peace becomes emotional numbness or apathy. • Kindness becomes self-promotion or manipulation. • Self-control becomes prideful willpower. Real fruit always grows together and always draws life from God—not from insecurity or self-importance. Gal 5.22-25 - Manuscript ________________________________________ 🌱 How Do We Grow Real Fruit? Jesus gives the answer in John 15: “Abide in Me.” Our role is not to manufacture fruit but to remain connected to Christ. The Father prunes, the Spirit nourishes, and Christ sustains. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) Gal 5.22-25 - Manuscript ________________________________________ 📖 Scripture Focus Galatians 5:16–26 (ESV) ________________________________________ 🔍 Topics Covered in This Sermon • Fruit of the Spirit explained • Galatians 5:22–25 sermon • Christian freedom and sanctification • Works of the flesh vs life in the Spirit • Spiritual growth and discipleship • How to recognize false spirituality • Abiding in Christ (John 15) • Christian character and holiness ________________________________________ If this message encouraged you, consider liking the video, subscribing to the channel, and sharing it with someone who is seeking real spiritual growth in Christ. May God grow in us fruit that is whole, healthy, and rooted deeply in His grace.