![[20211006-GalatiansHeader.png]] ## Christian Liberty ![[Christian Liberty 5.1-6]] **Galatians 5:1 NLT** > So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. Depending on the translation the placement of the command to stand fast happens either before or after mentioning the freedom we have received in Christ. This shows the differences in translation in handling the Greek text. %%Either way, we understand that we have been made free by Christ and have been given the responsibility to remain in that freedom and proactively keep ourselves free.%% ***What does it mean to be free or to have liberty?*** The Greek word translated liberty here *eleuthería* is used in the New Testament to speak of freedom from sin ([[Romans 6.18]]), freedom from the law ([[Romans 7.3-4]], [[Galatians 2.4]]), and freedom from death ([[Romans 6.21-22]], [[Romans 8.21|8.21]]). ***When Paul is speaking of the law, what does he mean?*** First, he’s referring to the Old Testament and the Law given to Israel through Moses. Secondly, he is referring to what the law applied to. The OT law addressed moral, ceremonial, and civil relationships and responsibilities. It dealt with behavior towards God and others. In other words, we are free to act right towards God and others. ***Does the fact that Christ has made us free mean that we are always free?*** No, because the Apostle exhorts us to “stand fast” or “stay free” in the freedom that we have been given. ***How can we come out of freedom or go back into bondage?*** Paul is saying that a life outside of faith, of going back to the law for salvation for example, brings us back into bondage. > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: Back Into Bondage > Read the story of Israel in the wilderness in [[Numbers 14.1-9]] and following as an example of how we can be made free by God and yet be tempted to return back to bondage. What caused Israel to want to go back into bondage? How did their fear and lack of faith cause them to act towards godly leaders? How did God view their behavior ([[Numbers 14.11]])? What was the response of the leaders? What were the consequences of their actions? ***What does it mean to be “entangled” or “tied up” or “submit” (ESV) in bondage/slavery to the law ([[Galatians 5.1|v1]])?*** If you are entangled you are stuck, trapped, caught, subjected to, or possessed by something. The command was to not be entangled or to submit *again.* ***What does this imply?*** It implies that we are responsible to choose whether or not we will go back into bondage. We choose whether we will remain in the freedom of Christ or whether we will go back into bondage. ***What is our main takeaway from this verse?*** Choose freedom. **What has God done for us?** He has made us free. ***How free are we?*** We are *free indeed* ([[John 8.36]]). So free, in fact, that we have the ability to choose to remain in freedom or to go back to bondage. In other words, we are free to choose who we will trust or serve (cf. [[Romans 6.12-14]]). > [!note]- Note: Repetition for Emphasis > In [[Galatians 5.2-3|v2-3]] the Apostle Paul makes a statement and then restates it. He repeats himself and calls attention to this fact. The reason for doing so is because to him this was an important point. This use of repetition in Scripture is used to emphasize a thought or idea or statement so whenever you see that happening it is worth noting and considering! **What was the main idea that the Apostle was trying to communicate?** He was emphasizing that with salvation by grace through faith in Christ it is all-or-nothing (cf. [[Ephesians 2.8]]). You can not be saved by faith if you place your trust in the Law. And when you set the focus of your faith on anything other than Christ, you eventually end up missing out on all that God has for you. There are blessings we receive because God is good and then there are blessings that we receive because we walk in obedient faith (cf. [[Matthew 5.45]], [[Deuteronomy 28.2]]). **What are some things that we might be tempted to trust in other than Jesus?** Our own abilities. Things like church attendance or giving records. Their spiritual leaders. Your family religious tradition. **Can any of these things profit us in terms of bring us into salvation?** They cannot. Paul reminded them that if they turned to something (i.e. the Law) other than Christ, they would become a debtor to that thing. This means that they come under bondage to that thing and are no longer free in the freedom that Christ brings them into (see [[Galatians 5.1|v1]]). Remember that Paul’s warning is to believers. They loved Jesus but by choosing something else they are estranged from Him. Just as a husband and wife can be estranged (but not totally divorced) we can be estranged from Christ. **How did this happen?** Because they were trying to be justified by a way other than Christ. And the result is that they were *estranged from Christ* and had *fallen from grace*. **How do we prevent ourselves from being estranged from Christ and falling away from grace?** It is *through the Spirit* ([[Galatians 5.5|v5]]). This truth will be built upon through this chapter. **What is the big idea in [[Galatians 5.6|v6]]?** The context is justification by faith (salvation) and not by the works of the Law. The big idea is that faith working through love (faith and works *in* love towards God). Belief in action, characterized by love, is that makes the difference. **What kind of love are we talking about?