The works of the flesh, evidences of sin in our nature are listed as follows: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.(Galatians 5:19 )
God wants this list changed to the following:
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control .
How can this dramatic change be effected ?
Self-discipline ? education ? reward? -- no
History records the varying behaviors of many different kinds- gorilla warfare waged for communism, gassing of the disabled in accord with Darwinian evolution , communal suicide before surrender, humanitarian relief for damage caused by religious bigots, conservation efforts to combat the forces of greed...etc
The Bible compass points to the enabling power of the Spirit of God.
Let me explain - Through the death of Christ, we are accepted by God. By the operation of the Holy Spirit with our spirit, we are changed by God. The ignorance that pulls us down is replaced with the intelligence that builds us up. The rebellious will that fights God is replaced with a new heart to please God. Thus we know what is good and are given the new life in Christ, to choose the good even if we are tempted to do evil.
While still in human bodies we pray " keep us from temptation", but as we submit to the constraining Spirit of God we proclaim " we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us"
Change is possible :-
let the light of God fall upon you
let the life of God empower you
let the love of God motivate you !!
And then all the glory be to our great God
John McKee
God wants this list changed to the following:
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control .
How can this dramatic change be effected ?
Self-discipline ? education ? reward? -- no
History records the varying behaviors of many different kinds- gorilla warfare waged for communism, gassing of the disabled in accord with Darwinian evolution , communal suicide before surrender, humanitarian relief for damage caused by religious bigots, conservation efforts to combat the forces of greed...etc
The Bible compass points to the enabling power of the Spirit of God.
Let me explain - Through the death of Christ, we are accepted by God. By the operation of the Holy Spirit with our spirit, we are changed by God. The ignorance that pulls us down is replaced with the intelligence that builds us up. The rebellious will that fights God is replaced with a new heart to please God. Thus we know what is good and are given the new life in Christ, to choose the good even if we are tempted to do evil.
While still in human bodies we pray " keep us from temptation", but as we submit to the constraining Spirit of God we proclaim " we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us"
Change is possible :-
let the light of God fall upon you
let the life of God empower you
let the love of God motivate you !!
And then all the glory be to our great God
John McKee
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