By Sam Nobles
In the first two chapters, the
Apostle Paul outlined his personal experience with grace. In the second two
chapters, he gave doctrinal instruction about grace. Here in the final two
chapters, the Apostle Paul will demonstrate the practical application of grace.
The very first verse is the theme of this letter to the Galatians, “For freedom Christ has set us
free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery”. Paul warns the Galatians of the unavoidable consequences of seeking to follow and be justified by the Law. Paul also brings to
their attention that the hope of righteousness is for those who through the
Spirit eagerly wait for it with a faith working through love (v.1-6).
The Apostle Paul continues to
warn the Galatians about permitting others to hinder their progress. Paul makes
it clear that he does not want anyone to think that liberty in Christ is the
same as a license to sin. He encourages them to use their liberty in order to
serve one another in love, not to sin for their own wicked desires. The proper
use of liberty not only fulfills the Law, but it also does not give the flesh
an opportunity to sin against a brother or sister in Christ (v.7-15).
Finally, Paul brings out the
need for Christians to walk in the Spirit and not the lust of the flesh. He
describes the hostility between the flesh and the Spirit, explaining how the
Spirit bears spiritual fruit, but the flesh bears works that will not inherit
the kingdom of God. Paul leaves them with the thought that having been made
alive in the Spirit, they are now to walk in the Spirit not provoking or envying
one another (v.16-26).
Scripture to Claim:
“For freedom Christ has set us
free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1
ESV)
