Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
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The true disciples of Jesus are the temple of the Holy Spirit, filled with and operating in the wonderful fruit of the Spirit. That is the contrast between believers and those who are walking, carrying out the deeds of the flesh. {Gal.5:19-21} Two entirely different groups occupying this old planet!
All mankind can be sorted into one of two categories—those saved by the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, and those who are not! At least it would be that easy if it were not for a couple of factors: Sinners who are walking dead in their transgressions and yet still have the opportunity, until their last breath, to repent and cry out to the Lord for salvation! I pray for those who like the thief nailed to a cross for his deeds will recognize the grace of our Lord and hear the same words that were spoken to him: This day you will be with Me in paradise! {Lk.23:39-43} That would move them into the right category!
And of course, on the other side of the coin are those who are wolves in sheep's clothing—filling pews and pulpits in places all around the earth! All too often preaching or claiming to be prophets of the Lord! Just as the Lord said would be the case. {Mat.24:5,11} There are those who choose to follow them and then, because of affliction, persecution, worries of the world and the deceitfulness of riches, fall away and move into the wrong category! So we must pray for ourselves and for our brothers and sisters, that we would not be deceived, and to pray for the lost while the light is still there.
These are challenging times that we now live in when sin is celebrated and holiness is mocked—fulfilling the words of Isaiah the prophet; “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” {Is.5:20} Remember that Jesus had said that because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. {Mat.24:12-13}
“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:11-12)
STAY FAITHFUL TO THE END