As long as we are connected to Jesus, we not only can, but we will manifest the qualities that are proof of that connection.

List of fruit- Galatians 5:22-23

We are continually commanded to bear fruit.
(Phil 4:4, II Pet. 3:14, I Thess. 5:14, Col. 3:12, Gal. 6:10, Rev. 2:10, I Tim. 3:3, II Pet. 1:16)

It may take work and effort to demonstrate the fruit, but to produce the fruit is the work of the Holy Spirit.

“Fruit” is a description of what it is like to abide in Jesus.

1st three- expressed inward
2nd three – expressed toward others
3rd three – expressed toward God

Matthew 7:15-20 – If the Holy Spirit has produced His fruit in our lives, that will be demonstrated the most when we are “bumped.”

How to develop these qualities
1. Psalm 1:2-3 - Principle -Discipline- Plant the tree by the water

2. Matthew 3:8-10 - Principle- Repentance- those who first acknowledge their own sinfulness are ready for Christ to bring lasting and meaningful changes.

1. Word of Warning (13)

Our ignorance about these matters would do nothing except breed hopelessness.


2. Word of Instruction (14-17)
a. Reality of the gospel (14)

This only makes sense if you believe Jesus died for our sins.

b. Return of Jesus with the saints (14)

He is going to be accompanied by all those people who died believing in Him.

c. Resurrection of the bodies of departed saints (16)
(I Cor. 15:12-23)

d. Rapture of living believers (17)
(Matthew 24:40, Romans 14:8, Psalm 116:15, I Cor. 15:53)

e. Reunion of believers (17)

We will get to see our departed loved ones again.


3. Word of Comfort (18)

“These words” change our attitudes about the difficulties of this life.

Christian hope has immediate, practical benefit.

Many live their lives as is they are fleeing even though no one is pursuing. (Proverbs 28:1)

Wicked: those who have rejected God
Righteous: those who have trusted God

Reasons people flee
1. Guilty Conscience (Psalm 53)

When there is no fear of God, there is a great fear of everything else.

Being a fugitive from God is cowardly.


2. Running from the Past (Leviticus 26)

The fear of the threat of what God could do to us is legitimate.

Being a fugitive from God is foolish.


3. Threatened by intimacy (Jonah)

With closeness comes responsibility.

Being a fugitive from God is irresponsible.

You don't have to be on the lam, because the Lamb of God has come to take away your sins and set you free!

People of all generations have felt the urge to draw attention to themselves.

That desire stems from our basic insecurity.

areas of uncertainty
a. security
b. morality
c. spirituality
d. economy

To be rich is to have discretionary dollars.

“Uncertain 3's”
1. self-absorbed-taking it all in for yourself
2. self- centered- world view centered on self
3. self- reliant-think self is responsible for success

Worry is Destructive
Worry is a Distraction
Worry is a Distortion

“Certain 3's”
1. God- absorbed-We need to soak in God like a sponge.
2. God- centered-We need to put God on the throne.
3. God-reliant-As it comes from God, it should flow back to God and to others.