Fruit Not Works - Lutheran (Galatians 5:22-23)

Notice Paul's language: "fruit" of the Spirit, not "works" of the Spirit. Just before this, he lists "works of the flesh"—things we DO. Fruit is different: it's what GROWS from who we are. Luther emphasized: we don't produce righteousness by effort; we receive it by faith, and righteousness produces fruit. The apple tree doesn't strain to make apples; it bears apples because it's an apple tree. Connected to Christ, indwelt by the Spirit, fruit grows naturally. Stop straining; start abiding.