Spirit
What are the things you remember having to memorize in church? The 10 Commandments in the Old Testament, the Lord’s Prayer in the Gospels, or possibly even the “love” chapter in 1 Corinthians. These sections of scripture became a pillar of your faith, a memory of “big church.” I’m sure that you were also taught to memorize “The Fruits of the Spirt” in some part of your spiritual teaching. The nine things that represent the dwelling of the Spirit in your life; are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.
Paul used these words to remind the Galatians that with the Spirit, they would produce fruit that was representative of one of the nine words used to describe a follower of Christ. Paul’s continued focus on living with and per the Sprit was significant to his ongoing teaching and disciplining of the Galatian believer. He shared that when you live by the Spirit, you escape flesh (v. 16). The conflict is between flesh and Spirit (v. 17a). The conflict prohibits doing God’s will (v. 17b), So, therefore, be led by the Spirit, and you escape law (v. 18). It was a simple step process, but yet a process that the believers had clear struggles within regarding following.
Paul’s message was significant then and is equally substantial today. These verses (16–26) convey such a strong message. Paul is urging the Galatians to remember that, as Christians, they have received the Spirit, and they are to walk in the Spirit. It’s important to note that the Spirit is more than a being with a supernatural power that can control all things. The Spirit is more than a giver of great and wonderful gifts and is defiantly more than a force from within an individual that has a random burst of Worship once a week. Instead, the Spirit is one that is a dominance of daily sustaining power, one of constant inspiration, and most importantly, a continual guiding source for the Christian’s journey and life.
Friends, Paul called for the Galatian believers to follow the Spirit’s leadership and avoid destructive attitudes and behavior (see 5:25-26). The Spirit’s presence in our lives gives us the power we need to live out our faith. He replaces those sinful works with His fruit, and as a result, we’re able to love and serve others rather than ourselves.
As final preparations are being made for our gathering this coming Sunday, take the time to ask yourself the following questions; Is there an area in your life where you are following the flesh instead of the Spirit? What step can you take today to follow the direction of the Holy Spirit? How have you recently been reminded of the Spirit’s presence and power in your life? How can you be more aware of and sensitive to the Spirit’s presence and power? When have you experienced a fellow believer encouraging you to live by the Spirit and not the flesh? How did that change your approach toward sin? Is there someone you can encourage this week?