Galatians 5 “The Great Struggle”

 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! (vv.13-15)

To walk in the Spirit is to be under the control of the Holy Spirit. In contrast, to walk in the flesh, is to be controlled by our worldly desires and inclinations towards sin. The struggle to do what is right, to live holy lives, and to be obedient to Jesus Christ is the battle between the two.

However, Paul assures us that this battle is evidence that Christ lives in us. Were there no regeneration by God’s Spirit, there would be no war! The desire cannot be prevented, but its fulfillment can certainly be withheld. And until we allow God to change our desires, our flesh will win the battle.

So what does it look like to walk with the Spirit and allow God to capture more of your soul and take it under His control? It’s a process of surrender. It begins with repentance, praying honestly, confessing you have hung on to some desire to long, then turning it over to Him. It also entails renewing your Spirit daily in His Word to strengthen your inner man for the battle against the flesh. Satin will always try and tempt us, and temptation itself is not a sin, but we must put on the whole armor of God daily so as to “walk in the Spirit” and not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

While walking in the Spirit is the key, it doesn’t always come easily. Often, it is a battle. There is a battle going on inside the Christian, and the battle is between the flesh and the Spirit. As Paul writes, these are contrary to one another – they don’t get along at all. When the flesh is winning the inside battle, you do not do the things that you wish. You don’t live the way you want to; you live under the flesh instead of under the Spirit.

The antidote to the flesh is not found in the law, but in the Spirit – and if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. You don’t need to be, because you fulfill the will of God through the inner influence of the Holy Spirit instead of the outer influence of the law of God. This is exactly the pattern set by Jesus. He had more liberty than anyone who ever walked this earth did. Yet He used His liberty to through love serve one another.

This attitude of service towards one another fulfills the great commandment (You shall love your neighbor as yourself), and it keeps us from destroying ourselves through strife (beware lest you be consumed by one another!). It’s as if Paul addressed the legalists again, and said: “You want to keep the law? Here you have it: Love your neighbor as yourself and you have fulfilled the law in one word.”

The Truth: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11) 

Galatians 4 “Adopted As Sons”

 "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a women, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” (vv.4-5)

At just the right time, Jesus Christ came to purchase all who were under the law, who were trying hard to obey it, but powerless to do so. “Born of a woman” is a simple phrase underscoring an amazing truth of Jesus’ human birth: the Incarnation, “God with us.” “Made under law” refers to the Mosaic Law, which until Christ no one had kept perfectly (Rom. 8:3). In the overall context of Galatians, we can conclude from these two phrases that Jesus was a perfect human being.

In keeping with God’s plan, He (Jesus) redeemed us--that is, He paid the price necessary to free us from the “slave market” of sin. More than that, He adopted us into His family with the “full rights of sons” (v. 5). We went from being slaves of sin to children of God, from condemned prisoners on death row to inheritors of heaven (v. 7; Rom. 8:17)! 

Adoption is a beautiful thing, especially when done by believers who want to show the heart of God. We ourselves are a reflection of God’s heart, for we are adopted children of our heavenly Father. But, adoption is not the means of entry into God’s family, but the privilege and standing we receive within God’s family. The only means of entry, as Jesus told Nicodemus in John chapter 3 is, “One must be born again.” The moment that happens we are placed in an adopted state, heirs to the riches of the Father, and have the Spirit of His Son in our hearts. Therefore, we can call God “Abba, Father” (v.6) – and He will respond. 

What a beautiful progression. First we are set free from slavery. Then we are declared sons and adopted into God’s family. Then, as sons, we are made heirs. Heirs inherit something and Paul made it clear just what we inherit: an heir of God through Christ and we inherit God Himself (v.7). For some, this might seem like a small inheritance. Yet for those who are really in Christ and who really love God, to be an heir of God is the richest inheritance of all.

The Truth: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:14-17)

Galatians 3 “A Call For Unity”

 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Jesus Christ. (v.28)

The Christian gospel celebrates unity and equality of all people in the name of Jesus Christ. Differences based upon ethnicity, economic status, and race, do not exist in God’s eyes. His family members are all equal to one another.

This concept was radically new for the believers in Galatia, who were undoubtedly quite familiar with first-century attitudes. It was common for the Pharisees in Paul's time to give thanks to God that they were not Gentiles, slaves, or women. Clearly, a great deal of prejudice existed against these groups (as well as others) at that time. Some would argue that not much has changed today.

But Paul argues here (vv.26-29) when we declare faith in Christ we are baptized into Him, guaranteed to inherit all the divine promises of Abraham, and are then fully and completely adopted by God into His family. In this family it does not matter if one is Jew or Gentile, a slave or free, man or woman, white or black, because what becomes the most defining piece of our identity is that we are “Christian,” (Christ like). 

True unity comes from our recognition that we are all recipients of saving grace from God through Jesus Christ. It is not the Christian gospel that has caused division among races, nor the Church itself, but our own selfish pride and superior attitudes, those who would call themselves Christians and yet hold themselves above their fellow man. Jesus recognized these pridefull attitudes in many in His day and He called them "Hipocrates" and "Whitewashed Tombs" for their self righteous actions. 

