Some Thoughts From Galatians Chapter Five

Reading Galatians chapter 5 over and over. It talks about freedom and falling back into bondage. It talks about living in the Spirit and walking in the Spirit.

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." - Galatians 5:16 ESV

On Saturday I was talking to a woman, actually the group was engaging her, and she said, 'I need to quit smoking.' and I said something like, 'You can't focus on that. Those cigarettes fill a void for you. You need to start filling that void with something spiritual and the habit will likely just fall away.'

"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 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. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." - Galatians 5:19-24 ESV

This chapter defines the 'works of the flesh' but does not demand a change. It provides an answer. We can function in the fruit of the Spirit which God will produce if we are available to Him. That involves the cross. We picture Him on the cross and reckon that we were there with Him. We get involved with what He Is doing in the world and 'walk' with Him. We plug into the vision of a local group who is doing that. 

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another." - Galatians 5:13-15 ESV

If you are 'flying solo' then who are you living for? You.

We were designed to love one another and be involved in things that bless, help and support others. Strangers and neighbors not just family.

Walk in the Spirit! Wow. What a challenge. What a protection. What a way to live.

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