This morning I have been spending some time in Paul's letter to the Galatians, specifically in chapter five. It is so nice to have commentaries and original language tools to help us to understand and think about the scripture. The verses I have been working on are the following - Galatians 5:13-26 NIV:
[13] "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love. [14] For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” [15] If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
[16] So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. [17] For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
[19] The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; [20] idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions [21] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."
Now the first thing I want to point out is that Paul is writing this to the churches in Galatia. These verses are directed at the people who considered themselves to be part of the church. There apparently was a group of people who were saying that the freedom that was available in Christ made all things legal, and were using such an argument to approve and practice all sorts of fleshly activities. Paul wrote about similar thinking in his letter to the Romans (Rom 6-8). Here Paul is being very clear about what was in line with the freedom Christ purchased for us.
Much of my research this morning had to do with Paul's statement in verse 21 - "those who live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of God." This is very strong language and is often used to judge whether or not someone is saved, and it could be read that way. After doing some additional research and reading the original language, it seems to me that a few things are clear. First Paul wasn't talking about people who have this as a part of their life and are struggling to get free, but rather about people who said they were a part of the church yet actively practiced, regularly embraced and wholly agreed with these things. The original Greek uses the word Prasso whose definition is:
1) to exercise, practise, to be busy with, carry on
a) to undertake, to do
2) to accomplish, perform
b) to commit, perpetrate
When I read that definition it is clear to me that this is not a random occurrence or something that is being done without specific thought and intention. Again, these are people in the church, and Paul is making it clear that such people who openly embrace these things are not operating under the Kingdom of God, nor would He (God) ever sanction or approve of such activity, as these individuals are trying to argue.
Looking at this another way, if the Kingdom of God is an extension of Heaven's reality here on earth, Paul is pointing to the reality that we would all believe that such things do not exist in Heaven, and thus they should not be thought to be approved by God here on earth.
Secondly, in summary, Paul makes the simple statement that proper Christian living would be to love each other as Christ loved us and be led by the Holy Spirit. If that is our life, these other things which are the fruit of selfishness and the seeds of the enemy will no longer be embraced and fed and will wilt and die. Paul uses language that describes putting a violent end to fleshly passions and desires by crucifying them. One could take this to mean an immediate severing of all things fleshly once we experience salvation in Christ. However, Paul also writes in Romans that this crucifixion was accomplished by Christ (Rom 6:6) and is thus an embracing and living out of a Spiritual reality. He encourages the Romans to offer themselves to God (Rom 6:13) , and to embrace His grace and life. There may still be struggle with sin (Rom 7:7-25), but in Christ and through His power we will be "more than conquerors" (Rom 8:37) and experience that which God has purchased, that which He promised and that which He chose for us.
Personally, I am encouraged this morning to continue to press forward into Him. To look for opportunities to love and serve, and to endeavour to be led by the Holy Spirit in all things. I want to keep in step with the Spirit, and experience the fruit of the Spirit in my life. As I do so, more and more, my fleshly desires will have less and less attraction and influence in my life. I thank you Lord that You have extended grace, mercy and forgiveness to me and know that because of Your salvation I will be more than a conqueror.
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