Read Galations 5:13-26(I chose the picture to the right because it represented to me a transformation from the death of unforgiven sin to the fruits of the Holy Spirit as seen in live branches through Christ.)
According to the verses in Galations mentioned above, what are some of the limitations on the freedom we have been set free with?
I guess we can't use this freedom to gratify the desires of our sinful nature. We can't indulge. Have you ever experienced someone thinking "Oh, they think they are saved so they can go do whatever they want."? Do you believe that Catholics just go to their priest and it's as simple as that for them too? We know these statements are not true for Christians.
Doesn't the sinful nature desire what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is contrary to the sinful nature? Do you sense this struggle inside of you?
Indulging our sinful nature plays out in today's society in the form of what is described in verse 19. Obvious is sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. We see hatred, drugs, thieves, rapist, murderer's, greed, sexual acts...and on and on. And this was described over 2000 years ago. Seems like someone knew what they were talking about.
So what is Paul saying when he says in verse 21 that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God? What about those of us who are truly Christians who slip and fall into this behavior? What about those who indulge in this sinful nature without Christ as their savior? What is the difference between the two groups? Hard question.
We resolved that as Christians we will sometimes fall into the desires of this world but will generally not gravitate to that behavior without a sense of dread or guilt and be acutely aware of the sinful indulgence. Most often we turn in regret and ask forgiveness. Or in some cases it may take a very long time once we cross a threshold of no longer controlling ourselves. But with others that have never accepted Christ their sin has not been washed with the blood of Christ yet. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit hasn't happened to them. They are not indulging their desires with regret or even care they are doing wrong. It's all about them and their pleasure without consideration of Christ.
The distinction of the acts of the sinful nature is to help us recognize each other by the fruits of the Spirit. These fruits are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
We should test our own actions, carry each other's burdens, restore one another gently. We reap what we sow. If we sow to please our sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction, but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Look over the list of qualities that demonstrate the Spirit's presence in your life.
Find the qualities that are least in you and make them a priority for development. Mine is self-control in many forms. It has to stay in front of me at all times and it's hard putting it there. I struggle with love when it comes to strangers or nasty people. I have to remind myself that God loves that person as much as He loves me. Christ completes us. We are better people because of the indwelling of His spirit - I can't imagine what I was like before.
No comments:
Post a Comment