OPPOSITES OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
One of the most common, familiar passages among Christians today is Galatians 5:22-23 – the fruit of the Spirit. Many of us can recite them: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. They are not a check-list but describe the character of the person in whom God’s Spirit is working. We aren’t to pass judgment on each other, but we are encouraged to be ‘fruit inspectors’ (Matthew 7:15-20).
To help us understand them, he gives a contrasting list to show what the opposite of these are. Paul encouraged the Christians in Galatia to reject any rotten fruit. He even listed some as examples (Galatians 5:19-21).
Sexual immorality refers to sexual activity that does not conform to God’s revealed laws governing sexuality. This includes adultery, sex before marriage, pornography and all forms of LGBTQ+ behavior. It also includes pornography and sinful thoughts.
Impurity is living an unholy life which displeased God. It refers to our thoughts or actions. It is thinking or doing anything contrary to His character. Any time we are not being like Jesus we are impure (Romans 6:19).
Debauchery or sensuality points to those who live a lifestyle of self-pleasure. Our world today lures us into living for fleshly pleasures (Romans 13:13). These include sexual sins as well as things like greed, gluttony, etc.
Idolatry means putting anything before God in our heart or life. If we say we love God but put something or someone else before Him it is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). If we depend on something other than God to meet our needs or bring security or pleasure, it is an idol. Other things are OK, God comes first.
Witchcraft, also translated sorcery, concerns occult practices like claiming to communicate with “spirits” or those who have died (2 Chronicles 33:6). Any occult practices, including depending on horoscopes, is sin.
Hatred started in Eden when Adam and Eve sinned against God. Enmity between Satan and man entered (Genesis 3:15). Sin entered and hate with it. It is the opposite of love and peace and often too common in human relationships. We may give it a milder name than ‘hate’ but it’s still the same.
Discord is ongoing conflict between people (Proverbs 10:12; James 3:16). Satan loves to cause this between Christians as well as unbelievers.
Jealousy ensues when we compare ourselves to others and our selfishness and insecurity motivates us to want what they have (Proverbs 27:4).
Fits of rage are the opposite of gentleness, love, peace and self-control. God says to not let the sun go down on our anger (Ephesians 4:26).
Selfish ambition comes from pride and the desire to place ourselves above others. God says to consider others as better than ourselves and serve them (Matthew 7:12; Philippians 2:3).
Dissensions, or quarrelling, is similar to fits of anger and selfish ambition. God’s people should have no part in any of these (Titus 3:9).
Factions, or divisions, come from anger, jealousy, dissensions, etc. Unfortunately, Christians forming groups against other Christians, even in the church, are all too common (1 Corinthians 12:22-26).
Envy, like jealousy, is selfish and totally self-centered. Instead, we are to be Christ-centered and Spirit-controlled (Proverbs 23:17).
Drunkenness comes from being filled with alcohol instead of God’s Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Excessive drinking is a sin that brings much damage.
Orgies or any kind of sexual excesses are abominable to God and harmful to those who participate (Romans 13:13; 1 Peter 4:3).
And the like means “you get the picture.” The list isn’t limited to these things mentioned but includes anything similar. There are many ways to live in the flesh and sin. Paul wants to make sure they are included, even if he didn’t mention them by name (Romans 12:2).
To make sure his readers know the seriousness of sin, He concludes with: “I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21b). He is not saying that anyone who ever did even one of those things will not be with God, but he is referring to those who have a continual lifestyle of these and do not repent. The word “do” refers to something continuously happening in the present, not a one-time vent in the past. Still, it is serious warning for all of us.
God’s divine power gives us everything we need to live a life of godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Depend on His Spirit to produce good fruit in you so you become more like Jesus.
Which of the works of the flesh listed above has God forgiven you of? Thank Him for doing so,
Which do you still struggle with? Ask for His continual help in overcoming them.
What steps can you take today to have victory over those which most defeat you. Do them now.
INDIA UPDATE: I receive emails from many pastors in INDIA. This man wrote for the first time: “Praise the Lord, Dear Pastor , Jerry Schmoyer, I really appreciate your response to your every mail, thank you so much for providing me tools through your Website. We have completed 14 years of our Church Ministry. My Vision & Mission to win many lost souls for the kingdom of almighty God specially in _______ . we are facing the worst persecution ever but I believe this is the beginning of the revival here. There are many pastors killed and many have lost their houses, Some pastors are still missing. So, the sacrifice of his servants are not in vain but it will bring great revival soon here, Closed churches will reopen & multiply every day in Jesus Mighty name. Please pray for us.”
Pastor Moses tells me of pastors arrested, even killed, in his own city. He said a visiting pastor from the US was recently arrested in northern India. Things continue to get worse and there is no end in sight. Please pray for these godly, courageous men and their families.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India & Africa & Spanish Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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