Vices And Virtues.



The Bible mentions many specific actions and attitudes that are either vices (wrong) or virtues (right).

We all have evil desires and we can't ignore them. In order for us to follow the Holy Spirit's guidance, we must deal with them decisively (crucify them). Those who ignore them or refuse to deal with them reveal that they have not received the gift of the Spirit that leads to a transformed life.

Galatians 5:21 (NIV) says “Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Review the vices list below and take a personal and frequent inventory. Have you been or are you now being influenced by any of these vices?

VICES
(Wrong Actions And Attitudes)

  • Adultery - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
  • Arrogance - 2 Corinthians 12:20, Galatians 5:20
  • Cheating – 1 Corinthians 6:8
  • Discord - Galatians 5:20
  • Dissension - Galatians 5:20
  • Drunkenness - Galatians 5:21
  • Envy - Galatians 5:21
  • Fits Of Rage - Galatians 5:20
  • Greed - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Ephesians 5:5
  • Impurity and Debauchery – Galatians 5:19
  • Hatred - Galatians 5:20
  • Homosexuality - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
  • Idolatry - Galatians 5:20, Ephesians 5:5
  • Impurity - Galatians 5:19
  • Jealousy - Galatians 5:20
  • Lust - Colossians 3:5
  • Lying – Revelation 22:12-16
  • Murder - Revelation 22:12-16
  • Orgies - Galatians 5:21
  • Selfish Ambition - Galatians 5:20
  • Sexual Immorality (includes Pornography) - Galatians 5:19
  • Stealing - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
  • Wild Living - Luke 15:13, Galatians 5:21
  • Witchcraft - Galatians 5:20

VIRTUES
(Right Actions And Attitudes – The By-Products Of Living For God)

  • Faithfulness - Galatians 5:22
  • Gentleness - Galatians 5:23
  • Goodness - Galatians 5:22
  • Joy - Galatians 5:22
  • Kindness - Galatians 5:22
  • Love - Galatians 5:22
  • Patience - Galatians 5:22
  • Peace - Galatians 5:22
  • Self-Control - Galatians 5:23

The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Christ. They are the by-products of Christ's control – we can't obtain them by trying to get them without His help.

If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our lives to His.

John 15:4-5 (NIV) says Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

We must know Him, love Him, remember Him, and imitate Him. As a result, we will fulfill the intended purpose of the law – to love God and our neighbors.

Galatians 5:24-26 (NIV) saysThose who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

Which Of These Virtues Do You Want The Holy Spirit To Produce In You?

End Of Post