"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25 NIV) There is no detailed history of how the apostle Paul labored to establish churches in the cities of ancient Galatia – modern day Turkey. There were false teachers who came behind the apostle and were convincing the non-Jewish believers in Christ that they must submit to the Law of Moses - in particular, they insisted that these Gentile Christians be circumcised in order to be acceptable to God. This is clearly something extra that is not included in the Gospel that Jesus taught the apostles to preach. Paul argued convincingly with these new believers that what these false teachers were attempting to bind upon them was in fact not binding upon anyone - not even the Jews. He showed them that any person who attempted to be justified before God by keeping the law was guilty of turning their backs upon Christ Jesus. (Galatians 5:1-4, 18) In the beautiful chapter five of Galatians, we also find the famous Fruits of the Spirit. In fact, consider Galatians 5:22 - 6:10 as a picture of Christian living at its best. These verses spell out the way Christ wants believers to live. The best possible life for anyone is to follow Christ Jesus as Lord. When we have Christ as our leader, we are walking by the Spirit`s leadership. Also in this great chapter, we see the description of a life that becomes ugly in God`s sight because a person is not living by the Spirit, but rather simply gratifying the lust of the flesh. "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious; sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 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." (Galatians 5:19-21 NIV) These sins of the flesh are ugly to God and harmful to people. By contrast, the fruits of the Spirit are beautiful to God and helpful to all people who live this way. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is so law." (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV) Any community that passed laws against such positive character traits would be foolish indeed! When a Christian lives according to the teachings of the Spirit found in the New Testament, this life will be one that is worth-while, calm and steady in the storms of life, lovable and helpful to others. What a great community when every citizen desires to live according to the fruits of the Spirit. When we humbly come to Christ for salvation, we must put to death the old person of sin in sincere repentance. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:24-26 NIV) The greatest form of hypocrisy is to pretend to follow Christ as Lord, and yet all the while we have never turned our backs on the old person of sin. We cannot say that we are living by the Spirit and continue to follow the lusts of our flesh. Furthermore, a sincere Christian does not behave with arrogance or envy toward anyone. "To err is human, to forgive is divine." I am unable to give a source for that familiar proverb, but it does remind us that all people are subject to temptation and falling. Some people have such moral strength that they can overcome these falls through repentance and prayer. However, many people will stumble and then continue to live in that sinful condition, unless some kind and godly person helps them out of the mess. This is what the apostle Paul is referring to in Chapter 6. "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:1-2 NIV) If we decide to help someone, we must realize our own weaknesses so that we will not fall into the same ditch. In chapter 6, Paul reminds us of the maxim of sowing and reaping. If we live in such a manner that we ignore the leading of the Spirit, we will reap the painful rewards of a sinful life. Let us encourage one another to live according to the Spirit and reap the reward of everlasting happiness with God. You are encouraged to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Write me with any questions or comments. David Binkley, Sr., P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or E-mail at dgbinkley@aol.com. You may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com. |
