Thursday, March 20’s devotional. “For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions aroused through the law were working in us to bear fruit for death.” (Romans 7:5, CSB).
Before Christ, our lives bore the fruit of death. Paul explains that when we were in the flesh—living under sin’s rule—the law didn’t free us; instead, it revealed and even provoked our sinful passions. Mark Penrith stated, “There was a time when we were married to the law, and that relationship produced something—fruit unto death.” Our sinful nature, combined with the law’s demands, only led to more rebellion, more guilt, and ultimately, condemnation.
But Christ changed everything. Mark explained, “You died to the letter of the law and are alive in Christ so that you may live a Spirit-enabled, fruitful life!” We are no longer bound to sin, no longer enslaved to a system that could only expose our failures. Instead, we have been freed to bear fruit for God. Paul says in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.” These are the evidences of a transformed life, a life that no longer produces death but brings glory to God.
Mark illustrated this transformation: “The Holy Spirit cultivates godly affections. Love where there was once selfishness. Peace where there was once strife. Holiness where there was once rebellion.” The law could command righteousness, but it could not create it. Only the Spirit does that. If you belong to Christ, then the Spirit is working in you, producing fruit that reflects your new identity.
Yet, it is easy to slip back into old patterns. Sometimes, we find ourselves still bearing fruit for death—anger, bitterness, selfishness, impurity. What fruit is evident in your life? Is it fruit of the Spirit or the flesh? This is a question worth pondering. What dominates your thoughts, words, and actions? The good news is that God is not finished with you. As Jesus said, “My Father is the gardener… Every branch that produces fruit He prunes so that it will produce more fruit” (John 15:1-2, CSB).
Take time today to examine your life. Are you walking by the Spirit, bearing the fruit of righteousness, or are you still clinging to the dead branches of your former life? Ask God to cultivate in you the fruit of the Spirit, so that your life may reflect His glory.
Prayer: Lord, prune away anything in my life that bears fruit for death. Fill me with Your Spirit and grow in me the fruit that brings You glory. Amen.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.