(12) ~ Galations 5:16-26

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16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,

20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,

21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

I chose Galatians 5:16-26 because it provides an essential roadmap for living a life that pleases God. These verses contrast the desires of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. They offer timeless guidance that is deeply relevant today. In a world full of distractions and conflicting priorities, this passage encourages us to walk by the Spirit. It reminds us not to follow our fleshly desires. Its message resonates with many current challenges. These include the struggle for self-control. They also encompass the pursuit of peace and the call to love others genuinely. This section of Scripture encourages reflection on personal growth. It also invites contemplation on faith. I believe these are important topics for believers in every season of life.

To fully appreciate Galatians 5:16-26, it is important to understand its context. The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians to handle issues within the early church. He focused on legalism. Paul also discussed the struggle between living under the law and living by grace through faith. In chapter 5, Paul encourages believers to live in the freedom Christ has given them. They must not return to the bondage of the law. They should also not indulge in sin.

The verses before this passage (Galatians 5:13-15) emphasize the call to freedom. There is a warning not to use that freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence. Instead, Paul urges believers to serve one another in love. He summarizes the law in the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself. After Galatians 5:16-26, Paul discusses how to bear one another’s burdens. He explains how to live as a community marked by Christ-like love. He also emphasizes accountability. This broader context underscores the message. We should walk in the Spirit. We must reject the works of the flesh, as they are essential for Christian living.

Galatians 5:16-26 calls believers to live by the Spirit, allowing His guidance to govern their actions, choices, and relationships. Paul contrasts the works of the flesh, like immorality, jealousy, and strife. The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The message of this passage is clear. A life controlled by the Spirit produces godly character. Such virtues show Christ. The works of the flesh, on the other hand, lead to destruction. They are inconsistent with the life God calls His people to live. This distinction serves as both a warning and an encouragement.

Ultimately, Galatians 5:16-26 highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It reassures believers. When they surrender to God’s Spirit, they are equipped to overcome the desires of the flesh. This allows them to live in a way that glorifies Him. The passage emphasizes that spiritual growth is not about human effort alone. It is about walking in step with the Spirit daily.

Romans 8:5 – For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
This verse echoes the call to live by the Spirit and highlights the importance of mindset in spiritual living.
John 15:5 – I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Jesus reinforces the idea that spiritual fruit comes from abiding in Him.
Ephesians 4:22-24 – To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.
This verse calls for the renewal of life, rejecting fleshly desires and embracing the Spirit.
Colossians 3:12-14 – Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
It parallels the fruit of the Spirit by listing godly virtues believers are to embody.
Matthew 7:16 – You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Jesus teaches that true faith is shown by the fruit it produces.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
This verse emphasizes transformation through the Spirit.
Titus 3:5 – He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
It highlights the Spirit’s role in renewal.
James 3:17 – But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
This verse complements the fruit of the Spirit by describing godly wisdom.
Psalm 1:2-3 – But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season.
This Psalm connects delighting in God’s Word with bearing fruit.
Philippians 1:11 – Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
It affirms that righteous fruit comes through Christ and brings glory to God.

Galatians 5:16-26 parallels Romans 8. Paul contrasts living by the flesh and the Spirit. He emphasizes the struggle between our sinful nature and the Holy Spirit’s power. Paul also highlights that there is no condemnation for those in Christ. He affirms their freedom from sin and death.

John 15 provides a complementary perspective. It describes believers as branches connected to Christ. He is the vine through whom they bear fruit. Galatians highlights the attributes of a Spirit-filled life. On the other hand, John 15 stresses the importance of abiding in Christ for spiritual growth.

These passages together form a cohesive message. Spiritual transformation is not about striving in our own strength. Instead, it is about surrendering to God and allowing His Spirit to work within us.

Galatians 5:16-26 addresses many challenges that stay relevant today. The struggle against anger, jealousy, and selfish ambition is visible in various aspects of life. These include social media interactions, workplace conflicts, and personal relationships. The call to show patience, kindness, and self-control is especially meaningful in a fast-paced, high-pressure world.

Additionally, this passage offers insight into navigating moral ambiguity. Paul provides a list of the fruit of the Spirit. This gives believers a practical framework. They can evaluate their actions. They can make sure their actions align with God’s will.

  • The Spirit empowers believers to overcome the desires of the flesh.
  • Walking in the Spirit produces visible, Christ-like fruit in our lives.
  • The works of the flesh lead to destruction and are incompatible with a Spirit-filled life.
  • Spiritual growth requires daily dependence on God and His Spirit.

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