Spirit vs Flesh Part 2

Spirit vs Flesh Part 2

Galatians 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

It was for freedom that Christ set us free

The Jewish religious leaders were teaching that men must be circumcised, and that everyone must follow the law, and that without the law no one could be saved.

Galatians 5:1 is Paul’s response to their false teachings. It was for freedom that Christ set us free.

As we talked about in Part 1, the law can point out our sin, but the law cannot save us from sin. True freedom can only come through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Many Pastors today are teaching both law and grace, just as the religious leaders of Paul’s time. By teaching both law and grace, they are saying Jesus was not enough to fulfill all the laws, only some of them. Paul tells us this is wrong! Christ came to set us free of ALL the laws.

therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Keep standing firm. This means to take a firm stand, refuse to budge, hold your position.

The more we try to work for our freedom, the more entangled we become in the shackles of bondage. Jesus is the key that unlocks our chains, not we ourselves or any law we try to keep. In the world, we feel the need to be accepted, to prove our value. But Jesus says you are enough. He says, “I value you. I love you so much, I died for you.”

Called to Freedom

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

For you were called to freedom

At a church my wife and I used to attend, they seemed prouder of the things they did not do, rather than the freedom that Christ bought.

Christians are called to live a life of freedom. We are to choose Jesus over law, Spirit over flesh. We are to be proud of what Christ has done in our lives, not the things we do or don’t do for Him.

brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh

We are called to a life of freedom. This doesn’t mean we are free to fulfill the desires of the flesh. Just the opposite; freedom gives us the ability to follow the leading of the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.

but through love serve one another.

Jesus’ life was a living example of serving others. He did not come demanding we bow to Him, to kiss His feat, to serve Him as a slave. He asked us to follow Him because He loves us and wants to be with us.

Ephesians 5:2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering, and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

The flesh wants selfish things. It desires pleasure without thought of others or the consequences of its actions. But, through the Spirit, we can love and serve others.

Our grandson likes the toys we buy him, but the thing he values most is the time we spend with him. Taking the time to play with him, read to him, brings more joy to his face than any toy we could buy.

Serving others is just like that. Nothing says I value you; I love you, more than spending time with them.

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Grace vs Works

Many times, we fall into the trap of thinking we must do or not do something to live a life pleasing to God. But again, that is following the law. Walking in the Spirit, means that we are aware, listening and acting on the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit tells us what is right and what is wrong, by listening and obeying, we will not act on the desire of the flesh.

17 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.

There is a constant pull on Christians, walk in the Spirit or walk in the flesh. This battle will continue until we have our resurrected bodies. Success depends on where we spend our time. Spending time with the flesh, will give us temporary satisfaction, but leads to unhappiness. Spending time in the Word, prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit leads us to a Spirit-filled life.

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

Once we are saved, we receive the Holy Spirit and at that moment the Spirit begins to lead us. We live under the grace of God and no longer under the accusation, judgement, verdict, and punishment of the law.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Living in the Spirit bears much fruit. Once we put away the fleshly man and his desires, we receive a bounty of life-producing fruit.

The fruit of the spirit is multifaceted, it’s not a single grape, it is the whole vineyard. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Everything we are looking for in our flesh, is given to us through the Spirit.

 

Spirit vs Flesh Part 1

 

Plan of Salvation