I wrote this and I think that it is important enough to "bump" up. Especially after some of the conversations that have been popping up.
In order for us to not be lead astray we must be real careful at who we listen to and go for advice. The fruit that is present is one of the ways to know.
Jesus said that you will know those who are His by their fruit. From our of their hearts their mouth speaks.
If someone is showing the fruit of the flesh, then run away from that person. How can someone who walks in the flesh show and teach that which is of the Spirit? If the person is consisitantly showing these attributes:
immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing,
Then you know that they are not of God.
21: of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
And at the bottom if the passage Paul states:
26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
Run from these things as well as those who practice such things. Else, you will be taking the chance of this person bringing you down with them.
Now if a person is showing these things:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Then you know that they are following the Spirit and are capable of helping you.
I feel I must also add that there are also wolfs who may show some of the fruits of the Spirit but are still ravinous wolves. You must always check what is said and taught with the bible to make sure that it lines up with the Word.
But those who are causing strife and dissention everywhere they go, you know right off that they are not of God.
posted by Star @ 7:05 PM
