“Spiritual Fruit” | September 17, 2023

I.       “Only Two Options...”
Luke 6:237-42
Luke 6:42
Luke 6:43-45; For Vv. 43, 44 See Mt 7:16, 20
John 15:5
Romans 9:21-24; Ephesians 1:7-12
Romans 9:30-33
John 3:16
Romans 5:6-8; 4:25

II.       “The Diseased Made Virtuous” 
Luke 6:45; Matthew 12:33-37; 15:18-19; [Mt 13:52
Ephesians 4:17-32]; [Matthew 5:37]; 12:34
John 3:1-8
Jeremiah 17:1, 9-10, 7-8, 14-15
Luke 6:45; 2 Co 5:17
John 15:26; Mt/Lk 3:8
Galatians 5:13-25; Ro 10:8-13
Galatians 5:16, 22-23
 Greek Word Study:
Love: ‘agapeseis’: from ‘agapao’ (to love) ‘Agapeseis’ differs from ‘phileo’ (brotherly love) indicating feelings, warm affection, the kind of love expressed by a kiss. “agapeseis’ is to love i.e., regard with favor, goodwill, benevolence. The effects of benevolence are expressed as to wish well or to do good to. To love one’s neighbor and one’s enemies. The future imperative ‘agapeseis,’ especially in regard to enemies, should not be taken to mean doing that which pleases THEM; but choosing to show them favor and goodwill (despite their reviling) which pleases God. (Luke 6:32)
 
Good: ‘kalos’: properly, beautiful but chiefly (fig) good (literal or moral), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use) this is distinguished from ‘agathos’ which is properly intrinsic (good); - beautiful, good. Adjective meaning handsome, beautiful, good primarily as to external form and appearance. In NT of quality: good, excellent as to quality and character: Generally, a tree (Lk 6:43); by implication, choice, excellent Fruit. (Lk 6:43)
 
Bad: ‘sapros’: from ‘sepo’ (to putrefy); rotten, i.e., worthless (moral): - bad, corrupt, diseased (fruit) (Lk 6:43)
 
Known: ‘ginosko’: a prolonged form of a primary verb “to know” (absolute) in a great variety of applications with many implications: - Comprehend, know, learn, perceive, understand. To know in a complete sense, that is, to have knowledge of: to know one’s character [by its own fruit] (Lk 6:43)
 
Good: ‘agathos’: good, a primary word, (in any sense, often as a noun): - generosity, good (things), goodness, healthy, honest. Compare ‘kalos’ which refers to extrinsic good; this adjective means good & benevolent, of good character (intrinsically good) good disposition, quality. Of persons: Upright, Virtuous. (Lk 6:45, 3x)
 
Treasure: ‘thesauros’: a deposit, i.e., wealth, (literal or figurative): - Treasure [storehouse] (Lk 6:45)
 
Evil Treasure: ‘poneros’: hurtful, i.e., evil (properly in effect or influence. Evil in a moral or spiritual sense, wicked, malicious, mischievous. Of Persons in (Lk 6:45)
 
Abundance: ‘perisseuma’: from ‘perriseuo’ (superabound); a surplus or superabundance, more than enough, abundance. What is laid up (in the heart). Figuratively [the thoughts that fill the heart] [The Good Treasure of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a person “superabounds” in virtuous fruit-bearing] (Lk 6:45)
 
Hypocrite: ‘hupokrites’: from ‘hupokrinomai’ (to decide, speak, or act) under a False Part. Pretend; an actor under an assumed character, i.e. (figurative) a dissembler (hypocrite): - Hypocrite. Noun meaning to act as a hypocrite; a stage-player, an actor – In NT a hypocrite specifically in respect to religion. (Lk 6:42)
 
Pastor’s Note: We must Love in the Power of the Holy Spirit; this kind of Love is a verb – an action, a choice; not an emotion. Sin disables our ability to see clearly to help others in their journey with Christ and mars the image of Christ in us. We must fall before the Lord for forgiveness and then do so on a daily basis, Loving those around us - in the power of the Holy Spirit.