OF ARMOR AND FRUIT ~ Introduction ~

This series will cover some very important things that we need to know, understand AND apply to our lives. So, before we begin, please read Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 22:36-40, Ephesians 6:10-18, and 1 Corinthians 13 (the ‘love’ chapter) verse 13, specifically.
 
 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
 
 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV
 
“But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
 “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40 KJV
 
Please note that there are some overlapping words here. These are the first ones that we are going to take an in-depth look at as they tie everything together.
 
PEACE – According to Strong’s (# 1515) the word means ‘one, peace, quietness, rest – metaphorically: peace of mind, tranquility, arising from reconciliation with God and a sense of a divine favour.’
 
FAITH – According to Strong’s (# 4102) the word means ‘of faith in Christ’s death, as the ground of justification before God, saving faith, found only in Paul’s writings.’
 
LOVE – this love is NOT a ‘feeling’, it is a ‘choice’! It, according to Strong’s (# 25) is the ‘idea of duty, respect, veneration; meaning to love and serve with fidelity’. It also speaks of the unconditional love of Christ that we all should have towards others; benevolence, goodwill.
 
So, with these three words, specifically, within these passages, we can surmise the following as our introduction to this study:
 
We need to actively live out our faith, resting completely in God’s love for us and our being reconciled to Him. The outflow of this will produce the unconditional love of Christ permeating from our lives to those around us.