
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
by Paul Roberts
I’ve been doing some self-examination in preparation for the Lord’s return. The Lord is coming back for a glorious church, one without spot or wrinkle (i. e. blemish). Since the Lord’s return is imminent, we should redeem the time left by examining our own hearts before his return to prepare ourselves and be ready at his coming. Since it is easy for us to deceive ourselves into thinking our hearts are clean through our own eyes, I’ve had to go to the Word of God to allow it to discern and reveal to me the thoughts of my heart. I found that Galatians 5:19-21 is a good starting point to begin cleaning up the thoughts of my heart. The sins of the flesh, which are enumerated in these verses, I’ve found to be very revealing and those who are of the OSAS doctrine need to visit and meditate upon these verses and seek God’s mercy to forgive them and to cleanse them from any of these unrighteous “works of the flesh”.
Following are those “works of the flesh” which will, according to Galatians 5:19-21, prevent us from inheriting the kingdom of God and the peace of mind which passes all understanding. I used Strong’s Concordance, W. E. Vines Expository Greek Dictionary of New Testament Words, Webster’s Dictionary, and some scripture verses to define, as clearly as possible, these “works of the flesh” . These clearly defined sins of the flesh will allow us to elevate to a conscious level the sinful thoughts that may now reside in our hearts and minds so we can confess them to God before the return of Jesus and consciously begin to replace them with thoughts produced from the truth of the Word of God. We must necessarily go to the Word of God since it is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart(Hebrews 4:12 KJV). For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy, in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17 KJV). Those sinful thoughts that will prevent us from inheriting the kingdom of God are enumerated in Galatians 5:19-21as follows:
I. Galatians 5:19-21: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which dosuch things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
A. The sin of Adultery (Moicheia – Greek): Unlawful sexual intercourse with the spouse of another. Whoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart (Matthew 5:28 KJV). Lust, in this sense, is defined in scripture to mean: “to set the heart upon, i. e. long for (rightfully or otherwise): – covet, desire, would fain, lust (after).
B. The sin of Fornication (Porneia – Greek): Harlotry (incl. adultery and incest): fig. idolatry:—fornication. Illicit sexual intercourse. To act the harlot; indulge in unlawful lust (of either sex), practice idolatry:—-commit fornication. Metaphorically, of the association of pagan acts of idolatry with doctrines of, and professed adherence to, the Christian faith.
C. The sin of Uncleanness: (Akatharsia – Greek): impurity (the quality), physical or moral – uncleanness. Impure [lewd] or specifically [demonic]: – foul, unclean. Morally unclean (suggestive of the fact that sensuality and evil doctrine are frequently associated).
D. The sin of Lasciviousness: (Aselgeia – Greek): Licentious (sometimes including other vices including filthy conversation): – filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness. Denotes excess, licentiousness, absence of restraint, indecency, wantonness; one of the evils that proceed from the heart. The prominent idea is shameless conduct.
E. The sin of Idolatry:(Eidololatreia – Greek): image worship (literally or figuratively); – idolatry. Idolatry is breaking the first and greatest commandment of the blood covenant which prohibits having any other gods before Him (Exodus 20:3-6; KJV). An idolater is a slave to the depraved ideas his secret idols represent in the thoughts of his heart and mind on which he/she obsesses, and thereby, a slave to divers lusts such as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life all of which include, but are not limited to, either food – Philippians 3:19 (KJV); outward appearances – 1st Samuel 16:7 (KJV); Matthew 6:1-18 (KJV); 1st Peter 3:1-4 (KJV); alcohol – Proverbs 20:1 (KJV); Isaiah 5:11 (KJV); Joel 1:5 (KJV); drugs or sorceries (i. e. Pharmakon – Greek: – a drug, i. e. a spell giving potion; a druggist [pharmacist] or poisoner) – Revelations 9:21 (KJV); sex – Matthew 5:28 (KJV); money – Ezekiel 7:19 (Amplified version); Matthew 6:19-24 (KJV); 1st Timothy 6:3-11 (KJV); Revelation 3:17 KJV; or graven images – Deuteronomy 4:15-19 (KJV), etc.)
