Fruit of the Spirit: Part 1 - 'Love, Love, Love'

This Sunday, Rob Lea brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
The talk will be available via live stream at 9.30am on Sunday 5th February, on our YouTube channel.
 
Once you have listened, here are some questions to consider:

Readings:

Acts chapter 2 verses 38-39

Repent and be baptised every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.’


Galatians chapter 5, verses 22 - 23

‘But the fruit of the Spirit is, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness/generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’


Matthew chapter 22, verses 37 - 40

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’


John chapter 15, verses 4 - 5

‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.’



Prayer and Reflection:

Father God thank you that you love us so much that Jesus died for us and then made the power of the Holy Spirit available to guide our steps, as we partner with you in sharing your love and grace.
 
Lord Jesus, we desire to remain close to you so that we can bear much fruit, especially the fruit of love. We pray for clear evidence of this in our lives; in what we think and what we say and what we do. Please forgive us for those times when we have not loved as you commanded us.
 
Holy Spirit help us to daily become more like Jesus in all we do. Help us desire the fruit of the spirit so much more than the pride and the sin that entices us. Thank you for always being available to us.
Amen.



Questions to Consider:

  1. In Acts 2 we read about the remarkable transformation of Jesus’ disciples; in particular, Peter. How would you explain this transformation to a non-Christian friend?
  2. Peter states that the gift of the Holy Spirit is for everyone, if they commit their lives to Jesus, repent and are baptised. Do you think that includes Christians today? If yes, what evidence have you seen to support this view?
  3. The apostle Paul lists 9 Fruits of the Spirit, and love is the first. Do you think that love is the most important? Whether your answer is yes or no, why do you think that?
  4. As a Fruit of the Spirit, do you agree that love is not a feeling or an emotion, but an act of will, and that you don’t have to like someone in order to love them?
  5. The EBC ‘Purpose Statement’ is ‘We exist to love God, love people and grow together to become more like Jesus.’ How are you doing in your life right now? Marks out of 10? How could you do better?
  6. The well know evangelist and theologian John Stott said that ‘without the Holy Spirit, Christian discipleship would be inconceivable, even impossible.’ Why do you think that he said it would be impossible?
  7. He also said that a church without the Holy Spirit is dead. Do you agree with him? What do you expect to see in a church that is guided by the Holy Spirit?
Rob Lea, 05/02/2023