Galatians 5:16-26
16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
This morning I would like examine Galatians 5:16-26 closer. Remember that some of the Galatians had accused Paul of being a false apostle and preaching a false gospel which resulted in false righteousness. In this passage, Paul is developing the idea that true righteousness comes from the Holy Spirit, not from adherence to a set of rules. Three words are at the base of this issue: freedom, love, and power. As Americans, we tend to embrace skewed definitions of these concepts. Americans often think of freedom as "having it my way and doing my own thing." love as sexuality, sensuality, and feelings; and power as "the ability to control others, get what I want, and be the man."
Recently NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ran an article about the Alaskan bull moose. The males of the species battle for dominance during the fall breeding season, literally going head-to-head with antlers crunching together as they collide. Often the antlers, their only weapon are broken. That ensures defeat. The heftiest moose, with the largest and strongest antlers, triumphs. Therefore, the battle fought in the fall is really won during the summer, when the moose eat continually. The one that consumes the best diet for growing antlers and gaining weight will be the heavyweight in the fight. Those that eat inadequately sport weaker antlers and less bulk.
There is a lesson here for us. Spiritual battles await. Satan will choose a season to attack. Will we be victorious, or will we fall? Much depends on what we do now--before the wars begin. The bull-moose principle: Enduring faith, strength, and wisdom for trials are best developed before they're needed. This means when things are going good in your life it is time to pray and fast more. When things are going well in your life get into God’s word and study more. Put on the full armor of God before you need it! Be ready for battle at all times. The power to live in love and freedom is by the Spirit. No man can live this way based solely on his own will power.
First, remember that Jesus has set you free from sin, death, and bondage. Rely on Hesus. Thank Him. Trust him. Center your life in him. In Jesus alone will you find true freedom. Second, don’t rely on your own strength, but on God’s strength through the indwelling Spirit. What you cannot accomplish on your own God can and will accomplish in and through you. Remember Paul’s words to the Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again” Third, when you struggle, call out to God for help. And let the Spirit of God take you through your struggle. You weren’t meant to do this alone. The Spirit’s power is available to you, not only inside of you, but also in the community of Christ’s people. Jesus has set you free from sin and death. Jesus has set you free for serving others in love. Jesus has given you his Spirit to help you experience the fullness of freedom. This is good news! So live it out True freedom is found thourgh chirst.
The challenge for each of us is to let go of the flesh and allow god to do his will in us. In true freedom there is nothing in all creation which exists outside of the presence of God. There is nothing that can separate you from the love of God. God is ever worthy of our trust! God is ever worthy of our love! God is ever worthy of our praise! God is ever worthy of our worship! God is unchanging and uncompromising. His promises of true freedom will always be kept and He will always stand true to his word. So, what ever it is that is holding you back in bondage it is time to call on Jesus and be set free. Free from that bad marriage! Free from drugs! Free from the bad people in your life! Free from sin! Free from death! It is time to be set FREE in JESUS! All you have to do is come! Have a blessed week, In Jesus’ Name… Amen!
By: Elder Michael L. Hargett
Copyright 2008 © MinTech, Inc.
16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
This morning I would like examine Galatians 5:16-26 closer. Remember that some of the Galatians had accused Paul of being a false apostle and preaching a false gospel which resulted in false righteousness. In this passage, Paul is developing the idea that true righteousness comes from the Holy Spirit, not from adherence to a set of rules. Three words are at the base of this issue: freedom, love, and power. As Americans, we tend to embrace skewed definitions of these concepts. Americans often think of freedom as "having it my way and doing my own thing." love as sexuality, sensuality, and feelings; and power as "the ability to control others, get what I want, and be the man."
Recently NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ran an article about the Alaskan bull moose. The males of the species battle for dominance during the fall breeding season, literally going head-to-head with antlers crunching together as they collide. Often the antlers, their only weapon are broken. That ensures defeat. The heftiest moose, with the largest and strongest antlers, triumphs. Therefore, the battle fought in the fall is really won during the summer, when the moose eat continually. The one that consumes the best diet for growing antlers and gaining weight will be the heavyweight in the fight. Those that eat inadequately sport weaker antlers and less bulk.
There is a lesson here for us. Spiritual battles await. Satan will choose a season to attack. Will we be victorious, or will we fall? Much depends on what we do now--before the wars begin. The bull-moose principle: Enduring faith, strength, and wisdom for trials are best developed before they're needed. This means when things are going good in your life it is time to pray and fast more. When things are going well in your life get into God’s word and study more. Put on the full armor of God before you need it! Be ready for battle at all times. The power to live in love and freedom is by the Spirit. No man can live this way based solely on his own will power.
First, remember that Jesus has set you free from sin, death, and bondage. Rely on Hesus. Thank Him. Trust him. Center your life in him. In Jesus alone will you find true freedom. Second, don’t rely on your own strength, but on God’s strength through the indwelling Spirit. What you cannot accomplish on your own God can and will accomplish in and through you. Remember Paul’s words to the Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again” Third, when you struggle, call out to God for help. And let the Spirit of God take you through your struggle. You weren’t meant to do this alone. The Spirit’s power is available to you, not only inside of you, but also in the community of Christ’s people. Jesus has set you free from sin and death. Jesus has set you free for serving others in love. Jesus has given you his Spirit to help you experience the fullness of freedom. This is good news! So live it out True freedom is found thourgh chirst.
The challenge for each of us is to let go of the flesh and allow god to do his will in us. In true freedom there is nothing in all creation which exists outside of the presence of God. There is nothing that can separate you from the love of God. God is ever worthy of our trust! God is ever worthy of our love! God is ever worthy of our praise! God is ever worthy of our worship! God is unchanging and uncompromising. His promises of true freedom will always be kept and He will always stand true to his word. So, what ever it is that is holding you back in bondage it is time to call on Jesus and be set free. Free from that bad marriage! Free from drugs! Free from the bad people in your life! Free from sin! Free from death! It is time to be set FREE in JESUS! All you have to do is come! Have a blessed week, In Jesus’ Name… Amen!
By: Elder Michael L. Hargett
Copyright 2008 © MinTech, Inc.
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