GALATIANS 5:16–26
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
(Gal. 5:25).
We end our brief study on Developing Christian Character and how it relates to Paul’s admonition to “run the race to attain the prize” by looking at Galatians 5:16–26. This passage delineates for us fruit that should be developing in the lives of every Christian. Paul forthrightly admonishes every Christian to “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Again, the call to obedience here is not put in a legalistic framework, but is put in the context of being new creatures in Christ, creatures born of the Spirit and therefore fashioned to live according to the dictates of the Spirit. As children of God, we are to be conforming to His image, putting off all ungodliness, putting on the fruits of the Spirit, seeking to glorify God with our lives.
As we have said before, this does not mean that Christians never struggle with sin, or that they never fall into grievous sin. But it does mean that even in such circumstances, they are fighting the battle, they are progressing in some areas while they might seem to be slipping in others. They recognize sin as sin, and seek forgiveness with Christ and reconciliation with those they have offended.
Paul says that the works of the flesh, those “lusts of the flesh” that you are not to fulfill, are evident: “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambition, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like” (Gal. 5:19–21). If anyone practices such sins, they cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven. Think carefully about all the manifestations of these sins, how they are not only external sins, but internal as well.
The Christian does not practice these “works of the flesh,” but he exercises the “fruit of the Spirit,” “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Notice that Paul describes these characteristics as fruit, something that is living, growing, that is produced from the life-giving vine. If you have been made alive at the root, then you will produce fruit. But, if like the fig tree Jesus encountered, you do not produce fruit, you will be destroyed. Live by the Spirit, therefore, so that you will honor Christ and live to the glory of God.
CORAM DEO
1 Chronicles 27–29
John 14:1–21
Make a list of those “works of the flesh” listed in Galatians that you struggle with most. Beside that list, write down those sins that you have overcome by God’s grace. Next, look at the fruit of the Spirit. What fruits are you weakest in? Pray specifically for strength to overcome your sins and for the grace to produce more fruit in your life.
For further study: Rom. 13:11–14; 15:1–6 • Phil 2:1–4 • 1 Tim. 6:3–16
thursday
may