The Source of the Nine Fruits of the Spirit Is the Love of God

 

The Source of the Nine Fruits of the Spirit Is the Love of God

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Romans 5:5 …the love of God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 

Category	The Source of the Nine Fruits of the Spirit Is the Love of God
Meaning	The nine fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23) are not produced by human effort but flow from God’s eternal, unconditional love (agapē). God’s love is the source, and the fruits are the spontaneous expression of that divine life.
Reason	(1) God is love (1 John 4:8). All expressions of the divine life begin from love. (2) The Spirit pours out God’s love into our hearts (Rom. 5:5). (3) Christ, whose life is love by nature, dwells within believers and lives out these fruits.
Explanation	The nine fruits are not nine separate virtues but one fruit, like a cluster from the tree of life. Love is the root; the other eight fruits are its outward expressions: • Joy = love rejoicing • Peace = love resting • Longsuffering = love enduring • Kindness = love touching others gently • Goodness = love acting • Faithfulness = love being steadfast • Gentleness = love in meekness • Self-control = love governing itself
Examples	• Jesus had compassion on the crowds—expressing kindness and goodness (Matt. 9:36). • On the cross Jesus forgave His persecutors—expressing longsuffering and gentleness (Luke 23:34). • Paul rejoiced and was at peace amid trials (Phil. 4:4–7). • The early church lived out love, faithfulness, and self-control in persecution (Acts 4–7).
Application	• Focus not on “producing” fruit but on remaining in God’s love (John 15:9–10). • Daily allow the Spirit to pour God’s love into your heart (Rom. 5:5). • In family, workplace, and church life, let love—not demand—be the motive. • When fruit seems lacking, return to the source: receive love, enjoy love, dwell in love.
Burden	God desires a corporate expression of Christ filled with divine love, not works of the flesh. His testimony on earth requires saints rooted in love and overflowing with the fruit of the Spirit.
Prophecy / Speaking Guidance	• Speak God’s desire: His life is love, and He wants to impart this love into us. • Testify: It is no longer I striving to bear fruit, but Christ formed in me. • Declare: Love is the source; the nine fruits are its outflow. • Encourage the saints to turn from self-effort to abiding in love.
Scripture References	Galatians 5:22–23 — The Nine Fruits 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. 23 Against such things there is no law. Romans 5:5 — Love Poured Out by the Spirit 5 …the love of God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 1 John 4:7–8, 16 — God Is Love 7 …love is from God… 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 16 …He who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. John 15:4–5, 9–10 — Abiding Produces Fruit 4 Abide in Me, and I in you… 5 …he who abides in Me bears much fruit… 9 …abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love… 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 — The Nature of Love (Fruit in Detail) 4 Love suffers long and is kind… 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Philippians 4:4–7 — Joy and Peace 4 Rejoice in the Lord always… 7 The peace of God… will guard your hearts… Ephesians 3:16–19 — Filled With All the Fullness of God 18 …to know the love of Christ… 19 …that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

 

Key Points Summary (Core Concepts)

• God’s love is the origin and power behind all spiritual fruit.
• The nine fruits are one collective expression of love.
• Fruit comes through abiding, not striving.
• The Spirit’s inward work of love results in outward transformation.
• The Christian life is the expression of divine love, not human morality.

 

Conclusion:

The nine fruits are not produced by human striving but by the outflow of divine love. God is love; the Spirit pours love out; we abide in love; and fruit appears naturally and joyfully.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training, General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7, The Most Important Aspects, Week 7: Entering Through the Narrow Gate and Walking Through the Narrow Path That Leads to Life, the Blessed Glory of the Kingdom Forever.

The Narrow Way of Life vs. The Philadelphia Way (God’s Ordained Way)

 

The Narrow Way of Life vs. The Philadelphia Way (God’s Ordained Way)

Matthew 7:13–14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Revelation 3:7–13 (Philatephi) …I know your deeds, that you have a little strength and keep my word and have not denied my name… I will make the one who overcomes a pillar in the temple of my God…

Revelation 3:12 (The name of the pillar) …I will write on him the name of my God and the name of my city (the New Jerusalem) and my new name. 

