Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary
Episode: The Fruit of the Spirit
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Presented by: R.C. Sproul and Nathan W. Bingham
Introduction
In the August 15, 2025 episode of Renewing Your Mind, hosted by Ligonier Ministries, theologians R.C. Sproul and Nathan W. Bingham delve into the profound topic of The Fruit of the Spirit. This episode is part of a broader series focusing on Galatians, aiming to equip Christians with a deeper understanding of Scripture and its application to daily life.
Understanding the Fruit of the Spirit
R.C. Sproul opens the discussion by highlighting the rarity of loyalty and its significance as a fruit bestowed by the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that the Spirit imparts virtues that mirror God's own character, reinforcing God's unwavering loyalty to His children.
“Loyalty is such a rare commodity, but the Holy Spirit gives it as a fruit...”
— R.C. Sproul [00:00]
Nathan W. Bingham transitions the conversation by referencing Paul's delineation of the Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He contrasts these virtues with the works of the flesh discussed in the previous episode, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration.
“Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
— Nathan W. Bingham [00:30]
Deep Dive into Each Fruit
1. Love
Sproul distinguishes between natural human love and the supernatural love described in Scripture. He references Jonathan Edwards' work on Religious Affections to illustrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in igniting genuine love for God, contrasting it with mere human affection.
“Paul speaking here about a spiritual level of love, a whole different dimension, a transcendent manifestation of love.”
— R.C. Sproul [01:44]
2. Joy
The discussion moves to joy, where Sproul differentiates the inherent, often fleeting happiness found in worldly contexts from the profound, unshakable joy that believers possess. He cites Jesus' own experience, highlighting that true joy remains steadfast even amidst suffering.
“It's a settled joy that abides in the soul of the believer.”
— R.C. Sproul [09:30]
3. Peace
Peace is examined as more than the absence of conflict. Sproul references Jeremiah and the Apostle Paul to define it as an eternal reconciliation with God, a stark contrast to the superficial peace pursued by pagans.
“It's an abiding peace that is a fruit of the Holy Spirit... not a carnal peace, not a fraudulent peace.”
— R.C. Sproul [15:20]
4. Patience
Patience, or long-suffering as described in Scripture, is portrayed as enduring hardship and persecution without losing faith. Personal anecdotes, including the story of a Christian enduring a lengthy illness with unwavering faith, illustrate this virtue.
“There is a patience or what is really described here in scripture as long suffering.”
— R.C. Sproul [18:10]
5. Kindness
Sproul explains kindness as inherent friendliness bestowed by the Spirit, countering any mean-spiritedness. He shares a personal story about aspiring to have "kindness" inscribed on his tombstone, emphasizing its importance.
“The spirit gives to us what mirrors God's own virtues... our God is a loyal God.”
— R.C. Sproul [20:45]
6. Goodness
Goodness is discussed as living out virtuous actions that reflect God's character. Sproul emphasizes that these actions are not merely moral choices but manifestations of a transformed heart.
7. Faithfulness
Faithfulness, translating the Hebrew term chesed, is interpreted as loyal love and covenant faithfulness. Sproul contrasts loyalty with betrayal, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His people.
“Loyalty is such a rare commodity, but the Holy Spirit gives it as a fruit...”
— R.C. Sproul [22:15]
8. Gentleness
Gentleness is portrayed as a strength under control, a compassionate approach that avoids harshness. Sproul encourages believers to embody this trait in their interactions.
9. Self-Control
The final fruit, self-control, is described as mastery over one's desires and impulses, a vital aspect of living a Spirit-led life.
Living by the Spirit
Sproul concludes by urging believers to "walk in step with the Spirit of God," emphasizing that the Fruit of the Spirit is not a checklist but a continuous, Spirit-driven transformation. He warns against superficial or merely outward displays of virtue, advocating for a genuine, heartfelt manifestation of these fruits.
“And let us not become conceited, provoking one another and envying one another... walking in step with the Spirit of God.”
— R.C. Sproul [23:50]
Conclusion
Nathan W. Bingham wraps up the episode by recapping the two-day study on the works of the flesh versus the Fruit of the Spirit. He invites listeners to deepen their study by accessing R.C. Sproul's comprehensive commentary on Galatians, available through donations.
“May the Lord grow the fruit of the Spirit in each of us.”
— Nathan W. Bingham [24:32]
The episode emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in cultivating virtues that reflect God's character, encouraging believers to embody these traits authentically in their lives.
Looking Ahead
The next episode promises to explore Jonathan Edwards, a significant figure mentioned in this episode, with guest Stephen Nichols. Listeners are encouraged to tune in for continued spiritual growth and insight.
For more resources and to request R.C. Sproul's hardcover commentary on Galatians, visit renewingyourmind.org or call 800-435-4343.