** The Greek word is *agápē*. This is the word that describes God’s love for us. A benevolent (in the sense of being given not earned), love of choice. This love is not dependent upon the actions of others. It is an expression of our choice, character, and will. Our faith should provoke works that are characterized by love like God. ## Love Fulfills the Law ![[Love Fulfills the Law 5.7-15]] The Apostle Paul wants to make it clear that the idea that the Galatians had to become circumcised to be authentic followers of Jesus was not from God. In fact, he is pointing out that this is a hindrance to their ability to obey the truth. ***Did they desire a good thing?*** Yes. They loved the Lord and wanted to follow Him and honor Him. The Judaizers came in and told them that if they truly wanted to follow Jesus they needed to become circumcised and add something to their faith. But that didn’t come from God. ***Like the Galatians, is it possible for us to want to do the right thing but approach it the wrong way?*** It is very possible that we could desire to do the right thing and be persuaded or deceived into doing it the wrong way. The ends does not justify the means. There is only one Way and it is the Lord’s ([[John 14.6]]). ***What is the Apostle Paul indicating in [[Galatians 5.9|v9]] about the influence of a little lie, or a wrong thought, or a little bit of sin?*** That it doesn’t take much for us to get off track or to go from faith to works. But then, the Apostle turns the conversation around. ***How does his tone change?*** He says that he has *confidence* in them that they truly love God and want to walk in truth. He shares with them his common experience of pressure to conform to another way. And then he returns to the idea of [[Galatians 5.1|v1]] that they are called to freedom and should use that freedom in a God pleasing way, i.e. in love. ***What was the proper use of their freedom?*** It was to serve others. The right use of their God-given freedom was to serve one another with the same love that God demonstrated toward them. It was to exercise their freedom to choose God’s way, the way of love. ***How do we keep ourselves from using our freedom to give in to the flesh?*** One way is to adjust our environment. In other words, we limit access to things or people that tempt us. Additionally, we can avoid bondage to the flesh is by setting our minds on the right things (see [[Philippians 4.8]], [[Colossians 3.1-2]]). **Romans 8:3-5 NKJV** > **3** For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, **4** that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. **5** For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. When you consider things like music, arts, entertainment, social media, etc. we want to choose the ones that set our minds on the things of the Spirit so that we can live in freedom and blessing. Another way that we can help subdue our flesh and remain free from its influence is through fasting. > [!todo]- For Further Study: Fasting vs Abstaining > There is a difference between fasting and abstaining. Abstaining is to refrain from using or doing something deliberately, often requiring self-denial in some action or practice. Abstaining can apply to a wide variety of things like social media or sexual intimacy with a spouse (cf. [[1 Corinthians 7.5]]). > > Fasting includes abstaining from food. Read **Isaiah 58** to discover more about **God’s chosen fast** (see [[Isaiah 58.5]]). ***What is the one word that Paul is speaking of that fulfills the whole Law?*** To truly understand what he is saying we have to look back at the verse that he quotes. **Leviticus 19:18 NKJV** > You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. We aren’t to take vengeance but we are to love. ***How do we love?*** We love our neighbor **as** we love ourself. So it is to the degree that we love ourself that we are supposed to show our neighbor. ## Walking in the Spirit ![[Walking in the Spirit 5.16-26]] The Apostle Paul offers the following conclusion to the challenges of remaining free from bondage and living in the blessing of faith: walking in the Spirit. ***What are some ways that we walk in or maintain our walk in the Spirit?*** We already addressed one of them earlier – by setting our minds on the things of the Spirit. Additionally, we take our thoughts captive unto the obedience of Christ ([[2 Corinthians 10.3-6]]). We can worship, read the Scriptures, and pray in the Spirit. Essentially, we can leverage spiritual practices so that we maintain an intimate walk with God. ***What are the two ways of living life that are characterized and contrasted in this pericope?*** We see a contrast between life led by the Spirit and a life led by the flesh. ***What is on the line when comparing these two lives?*** According to [[Galatians 5.21|v21]], it is the kingdom of God. If you live according to the Spirit, you will inherit the kingdom of God. If you live according to the flesh, you will *not* inherit the kingdom of God. In order to help us identify what type of life we are living, the Apostle Paul offers some characteristics of each. In the same way the type of fruit on a tree informs us as to what type of tree it is, these behaviors help us know what kind of life is being lived. It is important to note that these behaviors are not the source of the life but the evidence of that life. ***In addition to inheriting the kingdom, what is a clear benefit of being led by the Spirit?*** We can have a strong assurance that as we submit to the will and power of the Spirit we will not fulfill the lust and desires of the flesh ([[Galatians 5.16|v16]]). ***Does the text imply that we won’t have fleshly desires?