How can we ensure we are not among those who "did evil"? Setting the Stage “...and will come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have practiced evil to the resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:29) Jesus places every person in one of two groups. The dividing line is clear: doing good versus practicing evil. Here are practical, biblically grounded steps that keep us from being counted with those who “did evil.” Receive the New Birth • John 3:3, 16 – New life begins by believing in Christ; without it every effort is mere self-reform. • Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation is “by grace...through faith,” not by works, yet it produces changed living. Anchor Your Identity in Christ • 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” • Romans 8:1 – “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Knowing who you are protects you from drifting back into the old patterns of evil. Abide Daily, Not Occasionally • John 15:4-5 – Fruit comes only from constant connection with the Vine. Practical helps: – Schedule unhurried time in the Word and prayer. – Turn moments of worry into moments of worship. – Keep short accounts with God—confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). Feed on Scripture • Psalm 119:11 – Hiding God’s word in the heart guards against sin. • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Scripture equips “for every good work.” Tips: – Read whole books, not random verses. – Memorize key passages that confront your personal temptations. – Journal insights and obey them the same day. Walk by the Spirit, Not by the Flesh • Galatians 5:16-18 – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Romans 8:13 – The Spirit empowers you to “put to death the deeds of the body.” Choose: – Yield every decision to His prompting. – Replace sinful impulses with Spirit-produced fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). Practice Ongoing Repentance • Acts 3:19 – “Repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” Repentance is not a one-time doorway but a lifelong hallway: – Admit sin without excuses. – Forsake it decisively. – Accept God’s cleansing and move forward. Pursue Obedience and Good Works • Ephesians 2:10 – You are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” • James 2:17 – Faith without works is dead. Ways to live this out: – Serve in your local church. – Show mercy to those in need (Matthew 25:40). – Share the gospel faithfully (Romans 1:16). Stay Accountable in Community • Hebrews 10:24-25 – Spur one another on to love and good deeds. – Join a Bible-believing fellowship. – Invite trusted believers to speak truth into your life. – Celebrate victories and confront failures together. Keep an Eternal Perspective • 2 Corinthians 5:10 – Every believer will “appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” • 1 Corinthians 15:58 – Knowing resurrection is certain, “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Fixing your eyes on the coming resurrection motivates holy living today and safeguards against the path of those who “practiced evil.” Living It Out By receiving the new birth, abiding in Christ, nourishing your soul with Scripture, walking in the Spirit, repenting continually, pursuing obedience, staying accountable, and keeping eternity in view, you place yourself firmly among those who “have done good to the resurrection of life.” |
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