Home Bible Study on the Fruit of the Spirit

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It’s important to differentiate the meaning of fruit in Scripture when beginning a home Bible study. Sometimes fruit are referred to as a result of effort (eg, the fruit of our labors), yet fruit of the Spirit aren’t a result or product of some work we do — rather, they are a natural outflowing of the Spirit as the new believer matures in Christ.

For this study, we’ll focus on New Testament occurrences of fruit. This is primarily because New Testament believers are sealed with the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) and are different from their Old Testament counterparts because of the promises from our Lord (2 Timothy 1:7).

Where to Begin

In a more exhaustive Bible Study, we mentioned such things as you can’t force the fruit and you can’t buy them. You can only watch real fruit grow. It’s a 100% spectator sport.

The nine fruit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 are Christ-like attributes we as believers ought to grow through our daily life. Many of these fruit can be visibly behavioral — like patience and love — and pertain to our relationships both with fellow believers (Galatians 6:10) and the world. But they’re grown from an inward source.

These most certainly follow the two great commandments of Christ, specifically loving the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and spirit, and loving your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31)

The testimony of the believer, as an ambassador of Christ, will always be in view to the world.

As new believers, we came to Christ probably with few fruit. Very likely, understanding how those fruit of the Spirit are supposed to grow can be a challenge.

Having a heart for the Gospel and a love for your fellow man is a great starting point.

Home Study Lessons

How do we grow these fruit? We can add water (daily Bible study) and a nice growing climate (daily prayer). Growing in the Spirit means sowing in the Spirit. Scripture tells us in Galatians 6:8, “but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”

Home Bible study will develop a good habit of preparing you for a spiritual walk where fruit can manifest themselves.

What fruit come first? When we took that first act of faith toward salvation by grace and the Lord’s complete atonement, we planted a seed.

Growing our faith is done by hearing the Word (faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God – Romans 10:17) and studying the Word (2 Timothy 3:16). Faith is a necessary first requirement, as stated in Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

What specific fruit are a sign of maturity in Christ? There’s the story of Chuck Swindoll who once said he was given an award for humility, but the first time he wore it they took it away.

The truth is, no one ever “arrives” at a place of perfection. See Paul’s struggles in Romans 7:

Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

But believers can take comfort in the fact that the Lord is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Here’s another beautiful verse that should immediately strengthen your faith:
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

What fruit are most challenging? This would be a question altogether dependent on the day we’re having. Being kind to the saints (Galatians 6:9-10) may be entirely different than being kind to a rude co-worker.

Paul talks about war in his members, the battle between flesh and spirit (Romans 7:23). There will be continuous challenges against those precious fruit in this life. Only when we see Christ at His glorious return, will we be perfect.

Gratitude and thankfulness also come into view. Look at the parable of creditor and two debtors, found in Luke 7:41-43.

Who was most grateful of the two debtors – the one with much forgiven, or the one with little forgiven? Now look at it from the point of goodness and kindness, on the behalf of the creditor.

Two sides of the same transaction, yet both showing spiritual fruit.

What are some areas in my life for developing these fruit of the Spirit? Elizabeth Hemen, in her book, Jesus with Skin, shows numerous application areas for discussion in any home Bible study. Kindness and Goodness on display are the visible signs of a Christian testimony.

Womens’ Studies on the Fruit of the Spirit

Teachers in church, volunteering to serve, educating children when home, joining — or starting — a womens home Bible study group. There are so many opportunties to grow in the Spirit.

Where do I begin, you ask? Anywhere you see a need. The ministry you choose is the ministry you choose, whether that’s helping teach or serving meals or driving kids to church or…the list goes on.

Different areas of focus, such as womens’ groups meeting in homes, can benefit home-based moms who need support in their spiritual growth.

Elizabeth Hemen writes, “In my living room I have a one hundred year old picture of fruit. It was my mom’s. It fits perfectly under a large new clock.

“In my childrens’ book, Snowman Finds His Heart, I wrote this about Jesus’ birth:
The story old and yet so new.
It will always be here for you.

“In the book of Galatians 5:22 is an example of a book of the Bible written long ago by Paul. It is still a guide for us today.

“The fruit of the Spirit is as timely now as when it was written years ago. We always need love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

“God bless you and your fruit-filled life.” – Elizabeth A. Hemen

Adding these to any ministry, whether at home or at church or at work, can be supportive in growing and maturing women in Christ.