Fruits of the Spirit, Gifts of the Spirit

Fruits of the Spirit, Gifts of the Spirit

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant . . . .”

It is of the utmost important to understand the difference between spiritual gifts and fruits of the Spirit; otherwise we can be deceived. The tree shall be known by its fruit, not by its gifts. Matt. 7:16-23. If we do not understand this difference, we think that the gifts are the fruit and are apt to believe that the tree is good because of the gifts. Yet in spite of the gifts, the tree can be so bad that Jesus will testify against it and say, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”

The Corinthians were “babes in Christ.” 1 Cor. 3:1. After they had received all the gifts, they had become rich, and lords; but they had come out of fellowship with Paul. Ch. 4:7-8. They were so childish that they believed the gifts were greater than the fruits. Love is a fruit of the Spirit, and Paul explains to them further in Chapter 13 that the gifts, regardless of how great they are, are nothing without the fruits of the Spirit. The gifts are of value only as a fruit of the Spirit, and it was Paul’s desire that they should leave this childish understanding behind. V. 11.

How can someone receive gifts so that he can perform powerful works and drive out evil spirits when Jesus says that He has never known him? You can receive them by faith! “These signs will follow those who believe . . . .” Mark 16:17. God is very gracious and merciful. “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matt. 5:45. We are to do the same. Jesus did not deny that they had performed powerful works in His name. When He Himself was accused of driving out evil spirits by the prince of evil spirits, He explained to them that if that were the case, Satan would be divided against himself and his kingdom would not remain. Matt. 12:24-26.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-8. No one can bear the fruit of the Spirit unless He abides in Jesus. Nevertheless, you can have gifts without abiding in Jesus. Only those who abide in Jesus are known by Him. Those who come to Jesus just to receive gifts are not known by Him. Those who seek only gifts come to Him as the thousands came to Him to be helped and to see signs and wonders. They also believed in Him, but they did not become His disciples. Luke 14:25-27. They may say, “Lord, Lord,” but they do not do His will. All these thousands were blessed by Jesus, but they went their way satisfied and continued to do their own will. They could drive out evil spirits in His name without following Him, yet Jesus did not want His disciples to forbid them. Mark 9:38-39. However, Jesus did not know them. Only those who became His disciples—the branches that remained in Him as the vine—bore much fruit, and it was by this fruit that the Father was honored.

Satan can also perform signs and wonders, and if a person does not love the truth he is deceived. 2 Thess. 2:9-12. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 14:16-17) who will lead us into all truth. Ch. 16:13. Through faith in the truth we partake of sanctification by the Spirit. Then we bear much fruit. 2 Thess. 2:13.