Paul makes it sound easy to live by the Spirit, doesn’t he? We’re given a lot of wisdom in this passage; we could reflect for days. Especially if you’re finding it harder to fight off the messages you hear from friends that are contrary to the teachings of the Bible. These verses can really convict you to stand firm and not lose heart. Choosing the Holy Spirit is always the correct choice.
Again, Paul makes strong arguments for faith in Jesus. He gives concrete examples to his readers of what going down the wrong path looks like. His list of ways our sinful nature can trip us up got my attention. We’re all guilty. It’s way too easy to give in to our sinful nature because that’s what “feels” right. Clearly, our feelings often deceive us. The Holy Spirit never will.
We’re given freedom in Christ from being chained to the law. Paul reminds us that freedom doesn’t give us the okay to act as we please. If we do, our sinful nature will always win out. We seek to please ourselves in unhealthy ways, which can also affect other people. Why is it so hard to love our neighbors? Paul called them out, “But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.” What great counsel for us today!
The people in Galatia had clearly fallen prey to temptations and their old ways. They were risking their freedom as Christ followers by listening to the lies and trappings of the world. The false teachers that had led them astray would be dealt with by God. That’s a comforting and frightening thought, isn’t it? Especially if the false messages come from someone we know and trust.
I know I’ve said it before, but it seems like an epidemic these days. Pastors are preaching lies from the pulpit, and eager churchgoers are eating it up. How do I know? I’ve seen sermons on the internet. I also see how many people seem confused and misinformed in their own rantings. My heart breaks for all of them, and I’m sure Paul would be screaming his head off in rebuke!
It doesn’t have to be hard to resist the cravings. We have the Holy Spirit’s power to guide us and trust for discernment. Walking in the Spirit also has some great benefits Paul is quick to point out. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Our sinful nature has a hard time co-existing when we are enjoying these “fruits” in our lives.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, I want to do a better job of living by the Spirit. Help me to discern your truth and realize when my sinful nature is deceiving me. I pray for friends and loved ones who have lost their way and forgotten what freedom in Christ truly means. Surround us all with your love and draw us to yourself. Thank you for each fruit that displays itself in my life. I am forever grateful that you have rescued me and given me freedom with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
