Today, I’m closing our month long study of the fruit of spirit. We are looking at this verse in Ephesians explaining why we walk in the light and why the gifts of the Holy Spirit are so important.
For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, 9 for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, 10 proving what is well pleasing to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:8-10
In the verses, Paul contrasts our life before Christ as darkness and our life with Christ as light (a common comparison in the New Testament). Jesus is often noted as the light of the world. As we walk in the light, the gifts of the Holy Spirit will grow within us including goodness, righteousness and truth.
Paul mentions 3 gifts of the Holy Spirit here in Ephesians 5, but we can cross reference with Galatians 5:22-23 for a more complete list. These gifts are developed within us by the Holy Spirit as we mature in our faith. It pleases God that our faith grows.
What other advice does Paul give in Ephesians that will help us develop the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
In verse 11, he says to avoid the unfruitful works darkness and expose them. In I Corinthians 6, the works of darkness are defined as immorality of all types, idolatry, homosexuality, stealing, drunkenness, prone to fighting. In Ephesians 5, Paul tells us to stay way these these acts and use the light of Jesus to expose these acts.
Did you know that your presence and the way you live your life as a Christian shines the life of Jesus on sin. By living a life that is filled with the fruit of the Spirit we are showing others how to live differently.
I going to close with verses 15-18. Paul tells us to be circumspect (i.e. unwilling to take risks, consider all actions and possible outcomes) and be wise in our actions. Finally, redeeming the time because the days are evil and be filled with the Spirit.
