“Galatians 5:16-26 (Part 4)”

Sunday, July 29, 2018

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”

---End of Scripture verses---

The “fruit of the Spirit” is set in stark contrast to the “deeds of the flesh.” It is interesting to note that the "works" of the flesh are listed as several, individual, sinful “deeds”, while the “fruit” of the Spirit is listed as a single set of attitudes or dispositions. When we use the word “fruit” in a symbolic fashion, that usually reminds us of results, such as the fruit of our labor producing a desirable outcome. The result of being “filled” with the Holy Spirit is not ecstatic utterances of the tongue or uncontrollable gyrations of the body. When we are truly being “led by the Spirit” the evidence will be a beautiful and blessed disposition of heart that manifests itself by righteousness and godly living.

The attributes in this list are referred to as singular “fruit” because God expects us to harvest them all and not cherry-pick the ones that are easiest for us to digest. This collection appropriately begins with “love”, “the characteristic word of Christianity” (Vine’s Dictionary), and ends with “self-control”, the defining aspect of a person who is truly allowing the Spirit to lead him (verse 17). When we read the Spirit-inspired word, we learn that love for God and for our fellow man are the two greatest commandments to be obeyed (Matthew 22:36-40).

From the mindset of “love” as the guiding principle of our lives, we will find “joy” and “peace” even during times of trial and turbulence. We will attempt to exhibit “patience” with people and treat them with “kindness” and “gentleness”, understanding that God has dealt patiently and kindly with us, even when we did not deserve it. With all “faithfulness” and “goodness” we will earnestly endeavor to serve the Lord and “to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10).

A lack of “self-control” is usually the number one source of difficulties in most people’s lives. If we can learn to keep that guy in the mirror in line, most of our problems will vanish away. We need to practice self-control in all areas of our lives. We need to learn tongue-control, eye-control, lust-control, anger-control, etc. The only way to cultivate an environment for and develop the skill of self-control, is to spend considerable time in the word of God that is able to save our souls and transform our lives (Romans 12:1-2). That is the only way to “walk by the Spirit.” If we live (eternally) by the Spirit, then we must walk (intentionally) by the Spirit on a minute-by-minute basis (verse 26).

Please read Galatians 6:1-5 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day!

-Louie Taylor

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