Spirit and flesh

Good morning sisters and brothers,
Yesterday Paul highlighted the difference between trusting in Christ and trusting in the law. Today he works on the differences between the spirit and the flesh. He begins with the idea of freedom because when we trust in Christ we are free from the law. He's quick to point out that freedom is not about doing whatever we want, but about using our freedom to do good. The whole law is summed up in the commandment to love our neighbor as ourself, so if we follow that guideline we will fulfill the law's purpose without the law.

Notice too what Paul talks about as "works of the flesh:" certainly the ones we expect like fornication, but also quarrels and factions. These things Paul warns about have always been wrong, whether under the law or now that the law is set aside. In the same way, the fruit of the Spirit, our new way of life in faith has always been approved by the law. Paul caps this section with a plea that summarizes his call to responsibility: "If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit." Amen.

Blessings on your week,
Sam

Galatians 5:13-26
13For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. 14For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. 16Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law.

19Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, 21envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.