No Good Thing: Apart From Christ We Can Do Nothing Good

Our fruitfulness comes from Jesus by way of the indwelling Holy Spirit’s power. He is within every true believer in Christ. And if we do not have the Spirit, then we do not have Christ. Paul clearly tells us in Romans 8:9 – “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.  And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Unfortunately, our flesh still remains within us and we often give ourselves over to it, Amen? To our own harm I might add. We are the ones who decide whether we believe Truth or trash, whether we cooperate with His leading or go our own way – and on and on it goes. When we live by the Spirit we put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature – sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed which is idolatry. And what is produced in our life is the Spirit’s fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control in ever increasing measure. And against these things there is no law.

We want to reflect the Savior – to radiate His goodness, taking on His nature and not our own. He died to give it to us – equipping us in ways that are far beyond our ability. This not only matters temporally but also eternally as nothing we do in the flesh – in our own strength - will make it through the fire that will eventually test the quality of each man’s work. Be like Jesus – Pure Jesus – He gives us the power for His glory and for our good and the good of those in our spheres.