Deeper Life #209

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

—Matthew 7:18

THE RESULTS OF THE BAPTISM with the Holy Spirit are not that you are gifted, but that you bear fruit (John 15:2, 8). The fruit of the Spirit become clearly manifested in your daily life. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance—these spring from one source, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

The gifts of the Spirit are very diverse and are not necessarily the result of the indwelling Spirit. Paul distinctly says that a person may have gifts without having been entirely sanctified, without the fruit of the Spirit being there (1 Corinthians 13:1–8). Such a person’s exercise of spiritual gifts amounts to nothing more than the clashing of a tambourine (1 Corinthians 13:1)!

“Every good gift cometh from above,” but at times the Devil seems to use it. God’s Holy Spirit may give power for service, even to unsanctified souls. God may use as His instrument a person who is not His servant. This reminds us again of the importance of recognizing a person’s spiritual fruit.

Remember that our Lord told us to judge prophets, not by their words or works, but by their fruit.

Prayer Thought: Enable me, Lord Jesus, to manifest the beauty of holiness through the fruit of the Spirit.

SUGGESTED READING: Matthew 7:15–23