These works of the flesh are all around us, aren't they? Galatians 5:19-21 says, "The wrong things the sinful self does are clear: being sexually unfaithful, not being pure, taking part in sexual sins, worshiping gods, doing witchcraft, hating, making trouble, being jealous, being angry, being selfish, making people angry with each other, causing divisions among people, feeling envy, being drunk, having wild and wasteful parties, and doing other things like these. I warn you now as I warned you before: Those who do these things will not inherit God's kingdom." (NCV)
Paul gives this long list of sins and transgressions. Then, notice his conclusion, "I've warned you over and over again." What was Paul's warning about these things? He says, "Those who do these things will NOT inherit God's kingdom." The Christian, who is led by the Spirit, will be led to do spiritual things! Not the works of the flesh. Doesn't that make sense? People of the world will seek to please themselves with temporary pleasures. People of the world to come will think about heavenly things and spiritual gifts and laying up treasures in heaven.
We need to think like spiritual kingdom people! Not like the world! We seek to live in the light, not under the cover of darkness. When we do we will bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit of God. Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience (longsuffering), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong." (NCV) Notice that these could be divided into three groups:
Group#1= “love, joy, peace” - Bearing Fruit For God
Group #2 = “longsuffering, kindness, goodness” - Bearing Fruit For Others
Group #3 = “faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” - Bearing Fruit For Ourselves
In everything we do, we should be seeking to love our God, and our neighbors as ourselves. We do that by working, serving, fellowshipping, worshipping, and bearing fruit! As I stated early on in this series, no one can or will make a law against these nine things! Why is that the case? Because it is the will of God that we do them and NOTHING will get in God’s way!
The kingdom of God is a spiritual one (John 8:23, 15:19, 17:14, 18:36, Romans 1:1-2, Ephesians 6:12). It has spiritual rule, spiritual government, it provides spiritual benefits, it creates spiritual knowledge, it occupies a spiritual territory, it reflects spiritual glory, it forms a spiritual citizenry, and it produces spiritual fruit. We are not of this world! We are in the waiting room (called life) and are preparing for eternity. Are you a part of God spiritual kingdom? Are you following God’s direction? Have a great week!
You are loved.
Dr. Ray Reynolds
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