Now the deeds of the flesh are evident which are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:19-23 NASB

Chocolate is a taste that makes my little taste buds happy, happy, happy. If I said that I was going to make you a chocolate cake and like me, you really liked chocolate, you would probably be happy about that. But what if instead of things like butter, sugar, eggs, flour and cocoa, I put in things like garlic, tomatoes, kale, and a few blueberries? I doubt that it would taste anything like chocolate cake. This might even lead you to think that I am a few fries shy of a happy meal.

I also don’t make spaghetti sauce using ingredients like flour and butter. If we want the right results, we must use the right ingredients. Our scripture passage lists the deeds of the flesh and tells us that those who practice these deeds will not inherit the kingdom of God. Simply put, it means you won’t go to heaven. It means that you will spend an eternity in hell. When we know the truth and we habitually, intentionally sin we can’t possibly expect God to honor us with bringing us to an eternal home in glory. Think about this if you are continually, habitually practicing any of these deeds of the flesh.

Immorality can include anything that is considered unethical. Terms like evil, wicked, unconscionable, sinful are all terms used to describe immoral behavior.  Impurity refers to sex outside of marriage between a man and a woman. Sensuality includes dressing or acting in an inappropriate way intended to sexually arouse another person.

Idolatry is putting anyone or anything before our relationship with our Lord and Savior.

Sorcery is witchcraft, wizardry, or the use of any kind of magic and can even include drug abuse.

When we allow the enemy to get the best of us, it can cause strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, and factions.

Drunkenness and carousing is self explanatory as well. Drunkenness can cause a loss of inhibitions.

All of these things have the potential to cause us problems here on earth, but the real danger is that they can keep us out of heaven. When we intentionally do these things, it exhibits a lifestyle of one who is unsaved.

Paul goes on to list the fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. He says that there is no law against these. I don’t know of anyone who has ever gotten into trouble with the law for being peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful or gentle. I have never known anyone who has had a problem when they are able to control themselves from doing what is wrong.

Today many people like to say that they are saved and they love the Lord, but they live a life filled with ingredients which are a recipe for disaster. They live like the devil and expect that they will have no problem getting into heaven. I ask you to read our scripture passage again. The deeds of the flesh is a long list. Go through that list and ask yourself if you have a problem with any of these things. God’s Word tells you these things are wrong. Hebrews 10:26 tells us that if we continue to sin after we know the truth there no longer remains a sacrifice for our sin. Jesus died to save us from our sin. He paid the price. When we go on intentionally sinning after we know that it is wrong, we negate His sacrifice made for us.

If you read through that list and realized there is sin you need to remove from your life, it’s not too late. We are born with a sinful nature, but it can be controlled by the Holy Spirit. If you accept Christ as your Savior and ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit, you crucify the flesh along with its passions and desires and are able to walk in the Spirit. If you have truly been saved, you will no longer want to commit the sins of the flesh but will want to please your Lord and Savior.

Don’t deceive yourself by thinking that God will overlook your intentional sin, He won’t. We serve a just God. We also serve a merciful God. If you are willing to confess your sin to Him and earnestly repent, He is faithful to forgive you of your sin (1 John 1:9).

If you are telling yourself that you love the Lord and you are saved and it’s okay to do these things that are clearly listed as deeds of the flesh, you are just believing the lies the devil has told you. Stop falling for the devil’s schemes and turn to God today.

Have a great day!