11 | Philippians 4

Taste & See | Fall Message Series on the Fruit of the Spirit

How would you describe the culture around us? Selfish, angry, prideful, jealous, explicit, divisive, mean-spirited, and sexual impurity? These are all words Paul uses in Galatians 5 to describe what it means to live driven by the desires of our flesh. But what if you and I chose to interact with our world as people of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Paul calls these words the "Fruit of the Spirit," characteristics produced when the Spirit of God is at work in a person's life. The Fruit of the Spirit is not just for us but that we would be people who produce love, joy, and peace so that others have a chance to "taste and see that the Lord is good."(Psalm 34)

Season 2 Episode 11 of Unschooled and Ordinary discusses the importance of the Fruit of the Spirit in the lives of believers.

Episode Resources:

Bible Reading Plan & Devos 

"Taste & See" Message Series

Find a House Church

Venture Church Original Podcasts

Venture Church Website

Scripture 

Primary Text: Philippians 4:4-9 

Supplemental Text: Galatians 5:13-26 

Observations & Applications 

1. In Philippians 4:4, Paul encourages the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always. How does rejoicing in the Lord cultivate patience in our lives? 

2. Philippians 4:6 instructs us not to be anxious but to pray about everything. How does prayer lead to greater patience in our daily lives? 

3. Paul says in Philippians 4:7 that God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds. What role does peace play in developing patience? 

4. In Philippians 4:8, Paul urges us to focus on things that are true, noble, right, and praiseworthy. How does what we choose to focus on affect our patience? 

5. Philippians 4:9 tells us to put into practice what we’ve learned. What are some practical ways you can practice patience in your current season of life? 

Prayer 

Father, we ask for your peace that surpasses all understanding. Show us what is standing in the way of that. Amen. 

S.O.A.P. METHOD

Use this tool to study God’s Word 

SCRIPTURE 

Write which passage of scripture you are reading. 

OBSERVATION

What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands or instructions? 

APPLICATION 

How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 

PRAYER

Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.