Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8200 The character of the believer  »  8255 fruit, spiritual

The spiritual life and growth of believers is likened to a fruit-bearing tree. As the fruit is evidence of the health and vigour of the tree, so the believer's life, attitudes and behaviour should reflect the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Believers should exhibit evidence of their conversion

James 3:13 See also Matthew 3:8 pp Luke 3:8-9; Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew 12:33; John 15:16; Romans 7:4-5; Titus 3:14; James 2:14-26

The nature of spiritual fruit

Galatians 5:22-23 See also Romans 8:5-6; Philippians 1:9-11; James 3:17

The sources of spiritual fruit

Acceptance of the gospel

Luke 8:15 pp Matthew 13:23 pp Mark 4:20

The old way of life put to death

John 12:24 See also Romans 6:6,11-14; Romans 8:13-14; Galatians 5:24; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:5-10

Actively living a new life in Jesus Christ

Galatians 6:7-9 See also Romans 6:11-14; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:8-9; Colossians 1:10; Colossians 3:12-15; 2 Timothy 2:22; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Titus 3:14; 1 John 3:18

Remaining close to Jesus Christ

John 15:4-5

Submission to God's discipline

Hebrews 12:10-11 See also John 15:1-2

See also

1040  God, fatherhood
3254  Holy Spirit, fruit of
6698  newness
8102  abiding in Christ
8154  righteousness
8164  spirituality
8256  fruitfulness
8348  spiritual growth
8443  growth