The Fruit of the Spirit: The Measure of Christian Maturity

by Andy Ripley

In II Corinthians 13:5 we are told to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. In Lamentations 3:40 we are told to examine our ways and test them, and to return to doing things the Lord's way. In I Corinthians 11:28 we are to examine ourselves before we partake of communion, to see if we are right with God. In Hebrews 12:15 we are to see to it that no one among us falls short of the grace that God has given us. Galatians 6:4 tells each of us to test his own actions. The writer of Psalm 139:23-24 implores the Lord to search his heart and find out if there is any wicked way in him that needs to be addressed and repented of. These and many other passages of scripture urge us towards self-examination and self-judgement. The Bible provides a few measuring sticks by which we can estimate our growth and progress in spiritual things. The fruit of the Spirit in Galatians chapter five is one of those measuring sticks. Using these nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit, we can get an accurate estimate of our spiritual growth and see if we are at least heading in the right direction and maturing in God.

Genres: Nonfiction, Faith, Christian

298 pages, Paperback

Published August 9, 2022

Reviews

[Nicole H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so well done. Each chapter describes a fruit of the spirit and then goes on to explain its place is our life as Christians. The author uses scripture throughout and I appreciate that he didn’t use many other references. This is a book I will revisit again and again.

[Libby Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼 everyone read!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid Biblical Content on the Spirit’s Footprint in Believers’ Lives

I love the emphasis on the Spirit bringing forth the fruit, as we essentially stumble along like a toddler, trying to put our tiny feet into his imprints.

Once the content covers lack of maturity and comparison complexes, the book picks up speed. “A tree does not eat its own fruit.” (Outside verification is necessary to show growth.)

There are valuable insights on humility (“(sincere) prayer is an act of humility”), gentleness (restrained strength, like a St Bernard with a chihuahua), and kindness (love in practical action). Mainly I loved the bits that could be used by ordained leaders in dealing with recalcitrant congregants. “(being teachable) means that you give up your right to be offended by correction.” Amen. (Just go tell it to Bob, not me - of course)

Joy is also unattainable without the Spirit because of its roots in eternality. Jesus told the woman at the well “Go” and “Come” and she couldn’t wait to go spread the word to people in town she’d been avoiding. Her dry soul received the Water of Life. Their opinion wasn’t as impactful anymore.

Our world would like us to think that they came up with a push toward kindness on their own (they borrowed it from Christianity), and that gentleness is “mild-mannered powerlessness”. I’m glad the author offers pushback on that idea.

Sometimes, “a failure to be rightly angry is a failure of courage to do the right thing.” Amen!

Minus the spelling errors (happens to us all), this is a five-star book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biblical and practical

I should read this book once a year. I can say the fruits of the Spirit but to live them out is challenging.

[Esther Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendid!

An incredible & inspiring book once again by Andy Ripley on maturing in Christ. Highly recommend this book as a yearly read!

[Sally Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good thoughts in this book.

[terry curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

This book is very good for a Christian marriage I found it quite helpful and instructed a good read thanks

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very solid teaching on the Fruit of the Spirit in an easy-to-understand presentation. If you want to learn about the Fruit, this book would be a good place to start a study.

[Scott Snedaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very wise teaching on the fruit of the Spirit

Thorough and practical book about understanding the Holy Spirit, the balance in our works, His grace, and practical application of bearing fruit, filled with scriptural context and examples. Helpful complimentary book as we worked through the fruit of the Holy Spirit series at church. This should be one's core Christian reading list.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Found that this was a well presented and thought provoking book on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
It provide good content and practices for the implementation and understanding of how the gifts operate. Thank you.

[Byron Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have several books on this topic, from an excellent scholarly treatment to a workbook and a breezy devotional. This is the one I would recommend to all, with its satisfying balance of thoroughness, ease of reading, depth and scriptural cross-referencing.