The Fruit of the Spirit Series - Galatians 5:22-23
What we have learned so far... Goodness is another attribute of the Christian life. The only problem we have with being good is that we are not good! The Bible says, "There is none righteous (good) no, not one" (Romans 3:12). St Augustine once said, "I used to say to my will 'leap' and it would not leap. I would say 'leap' and it would not leap but, instead, it would crouch..." Eventually he found a resolution to his problem in a relationship with Christ. That is our hope as well. God loves us and offers to save us-- not because of our goodness, but His kindness. The Apostle Paul said, "For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). So goodness is a gift. Fortunately, it is a gift which keeps on giving. Just as Jesus saved us from the penalty of sin; he saves us from the power of sin. But we must abide in Him to have this victory over sin. Jesus tells His disciples that "we can do nothing" apart from Him (John 15:5). But when we learn to walk in Him (in daily communion with Him) we are "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37). Jesus is our secret to victory! God will produce the fruit of goodness but we must abide in Christ! We must learn to stay on this plane... (as I shared this past Sunday). This Sunday I will continue the series and teach about the fruit of faithfulness. See you tomorrow!
Blessings Today, Pastor Ron |