Aspect	The Way of Life  (Narrow Way)	The Way of Philadelphia  (God’s Ordained Way)
Meaning	The way ordained by the Lord that leads to life and reward (Matt. 7:13–14). “The Way”: the way of truth, righteousness, peace, salvation, God’s way.	A qualitative recovery of the church back to God’s intrinsic essence—love—and the original condition (Rev. 3:7–13).
Difference	Walks according to the Spirit, life, God’s principles; emphasizes inner reality.	Emphasizes brotherly love, the genuine ground of oneness, not denying the Lord’s name, keeping His word.
Reason	God wants to bring His people into life and complete His economy through the narrow way.	God desires a recovery that produces the overcomers as pillars and as constituents of the New Jerusalem.
Result	Brings life, maturity, building of the Body of Christ.	Becoming pillars, bearing God’s name, the New Jerusalem, and the Lord’s new name; becoming the new Christ in meaning.
Examples	Walking in spirit, rejecting worldly ways, refusing natural ambition.	Loving the brothers, keeping the Lord’s word, calling on the Lord’s name, treasuring Christ.
Application	Be restricted, walk in spirit, act according to God’s measure, emphasize life over work.	Pray-read the Word, muse on the Word, treasure the Word, stand on the ground of oneness.
Burden	God wants His people to take the way of life unto maturity and building.	God wants overcomers who “have a little strength,” keep His word, deny not His name.
Prophesying Guide	Speak life, encourage saints to walk the narrow way, emphasize inner transformation.	Declare Christ, treasure His person, stand in oneness, encourage saints toward New Jerusalem.
Direction	Walk in spirit, be limited by life, value quality over quantity, follow divine regulation.	Love the brothers, keep His word, call on His name, let the Lord open our inner being.
Scripture References	Acts 9:2 ...If you find someone of this way... 2 Peter 2:2, 15, 21 (The way of truth, the right way, the way of righteousness) Romans 8:4–6 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk according to the Spirit, not according to the flesh... John 1:51; Genesis 28:12 The ladder to heaven and the Spirit of life can overcome the impossible. 2 Corinthians 11:2–3 A simple love for the Lord. 1 Corinthians 3:12 Gold, silver, and precious stones (quality over quantity). Mark 14:8 She did all she could, and all she could manage. Romans 10:9–13 All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.

 

Conclusion: 

The way of life is narrow and restricting but leads to maturity and building the Body.

The Philadelphia way is the narrow way of life—God’s ordained way for His recovery.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training, General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7, The Most Important Aspects, Week 7: Entering Through the Narrow Gate and Walking Through the Narrow Path That Leads to Life, the Blessed Glory of the Kingdom Forever.

“The way ordained by God as revealed in the Bible—the narrow gate and the narrow path of life”

 

“The way ordained by God as revealed in the Bible—the narrow gate and the narrow path of life”

Matthew 7:13–14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Aspect	The way ordained by God as revealed in the Bible—the narrow gate and the narrow path of life
Theme	The God-Ordained Way Revealed in the Bible — The Narrow Gate and the Constricted Way of Life (Matthew 7:13–14)
Meaning	1. The way God has ordained for His people to live and serve on earth is a narrow gate, constricted way—a way of restriction, limitation, and discipline. 2. This way is not the wide, worldly, natural, sensational path, but the way of life, walking according to the spirit, and living by God’s measure. 3. It is the way that leads to life, producing growth, maturity, fruit-bearing, and the building up of the Body.
Distinction	1. The Broad Way (leading to destruction): • According to the world’s system, natural methods, and fleshly tastes (Matt. 13:31–33). • Focuses on outward success, crowds, human enterprise, and religious achievements (Rev. 2:13, 20; 17:4–5). 2. The Constricted Way (leading to life): • According to divine principles and spiritual requirements. • Not a miraculous path, but the normal growth of life (John 15:1–6). • Brings in the chosen ones, bears testimony of Christ, fulfills God’s economy, and builds the Body (Rom. 1:9; Rev. 1:1–2, 9–10).
Reason (Why God Ordains This Way)	1. The nature of God’s life itself is restricted and limited (John 5:19, 30). 2. In the spiritual realm there is no broad way; everything is under the law of life (John 15:2). 3. God desires His people to grow by life, not by miracles or outward achievement (2 Cor. 10:13–15). 4. This way accomplishes God’s building, producing the growth and maturity of the Body (Col. 1:28–29).
Means  (How to Walk in the God-Ordained Way)	1. Walk according to the spirit (Rom. 8:4; Gal. 5:16). 2. Accept the pruning of life (John 15:2). 3. Live according to the measure God has apportioned (2 Cor. 10:13–15). 4. Live under restriction and divine regulation (1 Thes. 5:16–18). 5. Follow the Lord’s pattern—His living and ministry were entirely a restricted, narrow way (John 5:19, 30; 4:34; 17:4).
Result (Fruit of Walking in This Way)	1. Growth of life—healthy and vigorous. 2. Bearing remaining fruit year after year (John 15:16). 3. Bringing in the chosen ones and perfecting the saints. 4. Bearing testimony of Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:9–10). 5. Fulfilling God’s economy and building up the Body of Christ (Eph. 4:12–16). 6. Deliverance from worldly corruption and destruction (Matt. 7:13).
Examples  (Biblical + Church History)	1. The Lord Jesus: Did nothing from Himself, but only what the Father spoke and did (John 5:19, 30; 14:10). 2. Paul: • Not by miracles, but by each one—shepherding with tears, house to house, laboring (Acts 20:19–20, 31; Col. 1:28–29). • Not going beyond his measure, nor exalting himself (2 Cor. 10:13–15). 3. Tree of Life pattern: Growth not by miracles but by the normal law of life (Gen. 2:9; John 15).
Application (How Believers Practice Today)	1. Daily practice entering the narrow gate and walking the constricted way—rejecting the natural broad way. 2. Accept limitation and adjustment from environment, church life, and the Body. 3. Seek to bear one remaining fruit each year, not outward success. 4. Serve every saint “one by one,” not merely in large public settings. 5. Do not maintain man’s enterprise but fulfill God’s economy.
Burden  (God’s Desire for the Church Today)	1. All saints would walk the way of life, not the religious broad way. 2. The church life would be a training of restriction and regulation. 3. Lead believers into a normal, healthy, fruit-bearing Christian life. 4. Produce overcomers who walk the narrow way to fulfill God’s economy.
Prophesying Guidelines (How to Prophesy in Church Meetings)	1. Testify of experiences of the narrow gate and constricted way in daily life. 2. Share on walking according to the spirit and the Spirit’s regulation. 3. Testify of receiving pruning and restriction for growth in life. 4. Prophesy Paul’s pattern of “each one” perfecting (Col. 1:28–29). 5. Encourage saints to pursue bearing remaining fruit annually.
Scripture References	Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:22 (“This way”) 2 Peter 2:2, 15, 21 (The way of truth, the right way, the way of righteousness) Luke 1:79; Romans 3:17 (The way of peace) Acts 16:17 (The way of salvation) Matthew 22:16; Acts 18:25–26; John 1:23 (The way of God, the way of the Lord) Matthew 13:31–33; Revelation 2:13, 20; 17:4–5 (Characteristics of the broad road) Romans 1:9; Hebrews 11:5–6; Revelation 1:1–2, 9–10 (The narrow road leads to the purpose of life) John 5:19 30; 4:34; 17:4; 14:10, 24; 7:16, 18 (The Lord's Example—A Narrow Life) Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:16, 22–23; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (Walking in the Spirit) 2 Corinthians 10:13–15 (Measure and Limitation) John 15:1–6, 16 (Pruning, Bearing Fruit) Colossians 1:28–29; Acts 20:19–20, 31 (Paul's "Every Man's" Ministry)

