Galatians 5:1-26
Wednesday, 20 December 2023
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. -Galatians 5:25
In the book of Galatians, Apostle Paul warns the new believers of his day against going back into their old ways of life and thereby into bondage. He correctly lays out the basic principle of the gospel - that man is saved through faith in Jesus Christ (Gal. 2:16) -for you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:26). In today’s reading, Paul specifically deals one of the important subjects- the flesh versus the Spirit and their manifestations.
As Christ commanded, the first disciples waited for the promise of the Heavenly Father, which is, the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4) and on the day of Pentecost, they received the Holy Spirit! Whoever earnestly waits according to the word of God, still receives the Holy Spirit. From then onwards we can see radical changes happening in each one’s life- we see it in the lives of the apostles as recorded in their writings. The transforming power of the Holy Spirit was clearly visible in their lives and it continues till today. The power that turned the whole world upside down is still shaking the foundation of the slavery of evil.
For a child of God- living and walking in the Spirit is inevitable. In the previous chapter Apostle Paul emphasizes and confirms our identity and sonship and the privileges we have received through Christ, being heirs with Him. He speaks to us about the position of a child of God- we are no more under slavery instead we are the “child of promise” (Gal.4:28, 31). If I say I am a child of God, then it shall be visibly manifested in my life. For Romans 8:14 says, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
The Manifestation of a spiritual life is bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22-23). As we know, it’s a fruit- “not fruits” or in other words one fruit with nine flavors. They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. If I show love and I don’t have peace with others, it’s not a Spirit-led life. When I become a child of God and am led by the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit begins to grow in me. It doesn’t happen in a single day; but a gradual process- slowly increasing in our lives and becoming visible. It will be reflected in our day to day lives -our approach to people/ situations, our talk and actions.
The outcome of a Spirit-led life is being confirmed to the image of Christ Jesus (Romans 8:29). Our elder brother- Jesus Christ’s image will appear in the lives of the sons of God. “With unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor.3:18).
The works of the flesh are also mentioned in Galatians 5:19-21 and are done by those who do not walk by the Spirit. It is written that those who continue in them will not inherit the kingdom of God. But when the fruit of Spirit is truly manifested through our lives, it speaks the clear gospel of Jesus Christ through us—many will be attracted by this fruit and be drawn to Christ. That becomes our best witness to the world.
Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, help us to bear fruit that will last, that we may set a good Christian example. Give us the grace to lead this life fruitfully. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Listen: 'Holy Spirit Living Breath of God'