Weekly Bulletin – November 20, 2022

“The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” Ephesians 5:9

This brief but profound statement comes in the course of Paul’s argument that holiness is the natural way of life for believers.

He lists some of the things that mark the ungodly but that are against all that a Christian is as a new creature in Christ. He says, “Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes [that is, you used to be] darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (verses 7–8). Having said this, he adds the words of today’s text. His meaning is clear: salvation effects a radical change in a man’s nature. The root of godliness is in him and that root produces fruit, what the apostle calls “the fruit of the Spirit.”

Christians have to battle against sin. Their nature is not yet free from sin and sometimes the struggle with the world, the flesh, and the devil is very hard. But Christians cannot quit that battle. Their nature will not allow them to quit. The fruit of the Spirit, the result in them of the indwelling Holy Spirit, will not and cannot be hid. The goal of every temptation is get us to ignore the holy inclinations the Spirit has placed within us, to act against our true nature. Empty professors may easily come to terms with the world, but a true Christian cannot take that road. Holiness to him is the natural fruit of grace in his life; sin is a usurper that he must resist.

The evidence of the root of grace in us is the fruit that it bears. Some fruit of goodness, righteousness, and truth is undeniably present in the weakest Christian. Let us carefully cultivate our hearts—like Ezra, prepare them to seek the Lord (Ezra 7:10)—and seek to bear much good fruit for our Saviour.

Quote: “Growth is not the product of effort, but of life.” – Augustus H. Strong

Daily devotions are from the book “A Word in Season” published by Let the Bible Speak. © Let the Bible Speak 2010 – All Rights Reserved.

We are updating our church directory. The directory is for both members and adherents. If you are not currently a part of the directory and would like to, please email your contact information to office@torontofpc.ca. Anyone already included in the directory who wishes to update their information, please email the office with your changes. Thank you!