Product or Process?

Friday, April 11, 2008 - Dave Roberts

I feel a huge challenge from the last two weeks of study on the fruit of the Spirit. For me, the truth that I cannot simply choose the product, but have to be committed to the process hits home. I want the product... right now. I know that bearing the fruit of the Spirit means inviting God to prepare the soil of my soul, plant the right seeds, and nourish them to grow. Still I'd like to bypass the process and take hold of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

The other thought that has stuck with me is that I may have scurvy of the soul. My life and relationships may be starving for lack of the nourishment that only comes from the fruit God intends my life to bear. I don't just get to choose to bear fruit when I need it. I have to be in an ongoing relationship with God so that my life may continually bear the fruit that will nourish my soul and the souls of the people around me.

This week we look at kindness and goodness. What has impacted you as we have talked about "What Not To Wear?"

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3 comments (Add your own)

1. David wrote:: This has been, dare I say, a "fruitful" series. It struck me that we use the term "fruit" interchangeably with "fruits" plural, probably because more than one character trait is listed. However, it is instructive to note that "fruit" is a single noun, meaning one complete whole. Therefore, you have the picture of an orange, one fruit, with multiple segments. All qualities are to be growing simultaneously as the segments of an orange grow to make one orange. We don't work on patience for a while then move on to kindness. If we are to be well rounded, these qualities will be ever increasing at the same time in our lives. Notice the contrast with the sinful nature list of characteristics. They are called "works." As Pastor Dave has emphasized, we "bear" fruit, we "do" works. Fruit can be given back to God as an offering but works of the flesh are always filthy rags.
April 25, 2008 @ 1:01 PM
2. Pam Donaldson wrote:: I am one who often finds myself thinking that things will be better once ______(fill in the blank of the month) finally happens. I find myself pondering that peace is not rooted in circumstances (as I admit I somewhat seem to think it is).... that I can think that peace is getting what I want when I want it, but it's not ... that peace is rooted in surrender to a loving God and trusting Him with whatever the circumstances ...I was intrigued by the movie clip last week of the Indiana Jones movie where he has to take the first step in faith before the bridge appears.
April 25, 2008 @ 7:29 PM
3. wrote:: After listening to your sermon last Sun. on CD, I wanted to send some encouragement and heartfelt thanks to you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for telling it like it is.

Please don't ever be afraid (I'm know your not) to, "call the kettle black". Don't be afraid or soften your sermons sir for the purpose that you might lose some parisheners. Don't be afraid to call sin, what it is-SIN.

Unfortunately, I have been one of those that have done some (and I hate to use the term) "shopping" for churches. I was sick and tired of hearing the same ole "God loves you and has a plan for your life" sermon. What I long to hear is truth, deep rooted biblical truth.

Anyway, I don't want to sermon you sir, but encourage and tell you that I desparately want to keep Christ balanced in my life. And at this moment I'm sick of being sick w/the world's view of life. i sincerely want to "dance" with joy in the fact that God has saved my soul.

blessings.
May 6, 2008 @ 12:22 AM

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