Close Menu
Providence News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • It’s Time to Restore Nigeria From Hardship – Bishop Bank Jefferson
    • Stephen Adegbite, Ize-Iyamu, Okokoni Declares: LEADERSHIP IS NOT FOR ALL, BUT LEAD BY EXAMPLE
    • What was the reason behind Jesus referring to the Canaanite woman as a dog? (Matthew 15:21–28) By Babatunde Olugboji
    • The Church is Now Full of People Without the Heart for God – Archbishop Eric Emiaso
    • Love is the Key – Evang. Chris Joseph
    • NCPC Boss Pledges Support for Nasarawa State CPWB
    • Bishop Taiwo Ajose Celebrates Life at 60 …celebrate people while alive – Bishop Stephen Adegbite
    • NCPC DFA BOWS OUT OF SERVICE
    • About Us
    • Editor’s Profile
    • Contact Us
    Providence NewsProvidence News
    • Home
    • News
    • Special Reports
    • Events
    • Features
    • Inspirational
    • Mission
    • SECTIONS
      • Interviews
      • Music & Drama
      • Personality
    Providence News
    Home»Features»Understanding the Fruit-Gifts Relationship (2) By Babatunde Olugboji
    Features

    Understanding the Fruit-Gifts Relationship (2) By Babatunde Olugboji

    Providence NewsBy Providence NewsDecember 19, 2023Updated:December 19, 2023No Comments4 Mins Read

    Understanding the Fruit-Gifts Relationship (2) By Babatunde Olugboji

    This week we will continue the series on the relationship between the fruit of the Spirit and the gift of the Spirit as we seek a scriptural answer to the question of why God uses some men and women with dubious characters.

    Gifts, as the term implies, are given, not earned. 1 Corinthians 14:1 tells us to “eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.” There’s nothing wrong with craving the gifts of the Spirit; in fact, it’s encouraged.

    Now, let’s talk about fruits as outlined in Galatians 5: 22-23. These are: Faithfulness, Gentleness, Goodness, Joy, Kindness, Love, Patience, Peace, and Self Control. Note that the fruit of the Spirit are the fruit of the Holy Spirit found in the life of the believer. They are not our fruit, or they would be called the “fruit of the disciple.”  And we bear fruit when we remain in Him. (John 15:5)

    The Greek word for fruit is ‘karpos,’ meaning the produce of a tree, plant, or animal (i.e., offspring or young). In a figurative sense, karpos means that which is produced, as in conduct or actions. This figurative sense is how Paul used the word karpos in Galatians 5. The fruit of the Spirit can thus be defined as the quality that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives, which may be observed in our conduct, actions, words, attitudes, and demeanor. It defines our character.

    Jesus in Matthew 7: 15-20 (16 & 20) says we can figure out someone’s spirituality by their fruits not by their gifts: “You will know them by their fruits.” This statement is part of the teaching of Jesus about recognizing genuine followers of Christ and avoiding false prophets. “Them” refers to false prophets. False prophets don’t mean prophets who give false prophecy but prophets with horrible character who preach one thing and practice something else.

    In Matthew 23, Jesus told the crowd and his disciples to do what the Pharisees and the scribes teach them to do, “but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.” In other words, the leaders talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk. Jesus in Matthew 7 warns us not to fall for the schemes of those who operate in the gifts but don’t have the fruit because it is the fruit that proves that you are a true follower of Christ. Or a counterfeit.

    Have you encountered people who seem polished and may even be popular, but they have horrible character? Their lives are an act. Actors. They are not really following Jesus; their gifts just attract people who are not discerning enough to see that they don’t have the fruit to match their gifts.

    “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:15-20 NKJV

    What does “fruit” mean in this passage? A product of a tree. Jesus gave the illustration of grape vines and fig trees. When we see grape vines, we expect them to bear grapes in season. We also expect fig trees to produce figs. A produce farmer who notices one of his fruit trees not bearing any fruit will cut it down. It is useless. 

    Are you aware that those who see themselves as believers but who don’t bear fruit are at best imposters? 

    To be continued.

    Have a great week.

    Join me live on FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE every Sunday at 7am (EST) for an insightful time of the word.

    +1-732-554-1376 (WhatsApp)

    @KingdomChat https://www.facebook.com/KingdomEdifice

     

    Providence News
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)

    GRACIOUS Akintayo is a journalist of many years experience and exposure. He worked in various media organization as a reporter, researcher and correspondent. He had attended many local and international organized professional, leadership and ministerial conference, training, seminars and workshops. He is a media consultant, editor, an inspirational writer, public speaker and social critics. He is the Editor/Publisher, PROVIDENCE News (a nondenominational general interest Christian publication), former President, Christian Press Association of Nigeria (CPAN) and currently, President, Nigeria Christian Media Forum (NCMF). Gracious is a member of many professional, social and Christian faith organization.

    Related Posts

    It’s Time to Restore Nigeria From Hardship – Bishop Bank Jefferson

    July 2, 2025

    Stephen Adegbite, Ize-Iyamu, Okokoni Declares: LEADERSHIP IS NOT FOR ALL, BUT LEAD BY EXAMPLE

    June 30, 2025

    What was the reason behind Jesus referring to the Canaanite woman as a dog? (Matthew 15:21–28) By Babatunde Olugboji

    June 30, 2025
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Top Posts

    It’s Time to Restore Nigeria From Hardship – Bishop Bank Jefferson

    July 2, 202531 Views

    Stephen Adegbite, Ize-Iyamu, Okokoni Declares: LEADERSHIP IS NOT FOR ALL, BUT LEAD BY EXAMPLE

    June 30, 202542 Views

    What was the reason behind Jesus referring to the Canaanite woman as a dog? (Matthew 15:21–28) By Babatunde Olugboji

    June 30, 202519 Views

    The Church is Now Full of People Without the Heart for God – Archbishop Eric Emiaso

    June 28, 202521 Views
    Don't Miss
    Church

    It’s Time to Restore Nigeria From Hardship – Bishop Bank Jefferson

    July 2, 2025

    It’s Time to Restore Nigeria From Hardship        – Bishop Bank Jefferson The…

    Stephen Adegbite, Ize-Iyamu, Okokoni Declares: LEADERSHIP IS NOT FOR ALL, BUT LEAD BY EXAMPLE

    June 30, 2025

    What was the reason behind Jesus referring to the Canaanite woman as a dog? (Matthew 15:21–28) By Babatunde Olugboji

    June 30, 2025

    The Church is Now Full of People Without the Heart for God – Archbishop Eric Emiaso

    June 28, 2025
    • About Us
    • Editor’s Profile
    • Contact Us
    © 2025 Providence News

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.