The Fruit
Galatians 5: 5 - 6 says 5 But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. 6 For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love. (NLT)
“Don’t get the cart before the horse.” I grew up hearing this idiom again and again. I’d start something but one of my parents would notice that I had missed a step.
In our fast, microwave, get what you want now, no waiting, credit for anyone, let’s get things done culture, we get the cart before the horse - a lot!
When we practice this kind of faith it leads to disaster.
1 Tim 3:6 says “A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.” (NLT)
This isn’t to slight new believers, it is to protect them from disaster. (That’s for another blog.)
I read this morning. “Again, faith is confidence that God is who he says he is and that he will do what he has promised to do”
Excerpt From: The Seven Checkpoints for Student Leaders Andy Stanley
Faith is also the belief system that you live by.
Faith is also the belief that God exists.
Faith is also the belief that Jesus died on a cross, but rose from the dead to redeem us of our sins and give us eternal life.
Here is another one, faith is what produces the results in our life. The Bible calls it fruit.
Contrast Gal. 5: 19 - 21 with verses 22 - 23. “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature . . .” AKA: Placing faith in yourself that the ways of this world. Your faith will produce one thing. (It’s listed there.) When your place your faith in Jesus, by following the Holy Spirits guidance and influence, your faith will produce something else. (The Fruit of the Spirit.)
So, what fruit do you see from your life?
Continued tomorrow.
PRAY:
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