 

Conclusion: 

The God-ordained way is the only way that leads to life, builds the Body, and accomplishes God’s economy. It depends not on outward achievement but on inward restriction, discipline, and the normal growth of divine life. The more we walk this constricted way, the healthier and more living we become—and the more we become God’s testimony on earth.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training, General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7, The Most Important Aspects, Week 7: Entering Through the Narrow Gate and Walking Through the Narrow Path That Leads to Life, the Blessed Glory of the Kingdom Forever.

Biblical Principles vs Biblical Rules

 

Biblical Principles vs Biblical Rules

1 John 4:8“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Exodus 20:1–3 — The Ten Commandments

 “‘You shall have no other gods before me.’

‘You shall not make for yourself an image…’

‘You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God…’ 

Item	Principle	Rule
Meaning	Eternal, universal spiritual laws expressing God’s nature and His will.	Specific commands, instructions, or practices that apply a principle in concrete behavior.
Nature	Life-based, spiritual, inward; rooted in God’s character.	Behavior-based, practical, outward; rooted in specific situations.
Source	God’s divine nature: love, holiness, righteousness, truth.	God’s commands, ordinances, instructions, apostolic guidance.
Characteristics	Universal, timeless, extendable; transcends culture.	Bounded, contextual, sometimes temporary or situational.
Function	Gives direction and shapes life; inspires proper conduct.	Defines boundaries; ensures orderly and correct conduct.
How It Operates	Through the Spirit’s illumination; lived out by inward transformation.	Through outward instruction; followed by clear behavioral obedience.
Purpose	To make believers reflect God’s character.	To guide believers to act properly in specific matters.
Examples	• God is love (1 Jn 4:8) • Be holy (1 Pet 1:16) • Love your neighbor (Matt 22:39)	• Ten Commandments (Exo 20) • Church order (1 Cor 14) • Forgive seventy times seven (Matt 18:22)
Scope	Applies in every age, culture, and situation.	May vary with culture, time, or covenant (OT vs NT).
Result	Builds life, produces maturity and spiritual freedom.	Produces order, clarity, and protection from error.
Danger If Misused	Ignoring rules may lead to disorder or fleshly freedom.	Absolutizing rules leads to legalism.
Relation to Life	Focuses on becoming the right kind of person.	Focuses on doing the right actions.
Key Scriptures	1 John 4:8; 1 Peter 1:16; Matthew 22:39		Exodus 20:1–17; 1 Corinthians 14:26–40; Matthew 18:21–22
Expanded Key Bible Passages	1 John 4:8“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 Peter 1:16“For it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” Matthew 22:39“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”		Exodus 20:4–6 — The Ten Commandments ‘Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…’ ‘Honor your father and your mother…’ ‘You shall not murder.’ 1 Corinthians 14:26–40 — Church order “…Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”

 

Key Summary Points:

• Principles express God’s eternal nature.
• Rules implement principles in specific forms.
• Principles are higher; rules are their applications.
• Spiritual maturity means holding the principle while applying rules with wisdom and grace.

 

*Please refer to Galatians Life-Study, Message 46: Follow the Basic Principles