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True Gospel Institute
Scripture Alone · Christ Alone
This course continues from Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God — complete that course first to unlock the lessons below. Go there now →
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Foundations

Christian Character and Holy Living: The Fruit of the Spirit

This course examines what genuine Christian character looks like in practice, centered on the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23 - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Students will study each quality in depth, understand how the Spirit produces genuine character change over time, and learn practical disciplines for pursuing holiness in everyday life.

True Gospel Canada 14 weeks Text
Start Week 1

Learning Objectives

  • Understand what holiness means and why it matters for the Christian life
  • Understand the fruit of the Spirit as one unified fruit with nine facets, not nine separate gifts
  • Study each of the nine qualities named in Galatians 5:22-23 in biblical depth
  • Understand the practice of putting off the old self and putting on the new self
  • Learn practical means and disciplines for pursuing genuine holiness
  • Understand how Christian character is lived out in relationships, work, and suffering

Syllabus

Overview

This course examines genuine Christian character centered on the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), studying each of its nine facets in depth alongside the broader biblical call to holy living, and closing with practical disciplines for pursuing real, Spirit-produced growth.

Reading Plan

Week 1: introduction to holiness. Week 2: the fruit of the Spirit overview. Weeks 3-11: each of the nine fruits in turn - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Week 12: putting off the old self, putting on the new. Week 13: disciplines and means of grace. Week 14: living it out in relationships, work, and suffering.

Required Materials

A personal Bible in one of the following standard translations: ESV, NIV, NASB 1995, CSB, LSB, or NLT; a notebook or journal for reading notes and reflection.

Grading & Completion

Assessment focuses on engagement with Scripture and demonstration of comprehension. Students complete weekly reading assignments and a short weekly quiz covering that week's material. A final exam covering the entire course is available once every week has been passed.

Course Outcomes

  • Upon completion, students will be able to explain each fruit of the Spirit and its biblical basis
  • Upon completion, students will be able to distinguish genuine Spirit-produced character from mere willpower or performance
  • Upon completion, students will be able to identify practical steps for growing in Christian character in their own life

Weekly Lessons

  1. Wk 1 Introduction: What Does It Mean to Be Holy?
  2. Wk 2 The Fruit of the Spirit: One Fruit, Many Facets
  3. Wk 3 Love: The Root of All Christian Character
  4. Wk 4 Joy: Gladness That Doesn't Depend on Circumstances
  5. Wk 5 Peace: The Settled Heart in a Turbulent World
  6. Wk 6 Patience (Forbearance): Enduring Well
  7. Wk 7 Kindness: Practical Love in Action
  8. Wk 8 Goodness: Moral Excellence and Integrity
  9. Wk 9 Faithfulness: Reliability and Steadfast Loyalty
  10. Wk 10 Gentleness (Meekness): Strength Under Control
  11. Wk 11 Self-Control: Mastery Over the Flesh
  12. Wk 12 Putting Off the Old Self, Putting On the New
  13. Wk 13 Pursuing Holiness in Practice: Disciplines and Means of Grace
  14. Wk 14 Living It Out: Character in Relationships, Work, and Suffering

Midterm & Final Exams

Final Exam: Final Quiz 45 pts

The Final Exam stays locked until every week above is passed.