Galatians 5:16-26
Q.1. How did Paul explain our problem with the flesh? What makes victory possible? What are the deeds of the flesh? Does it matter if we are dominated by such sins? – (Gal.5:16-21)
Whenever the Holy Spirit controls us, then we – will not carry out the desire of the flesh (Gal.5:16). Whenever we allow the flesh to dominate, then we will follow our own lusts and desires. Paul was under no illusion about the problem, which he detailed more fully in Romans 7:14-21. The believer cannot simply overcome the flesh, as Paul explained – For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please (Gal.5:17). We cannot win this victory in our own strength. We must constantly renew our determination to please God, while asking God for His help (c.f. Rom.8:30-39; 12:1-2). The unsaved know nothing of this battle because they do not have the Holy Spirit (c.f. Rom.8:9). This spiritual battle will end when we are finally redeemed and receive a new body (c.f. Rom.8:21 & 30; 9:23; Phil.3:20-21). Paul provided a summary to explain what he means by the deeds of the flesh – 19 … immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these … (Gal.5:19-21). He made it clear that to practice such sin is incompatible with being a follower of Christ. To continue with such lifestyle choices, will disqualify us from the kingdom of God (Gal.5:21).
Q.2. How can we tell if a person is walking in the Spirit? What makes the Fruit of the Spirit achievable? Why should those born of the Spirit strive to walk by the Spirit? What attitude should we display? – (Gal.5:22-26)
Paul compared the deeds of the flesh with the fruit that is produced in the lives of those who walk in the Spirit. The fruit that is produced includes – 22Â But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23Â gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Gal.5:22-23 c.f. 1 Cor 13:4-8). Fruit cannot be manufactured, but instead grows on a living tree (Gal.5:25). The Fruit of the Spirit does not come from trying to obey the Law but from living under the control of the Holy Spirit (Gal.5:16, 18, 23). It is possible for the old nature to counterfeit some of the Fruit of the Spirit but the flesh can never produce it. Since the Fruit of the Spirit comes from God, it brings glory to Him (Gal.5:26). Fruit grows when we keep in step with the Spirit. The spiritual disciplines of studying the Word, prayer, worship, praise, and fellowship are the culture in which the Holy Spirit is free to produce this fruit (c.f. Rom.10:17; Eph.6:17; Heb.10:23-25; 13:15-16).