Living in the Flesh vs. Living in the Holy Spirit!

Its not by works that we are saved but by faith. Because, if we were able to do works (in this fallen world) to be saved then we would no longer live in the selfish flesh; but since we still live in the flesh because this is a fallen world there are no good works we can do. This was demonstrated in the garden. Jesus's own disciples could not stay awake 'work' for Him in this fallen world. They still lived in the flesh; in fact, ... not able to escape it. This was also demonstrated by Peter denying Christ and later Paul in his writings/ministry when he struggled with sin -Romans 7:15.

That is why, God sent His Son to be crucified in the flesh for our flesh-sin. How much do you trust in Jesus Christ? Its not by works but by grace that we are/can be saved because we are in this fallen world, this fleshly state. There are no works that this 'flesh' can do. We understand this even more as we read in Matthew. 

"There will be those that cry out "Lord Lord, did not we prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? The Lord's response - "I will tell them plainly, I never knew you, away from me you evildoers!" ~ Matthew 7:22-23. 

You can ask, what is good fruit? Answer - How often do you rest in the Lord? How much do you trust that He did it all at the cross? This is working out one's salvation ~ Philippians 2:12. If he is the Creator of heaven and earth and all things, wouldn't He know His plans for You? Those plans are not for here and now. Why? Because, this is a fallen world.

Yes, we can be instrumental for God's Kingdom by demonstrating to others where our faith rests and why.  That is all we can attempt and hope to accomplish in this fallen this world for it is a difficult and painful task; especially when tragedy strikes due to sins of the flesh resulting in illness, financial woes, job loss, divorce etc. We cannot do enough work to recoup that. We try but most of the time our efforts are fruitless. 

When blessings do come our way, they are signs of what is to come (this is what we know because of Jesus Christ our redeemer; through His act 'work' at/on the cross we have been saved and given the promise of eternal life - "no one comes to the Father except by me" ~ John 14:6) and this what we can look forward to but never have to work for. 

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. "He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. "If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also ~ John 12:25.

Living in the Holy Spirit is not work (trusting in Christ's work at/on the cross) but good fruit.