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"For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, finding out what is acceptable to the Lord."

Text: Ephesians 5:9-10

AN ARCHAIC EXPRESSION

The rendering of the text (NKJV) “finding out” is an archaic phrase. Let us take time to examine this phrase a little more thoroughly.

“Finding out’ (“dokimazontes”)

1. Lexical meaning

a) This word has the idea of putting something to the test.

b) Then there is the result of the test to consider.

2. Application of the word

a) The focus is on the proof or the evidence of a person’s confession of faith.

b) False teachers sometimes deceive hearers by avoiding any mention of the proof or evidence of faith.

c) The truth of whether one has been truly born again may be found in “the fruit of the Spirit”.

ACCEPTABLE TO THE LORD

The word “acceptable” (“euareston”) has a depth that must be emphasized.

1. The fruit of the Spirit is more than just “acceptable”

2. The lexical idea behind “euareston” is that the fruit is truly well-pleasing in God’s sight.

All doubts about true salvation in Christ are cast aside, when we bear the fruit of the Spirit of God in our life.

THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD IN THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER

Let us take time to appreciate afresh the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the genuine believer. Three aspects may be especially highlighted and appreciated:-

1. He indwells every believer as God’s seal and guarantee (Ephesians 1:13-14).

2. He illumines and reveals great truths about God (Ephesians 1:17; 3:5).

3. He produces fruit that is well-pleasing to God (Ephesians 5:10).