"This episode mostly focuses on the destructive effects of ""the fruit of lies"" which is the product of ""plowing wickedness"" and ""reaping injustice."" (Hosea 10:13) Spiritual growth is challenging because uprooting the fruit of lies (repeated sinful behavior and thinking) requires addressing both the original lie and the self-reinforcing baggage of the lusts of deceit. This baggage corresponds with the fruit of lies. Once we persistently act on lies, going outside of the will of God, we regularly eat of the apparent benefits, the veritable fruit of lies. Lusts of deceit naturally magnify benefits and minimize negative consequences, and the natural cycle of sewing and reaping means that the harvest of corruption is not immediately realized. Because of the self-reinforcing dynamic undergirding the fruit of lies, magnifying benefits and minimizing costs, sin is not easily abandoned. In the case of full-blown strongholds (2 Cor. 10:5), ""thoughts"" have matured into ""imaginations,"" and finally ""strongholds."" Tunnel-vision has set in, and satisfaction of a lust of deceit consumes the thought-life. The episode concludes with the way of deliverance: patient sewing of new seeds of righteousness which eventually yield the ""peaceful fruit of righteousness"" characterized by ""the fruit of the Spirit."" Christian sanctification therefore requires persistent uprooting of the fruit of lies till genuine godly fruit manifests through patient ""sewing with a view to righteousness.""
Saints Strive to be Saintly
In the context of enumerating the advantages of addressing believers as "saints" without reference to "church," this episode brings home the evidence of professed sainthood: works and growth in Christ. The episode cites the parable of the dragnet (Mt 13:47-50), which claims that many "bad fish" would associate themselves with the visible church, without actually being saints. And Christ said as much in Matthew 7:22-23, where association with Christ without conversion would be commonplace among nominal believers at the judgment. One of the common features that Scripture cites as evidence of saving faith is works. While believers are not saved by works, the natural manifestation of saving faith is subsequent good works. He who abides in Christ naturally bears fruit. (John 15:5) Those who merely associate with Christ in the visible church "practice lawlessness." (Mt 7:23) Peter held that Christians should grow spiritually. Failure to progress minimally indicates "blindness" or "short-sightedness" and MIGHT indicate that one has not received the calling as a saint. Peter admonishes believers "to make certain about his calling and choosing." The Biblical expectation of sainthood is therefore demonstrable fruit and works.
Saved to Serve
This episode reemphasizes the futility of a sin-focused life apart from serving God. Such a misplaced focus explains why many apparently plateau in their Christianity and why most Christians are "unemployed" Christians. While Christians definitely should address issues of sin, the focus of the Christian life is on Christ, abiding in Him, and implementing His instructions. Service to God is the reason God saved us.