WEDNESDAY July 22, 2020

Bearing Fruit for God

Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him [Jesus] who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.
Romans 7:4

The Law establishes an authority––it holds us guilty! It is a permanent Law, and is in effect for as long as we live.

Paul gave another example of the power of the Law. It is like a marriage––binding for as long as a husband and wife live––“til death do you part.” The marriage has to be respected. How many people are not true and honest in their relationship with Christ? They do whatever they please and live hypocritical lives. Paul spoke to these kinds of people. In their relationship with Christ, how many of them were found guilty of adultery because of willful sin?

Christians are in a relationship with Jesus; He becomes our husband, and believers are married to Him. What are the result of our relationship to Jesus Christ? Fruitfulness! As long as we are abiding in Him (John 15), we shall be fruitful. Seriously, there has to be fruit in our lives: but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).

Honestly, if the Law cannot confront us, then what good is it? When driving the highway, if you are going too fast, you instinctively look back in the mirror to see if a police officer notices you. The speed limit is 65mph, but you are driving 80mph. You know you are going too fast! If you get pulled over, do you tell the truth or do you lie? In the same way, the Law gives us a conscience; it tells us, “You should not be doing this!” There is a line drawn in our conscience by the Law.

Are you true to your relationship with Christ? Search your heart and conscience. Look to see if you are bearing fruit in your Christian life.

Obey God in all things! Drive out the enemy! Lay the ax to the root of the tree, and the capacity for Jesus Christ will be increased tomorrow.
~Alan Redpath~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!