Galatians 5:16-25 (ESV)
KEEP IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT
“[16] But I say, WALK BY THE SPIRIT, and you will NOT gratify the desires of the flesh. [17] For the desires of the flesh are against the SPIRIT, and the desires of the SPIRIT are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you WANT to do. [18] But if you are led by the SPIRIT, you are NOT under the law. [19] Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, [20] idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, [21] envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will NOT inherit the kingdom of GOD. [22] But the fruit of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. [24] And those who belong to CHRIST JESUS have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
[25] “IF WE LIVE BY THE SPIRIT”, let us also KEEP IN STEP with the SPIRIT.
What characteristics should we exhibit “IF WE LIVE BY THE SPIRIT”? That question is answered in the Scripture above, let us “ALSO KEEP IN STEP with the SPIRIT”!! The character traits listed in verses 22 and 23 above states “the fruit of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law”!
Regrettably, my life does NOT “always”demonstrate enough of the hallmarks of the fruits of the SPIRIT. I am SO BLESSED to know that according to Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in CHRIST JESUS.” Even though I am “the chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15), the SON OF GOD gave HIS LIFE for me, for me to PRAISE HIM for eternity!!!
“IF WE LIVE BY THE SPIRIT”, we will not constantly be PURE in our actions, but we WILL always demonstrate a GROWTH pattern demonstrative of a CHILD OF THE KING!!!
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