A Profile of a Disciple – Fruit of the Spirit

A disciple demonstrates the Fruit of the Spirit by an attractive relationship with Christ and his fellowman.

The visible life of a disciple must show clearly that he is a follower of Jesus Christ. In practice, a disciple must live the reality of Paul’s words, “The Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

What is the Fruit of the Spirit?

Qualities within our life that demonstrate the presence and power of God in our life. The Fruit is visible.

There is an attraction to people who demonstrate the Fruit of the Spirit.

• Analogy. A farmer sows seeds that become hidden. The fruit is the visible manifestation of the unseen seed.
  • Fruit in the spiritual realm is the result of a right relationship with Jesus Christ
  • Matthew 7:20
• We must walk with God
  • We know that people respond to an attractive life. *
  • We are told to live attractive lives – I Corinthians 11:1
  • We are to grow in grace – Peter 3:18
  • We should attract unbelievers
• How can we develop the Fruit of the Spirit
  • In partnership with the indwelling Spirit by diligence – II Peter 5:8

Thus, a disciple demonstrates the Fruit of the Spirit by an attractive relationship with Christ and his fellowman.

*These notes are from December 2, 1981. Grandpa references an illustration of two partners. He did not include a reference or notes regarding this illustration. Therefore, I am taking a little creative license to make his illustration. I’m sure he had an eloquent story profiling two different people.

As I am writing out these notes in 2024, I believe we have examples all around us, specifically in social media. While we may watch someone who broadcasts the train wreck that is their life out of curiosity, we are more likely to follow someone who has a life we are attracted/inspired/jealous of. We may appreciate the honesty of a mother who admits to not having it all together but accounts with the most followers portray a charmed life. More people follow the world championship winner or record holder, than someone who is on an athletic journeyman career. This illustrates that we are drawn to what attracts us. Most of us aren’t attracted to struggling. We are attracted to winning and success. We read the champion’s autobiography when we know we will reach the chapter on victory.

God calls the Christian to live a life that is attractive to other Christians, but also to the non-Christian. If you’ve spent any time in church, you have probably heard the phrase “Make them wonder what is different about you.” Christ is the difference.

I would also challenge today that we need to further differentiate ourselves. There has been a push for churches to be more modern and attractive because we believe we are responsible for increasing attendance at church or winning souls. Newsflash – the Gospel is perfectly capable of attracting people as it is. Jesus doesn’t need you to “put lipstick on the pig” to make Him more attractive.  The Bible clearly shows us that we are not here to attract non-believers with lights, bands, and easy sermons. Many excuses have been made for Christians to resemble non-believers to attract them to Christ. There is no more attractive quality than the Fruit of the Spirit being present in a Christian’s life. The Fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of our walk with Christ which unlocks the highest level of attractiveness to believers and non-believers.