F. The sin of Witchcraft: (Pharmakeia – Greek) Medication (Pharmacy – English translation), i. e. (by extens.) magic (lit. or fig.): — sorcery, witchcraft; (a drug, i. e. spell giving potion); a druggist (“pharmacist”) or poisoner, i. e. (by extens.) a magician:–sorcerer. Pharmakeia signified the use of medicine, drugs, spells; then, poisoning; then sorcery.
G. The sin of Hatred: (Echthra – Greek) – hostility; by impl. A reason for opposition: — enmity, hatred. (to hate) (pass. Odious, or act. Hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (espec. Satan):—enemy, foe.
H. The sin of Variance: (Dichazo – Greek) A quarrel, i. e. (by implication) wrangling: – contention, debate, strife, variance. To cut apart, divide in two. Strife in Galatians 5:20 is rendered variance. Variance is both in a “good” sense and a “bad” sense. In Matthew 10:35 variance is used in a good sense as respects the position of a believer being at variance with his non-believing family when Jesus said that he didn’t come to send peace on the earth: but a sword. For he came to set a man at variance against his father——. Contention, or variance, is used in a bad sense when it emanates from pride as shown in Proverbs 13:10.
I. The sin of Emulations: (Zelos- Greek) – Zeal in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable sense, jealousy, as of a husband [figuratively of God], or an enemy, malice): – emulation, envy (-ing). fervent mind, indignation, jealousy, zeal. Jealousies (incl. jealousies of a husband) are used in an unfavorable sense in Galatians 5:20. Jealously in its word definition means: Intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness. Disposed to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness. Apprehensive of the loss of another’s exclusive devotion. Hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage. Vigilant in guarding a possession. Distrustfully watchful, suspicious. The spirit of jealousy based on unfounded suspicions is a sin. There is no court of law that would throw out the “rules of admissible evidence” and convict a person based on suspicions alone. Those suspicions arising from probable cause will not suffice to convict. Only upon truth being received by way of either revelation of the Lord according to His prescribed test for infidelity could a person be convicted of infidelity or by the presentation of hard evidence that is admissible in a court of law could a jury truthfully convict another person of infidelity or unfaithfulness (e. g. Numbers 5:14-31; Deuteronomy 17:6; Matthew 18:16 KJV). So, unless a jealous spouse can put forward hard evidence to substantiate their suspicions based on probable cause then they should repent of their sin of “emulation” or jealousy which would, otherwise, prevent them from inheriting the kingdom of God.
J. The sin of Wrath: (Thumos – Greek) – passion (as if breathing hard); – fierceness, indignation, wrath. Hot anger, passion. An agitated condition of the feelings, or an outward burst of wrath arising suddenly from inward indignation. Unlike the Greek word “orge” which suggests a more settled or abiding condition of the mind, frequently with a view to taking revenge.
K: The sin of Strife: (Eritheia – Greek) – to stimulate (espec. To anger): – provoke. Intrigue, i. e. (by impl.) faction: – contention (-ious), strife. Denotes ambition, self-seeking, rivalry, self-will being an underlying idea in the word; hence it denotes party-making (i. e. sectarian or denominationalism). It is derived, not from eris, strife, but from erithos, a hireling; hence the meaning of seeking to win followers, “factions,” so rendered in R. V. or 2nd Corinthians 12:20, A. V., “strifes;” not improbably the meaning here is rivalries, or base ambitions.
L: The sin of Seditions: (Dichostasia – Greek) – Literally, a “standing apart (dicha, asunder, apart, stasis, a standing). Hence, a dissension, division, is translated seditions. Disunion, i. e. (fig.) dissension: – division, sedition. A derivative of the Greek word “stasis” which means popular uprising; fig. controversy: – dissension, insurrection.