*** No, it does not. But the promise is that when we are being led by the Spirit we will not submit, give in, and act on those desires. In keeping with the theme of freedom we will not come under bondage to the flesh or to sin. > [!note]- Note: The Double Negative > In [[Galatians 5.16|v16]] there is a double negative (*ou mē* or *not not*) in the Greek text before the word *fulfill*. According to Kenneth Wuest, “Two negatives in Greek do not, as in English, make a positive assertion. They strengthen the negation“ ([[Wuest]], p153). What does this mean? Basically this means that the repetition emphasizes the sentiment. Instead of canceling out the idea and making it positive, it even more strongly affirms the negative. In simple terms, it is almost like adding two exclamation points to the idea. ***With these things in mind, how do we know what kind of life we are living or who we are following?*** By evaluating our lives according to these behaviors. This list is not exhaustive but it offers us some clear standards that we can compare our behaviors to in order to determine our position in relation to the kingdom of heaven. > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: Spirit vs Flesh > Read [[Romans 8.5-7]] and compare it to this pericope in Galatians 5. Based on those verses, is it possible for the Spirit and the sinful fleshly nature (i.e., the flesh) to peacefully coexist? What are the consequences listed for being led by the flesh or having a carnal mind? What are the rewards outlined for those who are led buy the Spirit or are spiritually minded? ***What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says that the works of the flesh are “evident?”*** He means that they are clearly seen. They are obvious as to their source and not hidden from our observation. These behaviors are external manifestations of an inner condition. ### Works of the Flesh If we are going to be able to identify the behaviors that will cause us to not inherit the kingdom of God, it is important that we know what they are and how they are evident. - **Adultery** - adultery is sexual relations between two people where at least one of those individuals are married. - **Fornication** - fornication (*porneia* in the Greek) means any kind of “illegal” sexual intercourse, which is any type of sex outside of marriage between husband and wife. This term is described by a number of sexual practices considered sinful by God such as the seduction of a virgin, rape, sodomy, bestiality, incest, prostitution, and homosexual acts (cf. Leviticus 18, [[Leviticus 19.20–22|19.20-22]], [[Leviticus 19.29|19.29]]; [[Leviticus 20.10–21|20.10-21]], [[1 Timothy 1.10]]; [[Hebrews 13.4]]; [[Jude 1.7]]). It would also include pornography. - **Uncleanness** - uncleanness speaks of something being morally unclean or ceremonially unholy. - **Lewdness** (or *debauchery* or *licentiousness*) - this word can be defined as unrestrained sexual excess, promiscuity, or extreme sensual indulgence. - **Idolatry** - in the Greek this word is a compound word that more literally translated is “idol service.” It is used to describe the practice of serving or worshipping idols. Idols range from statues or forms meant to represent gods or things that we serve or worship in the place of God. - **Sorcery** - The Greek word is *pharmakeia* whose root word is “pharmacy” (think medicines), and by extension means witchcraft or sorcery (think elixirs and potions, spells, etc.). It’s possible that recreational or addictive drug use could fall under this definition and practice. - **Hatred** - hatred is hostility, quarreling, fighting and conflict. Connected to this is the idea of contention and strife. - **Jealousies** - in the negative, this word is tied to covetousness and envy. It is a strong desire for what someone else has - **Outbursts of wrath** - this term describes explosive anger or becoming furious - **Selfish ambitions** - in the Greek this comes from a word that meant to work as a day laborer. This term is about pursuing promotions and accolades for themselves. The underlying issue is about value. In the ancient world this term was applied to those who were willing to demean themselves for gain (self-seekers, harlots, etc.). - **Dissensions** - this refers to divisions between groups, and likely meant divisions in the church - **Heresies** - this term essentially refers to sects or groups that develop around a teaching or doctrine. A heresy creates a separation from the community by making a new group out of the whole that is incompatible with the teaching of the original. - **Envy** - envy is a desire for someone else’s gifts, property, achievements, etc. It is related to jealousy. - **Murders** - murder is a intentional act of killing someone or something. - **Drunkenness** - this speaks of intoxication and literally means to drink or to be drunk on alcohol. - **Revelries** (or *orgies*) - essentially this term refers to “binge parties” which are characterized by excessive eating and drinking, often including sexual immorality. - **And the like** - this list is not exhaustive but it gives you a solid enough idea as to be able to identify other fleshly behaviors. ***What is a key idea about this list and the consequences of following the flesh?*** The key idea is that those who **practice** these behaviors will not inherit God’s kingdom (see [[Galatians 5.21|v21]]). This means that when these things are regular practices and consistent behaviors we are being led by the flesh and are in danger of losing out on God’s blessings of righteousness, peace, and joy ([[Romans 14.17]]). ### The Fruit of the Spirit The word *fruit* in [[Galatians 5.22|v22]] is singular. ***Why is that significant or is that important?