Welcome to episode 157 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapters 5:13-21. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover:

  • Freedom expressed in love (vv. 13-15)
  • Yield to the Spirit (vv. 16-18)
  • Marks of the flesh (vv. 19-21)

Key takeaways:

  • Paul is concerned that freedom the Galatians enjoy in Christ may be abused and become an occasion for the selfish will to dominate.
  • On the one hand, believers must choose to live by the Spirit, while on the other hand, the Spirit empowers believers to live a life pleasing to God.
  • The Spirit and the flesh stand in opposition to each other, so neither the desires of the flesh nor the desires of the Spirit are actualized.
  • The Spirit’s empowering presence grants believers the ability to conquer the desires of the flesh.
  • Doing the works of the flesh cannot be dismissed as inconsequential, for Paul warns the Galatians that those who make a practice of doing such will not inherit the end-time kingdom.
  • Good works are not the basis of justification, but they are most certainly, though still imperfect and partial, a consequence of justification.

Quotable:

  • We can become enslaved to something by emphasizing our freedom.

Application:

  • Freedom manifests itself as love, as a desire to fulfill the needs of others.
  • Love asks how others can be served and edified in a way that accords with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
  • If believers live in the Spirit, then they will not put into practice the desires of the flesh.
  • The opposition between the flesh and the Spirit is the normal Christian life, which is not marked by perfection but by war.
  • Believers who live by the Spirit will not carry out the flesh’s desires.

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