M: The sin of Heresies: (Hairesis – Greek) – denotes (a) a choosing, choice (from haireomai, to choose); then, that which is chosen, and hence, an opinion, especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and the formation of sects, Galatians 5:20 (marg., “parties”); such erroneous opinions are frequently the outcome of personal preference or the prospect of advantage. A choice, i. e. (spec.) a party or (abstr.) disunion: – heresy [which is the Greek word itself], sect. An opinion or doctrine contrary to the truth. Adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma established by the inspired scriptures.
N: The sin of Envyings: (Phthonos – Greek) – envy, is the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others; this evil sense always attaches to this word. There is a distinction between jealously and envy. Envy desires to deprive another of what he/she has whereas jealously desires to retain possession of that which he/she already has to the exclusion of all others. Envy is a painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage.
O. The sin of Murders: (Phonos – Greek) – in the plural of murders. The word “murders” is also rendered slaughter.
P. The sin of Drunkenness: (Methe) – strong drink (akin to methu, wine), denotes drunkenness, habitual intoxication – Galatians 5:21. The fact that habitual intoxication will prevent us from inheriting the kingdom of God in that it is considered a sin or a work of the flesh, should point up the truth that one can only be set free from captivity to that sin by redemption through the redeeming blood of Jesus. Redemption in it’s word definition means: “To pay the price for something with the idea of setting it free,——-live a slave.” Jesus paid the ransom price of His blood to set us free from captivity to sin which includes “drunkenness”.
This definition of drunkenness as a sin and redemption as sin’s cure should scuttle the heresy of the doctrine of Alcoholics Anonymous which puts forth the idea that alcoholism is a sickness, not a sin, and that it can be managed by help from a higher power whatever or whoever that power may be in the eyes of the alcoholic, by attending meetings regularly, and by stating at each meeting that they are alcoholics. First of all, as scripture clearly states, drunkenness is a sin not a sickness (Galatians 5:21 KJV). Secondly, not just any higher power will do the job of delivering us from sin. There is no other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved other than the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12 KJV). Finally, someone repetitively stating that they are an alcoholic is contrary to scripture’s instruction to those sinners who are redeemed to say so (Psalms 107:2 KJV). Following is an account of the state of the apostle Paul who described his captivity to sin prior to being redeemed by the blood of Jesus: “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from this body of death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin” – (Romans 7:14-25 & 8:3-4 KJV). Notice, he was delivered from captivity to the law of sin in his members through Jesus Christ, not some organization like AA.
Scripture, contrary to the so-called “BIG BOOK” put out by Alcoholics Anonymous, states the following regarding our former captivity to habitual sin before our redemption by blood through faith in the crucifixion of our flesh with Christ: “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more: death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield ye yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, be cause we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto you. Being made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 6:5-18 KJV).
Read chapters 6, 7, and 8 of Romans to understand that Romans 7:14-24 is not Paul’s condition after his redemption by blood, but before his redemption and, therefore, stop trying to manage the sin of habitual intoxication as though it’s just a sickness or some genetic predisposition. How do I know this to be true? First and foremost, it’s the truth according to scripture. Secondly, I was once alcoholic but was delivered instantly by the power of God. Now, rather than saying my name is Paul Roberts and I’m an alcoholic, I say instead, I am redeemed (i. e. I am delivered and set free from the sin of drunkenness for whoever the Lord sets free is free indeed – John 8:36 KJV). Let the redeemed of the Lord say so (Psalms 107:2 KJV).
Q. The sin of Revellings: (Komos – Greek) – a revel, carousal (as if a letting loose), the concomitant and consequence of drunkenness, is used in the plural in Galatians 5:21.
Thought my examination of the thoughts of my own heart through means of the discerning words of Scripture would be helpful to others as well.
Paul Roberts
Making Peace with God | Fresh Start with God
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Abiding
Speaking His Truth in Love [podcast]

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:15
Growing up in Christ involves and leads to His children “speaking the truth in love.”
Not one or the other but rather BOTH – truth and love, “speaking the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15)
A person of truth never speaks with respect to how mere men will respond nor merely for their enrichment. No, he speaks the words, the truth of God, unashamed, boldly. His desire is to please the LORD, not men (Ephesians 4:15; Galatians 1:10).
