the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.- Galatians 5:22-23.
This numerous issue is of supernatural generation; like Isaac, who sprang from the dead body of Abraham and barren womb of Sarah. Though believers love to bring forth such fruits, delight to see them, yet through humility they are backward in speaking of them, and averse to glory in them as productions of their own. Hence when these fruits of the Spirit appear inward or outward, like the bride of the Lamb on another occasion, she cries out in lowliness of heart, "Who hath begotten me these?"- Isaiah 49:21. But is any thing too hard for God? "He maketh the barren soul to be a joyful mother of children."- Psalms 113:9. To this very end believers are "married to Jesus by faith, that they may bring forth fruit unto God."- Romans 7:4. There is no member of the church of which Jesus is the husband, barren. Some bring forth more fruit than others-some more eminent for one kind, and some for another. Every one "according to the measure of the gift of Christ."- Ephesians 4:7. But it is by the same Spirit that dwelleth in all: each esteem other’s fruits better than their own. The graces of a true Christian shine brightest in the sight of his brethren. With the pleasant fruits of his Spirit, which his members bear, Jesus our head is delighted and God our Father is glorified. Will not this be the prayer, the daily prayer of every believer? O that I may bring forth more fruit to God! So let thy all-commanding voice pronounce on me, "be fruitful and multiply." Thus is "the bride, the Lamb’s wife, all-glorious within." But yet, conscious of what she was, of what she still is by opposing nature, which brings forth contrary fruits, she wears a conscious blush, and dares not glory in herself. She knows she is wholly indebted for the root of all grace, JESUS, as well as for the fruits of the Spirit, to unmerited grace and sovereign power. Thus truly Paul says, "I am become a fool in glorying," though compelled to it. That holy, faithful, loving, tender-hearted martyr of Jesus, ever styled himself ’the unbelieving, unloving, hard-hearted Bradford.’ Yet, "against such there is no law." The law cannot accuse or condemn those who believe in Jesus; "for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, hath made them free from the law of sin and death."- Romans 8:2. Indeed the law may trouble and terrify the conscience; but Christ, apprehended by faith, vanquisheth all its terror and threatenings; "for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one who believes."- Romans 10:4. They are as righteous in him, as if they had fulfilled the law themselves. "Ye shall know them by their fruits,"- Matthew 7:16.
Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Judges 1:3.
When St. Paul was preaching the most important truths of the everlasting gospel at Corinth, he was brought before the judgment seat, and accused for his doctrine. Poor Gallio would not concern himself about the matter. He considered it all as a strife of words, and a contention about names. I will be no judge, says he. He cared for none of these things. His heart was totally unacquainted with the faith of God’s saints. But art thou a partaker of like precious faith with the Apostles? and canst thou be a Gallio too? Know, if thou wilt not contend for the faith, hell and earth are in arms, to contend against.
What is the faith here spoken of? (1st.) The doctrines of faith revealed in the word: the whole scheme of evangelical truths, inspired by the Spirit of God. These are received by faith: are the rule, the warrant, the support, and the glory and joy of faith. Such as the doctrine of the Trinity in Unity-their everlasting covenant of grace the result of everlasting love to the elect-the incarnation of the Son of God to save us-our regeneration by the Spirit, full and complete salvation by grace, etc. (2d.) The object of faith. Christ received into the heart, by whom we have peace with God, pardon of sin from him, justification before him, boldness to draw nigh to him, and sweet fellowship with him. Now these truths are delivered to, and received by saints. Says Jude, “Beloved, it was needful that I should exhort you”-to what? Namely, for the sake of peace and quietness, not to dispute and contend for this faith? No, but to contend earnestly: heartily, with warmth of zeal, with a holy glow of affection, in good earnest.
Disciple, improve this word of exhortation. (1st.) Consider, the doctrines of the gospel, and the faith of them, are of the greatest moment, both to your being and well-being as a Christian. Says Luther, “One little point of doctrine, is worth more than heaven and earth.” Some ignorantly call the doctrines of the gospel mere opinions; just as if it was indifferent, whether believed or not. (2d.) Stand reproved, ye lukewarm, Laodicean spirits, who have not a word to say in defence of your most holy faith, but under a pretence for peace, are cool and indifferent about truth. Truth is too great a price, to purchase peace at. But, (3d.) remember faith works by love. Carry the fire of love into all your contentions. Eye Christ in all. Aim at his glory by all. Pray to have his mind accompany all. With love and pity to all, pray him to bless all you contend with, if peradventure he may give them repentance to the acknowledging the truth. Titus 1:1.
