Introduction:

1. Fruit= “that which originates from something, effect, result” (Thayer).

2. People are known by their fruits (Luke 6:43-45).

3. We must produce the right fruit (Luke 3:7-8; John 15:2).

Discussion:

I. Love: The Foremost of the Fruits

A. It is no coincidence that love is listed first among the fruits.

B. The Lord consistently prioritized love (Matthew 22:37-39; John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 John 4:7-21).

II. Love: The Catalyst

A. Love drove God to save us (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4-5; 1 John 4:9-10).

B. His love generates love in our hearts (1 John 4:11, 19-21).

C. Love compels obedience (John 14:15, 21-24; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 John 5:1-3).

III. Faulty Concepts of Love

A. The Stoics taught that love was dangerous; Epictetus urged total detachment, even from loved ones, to avoid the pain of loss.

B. Aristotle taught that love freely shared was diluted, so it should be shared only with a small circle of closest relations.

C. Our culture has watered down love to merely good feelings making difficult times hard to manage in our relationships.

IV. God’s Concept of Love

A. The Lord overturned these faulty concepts of love.

B. He taught sacrificial love (Matthew 5:43-48; John 15:12-13; 1 John 3:16; 4:18), and He demonstrated it (John 3:16; 15:13; 1 John 4:7-8).

1. Such love is given when undeserved (Romans 5:8).

2. It is not reserved for allies (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:34-35; 23:34).

3. It is a choice of the will that controls our deeds, not just an internal feeling (John 13:34-35; 15:12; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 John 5:1-3).

4. It is given at all costs (John 15:13; 1 John 3:16).

1. With this in view, it is little wonder love is the first fruit of the Spirit.

2. We must internalize God’s love if we are to produce the rest of the fruits.