Ephesians 4:15-32
Never speak “your truth.” Speak God’s truth! Your life is over and swallowed up in Christ! (Colossians 3:3)
Saints, let us please remember that as believers, sometimes it’s best to simply pray, to demonstrate our trust before God Himself privately, and not wrestle with other saints who are struggling as all do in this life (2 Timothy 2:24-26). “Let thy words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2) At times our ministry involves caring enough to simply listen.
Walking in God’s love can never be separated from walking in God’s truth! They are divinely, eternally married! Don’t you dare claim to be walking in God’s love if you are not speaking God’s truth (Ephesians 4:15; Proverbs 27:5-6). God requires that you speak His truth in His love or you are nothing (1 Corinthians 13).
OH THIS IS GOOD!!!!!
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Articles
Daily Prayer Guide [podcast]

Daily Prayer Guide
PRAYING EVERY DAY FOR:
THE BODY OF CHRIST
Here’s some of the biblical truth I personally pray daily for those disciples of Jesus on my prayer list:
- That God would take away the stony places in our hearts and grant us hearts of flesh – pliable, humble, teachable, worshipful, obedient (Ezekiel 36:24-26).
- That the LORD would unite our hearts to fear His holy name (Psalms 86:11).
- That He would bless us to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12).
- That the LORD would fill us with His love and cause that love to be demonstrated through our lives daily in our interactions with others (1 Corinthians 13).
- That He would baptize and fill us with His Holy Spirit and use us powerfully for His eternal glory (Acts 1:8; 2:4, etc.).
- That God would quicken and give us His wisdom concerning fruitful stewardship of His resources He’s entrusted us with (Matthew 25:14-30, etc.).
- That we would be blessed to know Him in that oneness and abiding relationship He spoke of and prayed in John 15 and 17 – bearing fruit to His glory.
- That the LORD would teach us and bring us to be consummate soul winners as His ambassadors (Proverbs 11:30; 2 Corinthians 5:20).
- The our LORD will multiply His grace, love, and wisdom in our hearts (2 Peter 3:18; Romans 5:5; James 1:5).
- That God would increase our faith (Luke 17:5).
OUR LEADERS:
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.” 1 Timothy 2:1-3
OUR CITY:
“And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.” Jeremiah 29:7
GOD’S KINGDOM TO COME ON EARTH:
(Both today and the Millennial Kingdom when Jesus Christ reigns on earth for 1,000 years)
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10
GOD TO SEND LABOURERS INTO HIS HARVEST:
“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38
THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM:
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” Psalm 122:6
—— • ——
Also, Jesus gave His disciples a model for daily prayer which is an excellent starting place for each day.
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13
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Abiding
Jesus will Judge Us by Our Works

By Glenn and Dezi Langohr
JESUS — JUDGED BY WORKS
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father… Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied…? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21–23
Our works clearly reveal what is in our hearts! Fruit.
“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” Matthew 16:27
“…all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:28–29
“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: *the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:48
PAUL — CONTINUE IN GOOD WORKS
“Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life.” Romans 2:6–7
“For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” Romans 2:13
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
“…they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.” Titus 3:8
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10
“…for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing…” Galatians 6:7–9
JAMES — FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:17
“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” James 2:24
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26
PETER — BE HOLY, DO GOOD WORKS
“And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.” 1 Peter 1:17
“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:12
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” 2 Peter 1:10
SUMMARY
Jesus said He will judge every man by their works (Matthew 16:27, John 5:29).
Paul taught that eternal life is for those who continue in well doing (Romans 2:7, Titus 3:8).
James declared faith without works is dead (James 2:17, 24).
Peter warned God will judge every man’s work (1 Peter 1:17) and exhorted us to abound in good works.
God’s people are called to endure to the end with living faith proven by works of obedience, love, and holiness.
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Todd
September 30, 2023 at 12:20 pm
Hope you are well Gregory. May God’s blessings abound to you in the name of Jesus Christ our LORD. Glad to have you as a friend. Todd