The Character of Christ: The Fruit of the Spirit in the Life of Our Saviour (Jonathan Landry Cruse)

Description

Author Jonathan Landry Cruse examines the godly attributes of the fruit of the Spirit in the Lord’s example and shows us that we can bear true fruit for God only by our union to the life-giving Vine.

Most experienced Christians are familiar with the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians. Love, peace, patience, and so on are often considered both gracious marks of true Christian character and ideals to aim for. But what do they look like when lived to the fullest?

The Character of Christ answers this question by studying the fullness of the fruit of the Spirit in the life of Christ. In a warm and engaging style, Jonathan Landry Cruse examines Christ's example, comparing them with our own faltering efforts at holiness. He roots the reader firmly in the Scriptures, revealing the work of bearing the fruit of the Spirit is God's work, not ours – and this is good news for all those who yearn for greater sanctification.

EXCELLENT FOR SMALL GROUPS

Helpful questions for each chapter are included in the back of the book to aid discussion in family worship or small group settings.

Practical and Applicable: Jonathan Landry Cruse avoids viewing the fruit of the Spirit a ‘to do’ list, while also avoiding the error of making it a merely theoretical idea which has no practical application in the life of the Christian.

Accessible: Written in a conversational and pastoral tone, The Character of Christ is warm and engaging, making it an excellent book for private worship, family worship, and small groups.

Points the reader to Jesus: Rather than focusing on ‘working harder’ or ‘being better,’ Jonathan Landry Cruse is constantly pointing his readers to the Savior and his perfect embodiment and fulfillment of the fruit of the Spirit.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction: This Is Not a How-to Book 1

Biblical and Christological Background 4

His Spirit, Our Spirit 8

1 The Love of God Made Manifest 13

Defining Love 15

Discovering Love 16

 - Jesus’ love is willing and ready 19

- Jesus’ love is sacrificial 22

- Jesus’ love is gracious 23

-Jesus’ love is merciful 24

Desiring Love 26

2 The Joy of Your Master 29

The Embodiment of Joy 29

The Source of Joy 33

- A false source of joy 34

- The true source of joy 36

The Permanence of Joy 38

The Place of Joy 43

3 He Himself Is Our Peace 47

Eternal Peace 49

Internal Peace 51

External Peace 57

4 Consider Him Who Endured 63

Forbearance 65

- Repent 69

- Represent 71

Long-suffering 72

5 When Kindness Appeared 77

Kindness Incarnate 80

Three Scenes 81

- Kindly feeding 82

- Kindly healing 83

- Kindly forgiving 85

Just Be Kind? 87

6 ‘Why Do You Call Me Good?’ 91

Goodness in Creation and Providence 93

Goodness in Question 95

Goodness in Redemption 97

Goodness in Me 101

7 Faithful to Him Who Appointed Him 105

The ‘What’ of Christ’s Faithfulness 107

- He manifested God’s name 109

- He preached God’s word 110

- He kept God’s people 110

- Objection(s)! 111

The ‘So What?’ of Christ’s Faithfulness 114

8 ‘I Am Gentle’ 119

Two Characteristics 120

- Gentleness 121

- Lowliness 124

An Imperative 125

An invitation 128

9 ‘Not My Will but Yours Be Done’ 133

What It Is 134

Why We Need It 136

How We Get It 139

- The life of Jesus 139

- The life of faith 142

Conclusion: Beautiful Savior, Beautiful Saints 147

For Further Study and Discussion 155

Product Details

Title: The Character of Christ: The Fruit of the Spirit in the Life of Our Saviour 

Author: Jonathan Landry Cruse

Publisher: Banner of Truth

Pages: 162

Binding: Paperback

Size: 18.1 x 12.0 x 0.9 cm

ISBN: 9781800403321