To be outside of God's family is to have your identity "of the world." This leads to your actions being in support of the world and its agendas, and not God's. Is it any wonder then that anarchy and lawlessness will follow when man believes he knows better? What this country needs is not division but unity, not restrictions but revival, not fear but faith. 

No political party or person has all the answers for our struggling nation, but God does. Therefore Christian, get on your knees and pray that God will stir this country back to its Christian roots and bring unity of purpose again to the hearts of the American people.   

The Truth: “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Galatians 2 “Crucified With Christ”

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (v.20)

Here in chapter 2 Paul is making his case for, “justification through faith." Paul taught that, everyone who believes in Jesus (Jew or Gentile) is a member of God’s family based on faith in Him, not because they followed the law. For the law could not be kept, it proved our guilt, pointed to our sin, and showed the need for a savior.

What Paul is communicating in our text is; he is now dead to the external rules of the law, but alive to the internal rule of Jesus in his heart. This new life in Christ and His presents in our lives, is the free gift of the Holy Spirit, given to all who believe. Therefore, enjoy God’s grace and freedom today, and do not add works to the finished work of Christ. (see connect with God to the right on this page)

The Truth
“But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.” (Romans 7:6)

Galatians 1 “Paul Defends The Gospel”

“Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), and all the brethren who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever.” (vv.1-5) 

Paul began his letter to the Galatians defending the legitimacy of his apostolic authority. His critics wanted to subvert the gospel he had been preaching, and their first line of attack was to discredit Paul as an apostle. If Paul was to defend the gospel he preaches, he must also defend the validity of his apostleship. So here in the opening verses of our text he reminded the Galatians that he had been sent by Jesus Christ and God the Father. No man commissioned him, not Peter or any other elder of the church. Therefore, his knowledge of the gospel came from God, not man. And his authority was given by God, not man. 

In the middle of these subversive attacks, Paul did not get caught up in all the personal issues being thrown around, but stayed focused on the issue at hand, the gospel. And, that the Galatians needed to understand it correctly. Paul didn’t always defend himself when attacked though. In 1 Corinthians 4:3 Paul told his critics, “I care very little if I am judged by you.” So why then was Paul so eager to defend his apostleship in this letter to the Galatians? He was convinced that the truth and purity of the gospel were at stake, so he was rallying to the defense of it. 

What a great example for us to follow when we suffer personal attack, to use wisdom to discern how we ought to respond, or, if we should respond at all. Some times silence speaks volumes, while other times we must mount a defense. However, not everything needs a defense or is worthy of a response. Draw you lines, make them clear, defend the faith, but do not case your pearls before swine. 

The Truth: "I delight to do Your will, O my God: Your will is written on my heart." (Psalm 40:8)

2 Corinthians 13 "Exam Yourselves"

 “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.” (v.5)

Paul spent the chapters leading up to today’s passage vigorously defending his own position as an apostle. Now here in our text, he turned the tables and asked the Corinthians to examine themselves, whether they were who they claimed to be, true Christians. If they truly looked inward, and found themselves to be in the faith, then there would be the proof of his being a true apostle, as it was by his ministry that they became such.

Our pride can make it so easy for us to think we have all the answers, to see the faults of others or put them on the defensive to proof themselves to us.  As Christians, we need to continually look inward, examine ourselves, remove the plank from our own eye, then fall on our knees and ask God for His grace and forgiveness in our lives, that we might better serve others.

May we all take the Apostle’s advice and “examine ourselves”, before we point the finger at others.

The Truth:

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” (Romans 2:1)

2 Corinthians 12 “Paul’s Unconditional Love”

“And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” (v.15)

Here in chapter 12 we see Paul’s unconditional love for the church in Corinth. Just as a father cheerfully does for his children, Paul is willing to spend any expense, which may be necessary to promote their salvation. All this despite the fact, the more he gave of himself, the less he was loved by them.

Paul’s motivation was never to gain their gratitude, or extract some compensation form them, but to simply obey the will of God in his ministry. Whether others are grateful or not; whether they loved him or not; whether he could promote his popularity with them or not, he just kept showing his love to them in the name of Jesus.

We would do well to remember, the highest form of giving is when we give and receive nothing in return. Therefore, do not be surprised, or discouraged when you spend yourself in love for others who in turn, love less. This will provide an opportunity to display the true agape love of Jesus to others and your reward will be great.

The Truth
“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.” (Luke 6:35)

2 Corinthians 11 "Fatherly Protection"

"But I fear, lest somehow as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (v.3)

To demonstrate his deep love for the Corinthians, Paul likened his relationship with them to a father and daughter relationship (v.2). In the Jewish culture, it was the father's responsibility to protect his daughter's honor and to secure a proper husband for her. There by protecting her from the seduction of false suiters.

Paul uses this cultural backdrop to stress in verse 3, how deeply he feared the Corinthians were being seduced by false teachers, those who would replace the simplicity of Christ. Therefore, just as a father would protect his daughter’s honor form an unsuitable character, so Paul sought to protect his flock from, “false teachers, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ” (vv.13-14).

In the church today, we must be just as vigilant. We should be like the Bereans, testing the truthfulness of every sermon against God’s Holy Word, so as to not embrace a lie or a different Jesus.

The Truth

“These (Bereans) were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)