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This morning we shall look at chapter 5 of Go! (Galatians).
Paul continues to offer a counter-attack on what poisoned the faithful in Galatia. Someone or some persons, managed to convince the Christians in Galatia to surrender first to Judaism and its Law, including circumcision for the men, and the covering of heads, etc. for women;and Paul says this move is a stupid one. To surrender the grace of God to become followers of the law is to become "burdened again by a yoke of slavery." The agitator or agitators, who pushed for the observances of the law, were arguing for demonstrations of visible signs of faithfulness. Paul counters that "the only things that counts is faith expressing itself through love." (v. 6b).
Paul knew the Galatians to be on the right track, running the good race of faith, but this one person(s) poisoned the thinking of the faithful, causing only confusion. Paul's repeated strain is that true faith is finding true and eternal freedom in Christ. The only calling of believers, even today, is to "serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Paul next lists a powerful part of this chapter as he describes life lived in the Spirit versus a life driven by the flesh. Paul shares a list of those things that ruin a person because they follow only the desires of the flesh rather than the guidance of the Spirit. Paul's beautiful list of the fruit of the Spirit is one we should know and live: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against these is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature in our lives to receive new freedom and blessings in serving God.
GO AND GROW PRAYER: Awesome God, thank You for freedom found in Jesus Christ. May we never grow tired of serving You and Yours. May we seek to bless others by receiving and sharing the fruit of the Spirit. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
