Galatians 5 - 2.20.26

Scripture: Galatians 5: 16-18

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

Observation:

There is a battle going on between the Spirit and the flesh.  They want opposite things. We need to be led by the Spirit. 

In verses 22-23  Paul defines walking in the Spirit and its fruit, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  

One thing I’ve been wondering about is the phrase, “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”  What?  Not under the law?  After the fruit of the Spirit Pauls says, “Against such things there is no law.”  I did some digging for clarity.

Throughout Galatians Paul contrasts law with faith and being led by the Spirit. My Bible has a commentary note for verse 18.  It says “The person who is led by the Spirit will do what is right freely, not by the compulsion of the law.  Thus, he is not under the law’s bondage and condemnation.”  (The Spirit Filled Life Bible, Jack Hayford)  So, this is not saying we don’t have to obey the Ten Commandments and God’s Word.  Instead we surrender to God out of gratefulness for what Jesus did on the cross and that He paid the ultimate price for our sins. Nothing we can do will give us reason to boast or be under bondage. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

If we try to do things in our flesh we will loose the battle.  We are not strong enough.  We will do what we want.  Instead, we have an all-powerful God ready to lead us through the Holy Spirit.  We experience freedom through Christ.

Application:

I need to realize there is a conflict with the Spirit and my flesh. God has the best plan for my life. My flesh desires different things. I know true freedom when I walk with His lead. I don’t have to wonder if the path is correct.  It is sort of like using the GPS when driving somewhere you’ve never been before.  You can trust you are on the right road to your destination because a voice is saying, “Turn here.”

I need to start each day in God’s Word and seeking His direction.  Then, remember to walk in the Spirit throughout my day.

Prayer:

Father God, You are so loving and caring.  We try to do things our way and you gently guide us back.  Or if necessary give us a big wake up call.  Please help me walk daily in your Spirit.  This means saying no to my flesh, the things I desire. Please forgive me for the times I let the flesh control me.  Please help me grow in dedication to you and understanding your purpose for this season of my life.  Help me walk in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control instead of the law or my flesh.  May I be an example of who you are and the freedom you bring. Amen

- Cindy Howard