Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit: Growing in Christlikeness

Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit: Growing in Christlikeness
by Christopher J. H Wright
IVP Press
ISBN 978-0-8308-4498-2
Reviewed by Clint Walker

I am currently preaching through the Fruit of the Spirit. It is not the first time I have done it. However, when I repeat a sermon series, I often go deeper with new resources to freshen up my messages and help me gain greater focus on what I am teaching. Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit has been perfect in that regard for me.

Wright's writing is accessable and easy to understand. He has a lot of solid biblical teaching, but what he teaches can be comprehended. He often roots each of the character qualities in the fruit of the Spirit in the character of God. He researches both the Old Testament and New Testament foundations of each concept explored. Then he digs deeper into the passage, grounding each call to Christlikeness in the person of Christ and our relationship with him.

Although I am using this for a sermon series, it would be great for a small group or a study group wanting to understand how to make room for the character of Christ in their lives.

One of the most thought provoking concepts of the book was the first word in the title. "Cultivating" is a unique word in discussing spiritual growth. God does the planting, the watering, and makes us fruitful, but we are called to "cultivate" our lives to be receptive of his ministry. Good stuff! This is something we all should consider.

Also, look for the links to the videos that accompany this resource!