*** It is likely that this is pointing to integrity and to its singular source. > [!todo]- For Further Study: Fruit > Fruit is a term that is connected to reproduction and conception from a seed. Consider how this theme is used in the New Testament. To get you started, consider [[1 Peter 2.23]], [[John 3.5-7]], and the Parable of the Sower (particularly [[Luke 8.11]]). ***How could we define fruit according to the Biblical author?*** Fruit is the result of the seed of the new life of God growing in us. It is the product of God’s working in us through the Holy Spirit. ***Why do you think that there is a contrast between us working and what is growing?*** The works of the flesh are compared with the fruit of the Spirit. In the larger discussion, throughout the previous chapters of Galatians, we’ve seen that there is a comparison between faith and works, law and grace. At the heart of these things, it is a matter of source. ***What, or Who, is the source of our salvation?*** It is Jesus, not us. It is through Jesus that we become heirs of God’s promise through faith not by our efforts and ability to perfectly keep God’s law. A tree produces fruit based on what is in it. The work of the tree is to feed. The result of that work is the fruit that it produces. If we are using that analogy, our job is the find nourishment in the Word and Spirit and the result will be godly fruit. As the tree receives the gift of the soil and the sun and the rain blessing is the result. In a similar way, we receive the grace and goodness and life of God through the Spirit and blessing is the result. - **Love** - the Greek word for love here is *agapē*. This is the word used to describe the love by which God loves us. This love is described in [[1 Corinthians 13]]. - **Joy** - joy gives inner peace and contentment that does not rely on outward situations or favorable circumstances. Joy is different from happiness. Joy is a state of being where happiness is an emotional state. Happiness is temporary, as emotions are, while joy can remain. - **Peace** - this type of peace is less the absence of conflict and more the quietness, rest, tranquility of soul (cf. [[Philippians 4.7]], [[Isaiah 26.3]]). - **Long-suffering** - this word speaks of patient endurance until the end. - **Kindness** - this word carries the ideas of friendliness, gentleness, intentional caring - **Goodness** - goodness is tied to virtue and beneficence. God is *good* and to walk in goodness is to behave consistently with His behavior ([[Mark 10.18]], [[3 John 11]]). - **Faithfulness** - the word is *pistis* and is faith or faithfulness. This is a term that speaks of trust, consistency, and reliability. - **Gentleness** - associated with meekness which is “strength under control.” It is gentle, mild, and even-tempered. - **Self-control** - this word is exercising power over our desires and emotions. ***When Paul says regarding the fruit of the Spirit, ”against such, there is no law” what does he mean ([[Galatians 5.23|v23]])?*** If we are doing these things then we are not in danger of breaking God’s laws and actually are in position to receive blessing and life ([[Leviticus 18.5]], [[Matthew 22.37-40]], [[John 13.17]]). %%***What is our application and takeaway from this section?*** We are under a continual process, one that requires practice, where we position ourselves to hear and follow the Holy Spirit. As we receive grace from God we will experience His life. We will have power over the works of the flesh and the Spirit will produce the fruit of God’s character in us.%% ### The Cross and Walking in the Spirit **Galatians 5:24-26 NKJV** > **24** And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. **25** If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. **26** Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. The next phrase is interesting in that there is a statement of fact as well as an indication of an ongoing process. When we put faith in Christ our old man was crucified ([[Galatians 2.20]]). Not only that, but as disciples we are commanded to take up our cross daily as we follow Christ ([[Luke 9.23]]). This concept connects to the thought of [[Galatians 5.21|v21]] which uses the word *practice*. Practice is a regular and consistent action. Taking up our cross is meant to be our practice. The word for *passions* is in the passive form. The flesh has passions. These are the things that it intrinsically yearns for. The word for *desires* is in the active form. This is the expression or the reaching for those passions by the flesh. By nature the flesh has been corrupted by iniquity. ***So how do we deal with the flesh and walk in our freedom?*** We crucify it. ***What role does crucifying the flesh lead to walking in the Spirit?*** We use our freedom in the way it was intended to be used in surrendering to God in the Spirit and walking in His will. For those who live by the Spirit–who have access to the life of Christ–there is a further command: *walk in the Spirit.* Notice that this is a *conditional* statement. It starts with “if.” If we live…then we walk in the Spirit. ***How do we know that we live and walk in the Spirit?*** by the fruit we bear. The final statement of this chapter leads us into the next with a focus on avoiding comparisons. In the context of the letter, Paul is telling the Galatians to not get caught up in spiritual elitism like the Judaizers attempted to do with them. **What is the apostle emphasizing to the Galatians?*** Their freedom in the Spirit is not to be used as an opportunity to judge or act superior to others who are still struggling or are not living in the freedom of God.