Discernment of Spirits — The Fruit of the Spirit

The Journey: Session Three, Part Two

The Fruit of the Spirit

One of the primary methods of discernment is “fruit inspection”. That is, looking at the results of a specific teaching, doctrine, or instruction and examining the impact of any prophetic or spiritual manifestations or messages. In particular, it means looking at the lives of the people who are involved, either as teachers or students. Do their lives reflect a holy witness to Christ?

The Works of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5

(Gal 5:19–21) “[19] Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, [21] envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

(Gal 5:22–23a) “[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control…”

There are many ways in which the spirit manifests itself in the lives of those who follow it. Anyone who claims to be following the Holy Spirit or speaking…