Opening Up
Member testimony: have one member share his or her two-minute story of faith.
Early in Galatians 5, we heard Paul’s call to freedom and his final, stark delineation between two paths: law-keeping and faith in Christ.
In Galatians 5:16-26, we find a deep tension within the believer—a battle between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit.
It is important to grasp what Paul means by “the flesh” (v.16), a term used in some Bible translations. It does not refer to our bodies, which even though affected by sin, are not evil. Instead, ‘the flesh’ refers to the old sinful and rebellious nature that remains active in the believer’s life, even after coming to faith in Christ.
In this part of Galatians 5, Paul gives us a clear and extended description not only of the battle zone within each Christian but also of the victory we enjoy by the Spirit. We are free and bound to live in Christ-like love and service. Will we do it?
Read
Galatians 5:16–26
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Digging In
How would you sum up the desires and works of the flesh?
How do these desires and works affect our relationships? What is the ultimate cost if we follow them?
How would you sum up the desires and works of the Spirit? Who do the fruit of Spirit best describe?
How do these desires and works affect our relationships?
What does Paul mean by the following statements?
“Against such things there is no law” (v.23).
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (v.24).
Given the reality of temptation and our competing desires, how do you daily ensure that you walk by the Spirit (v.16) and keep in step with the Spirit (v.25)?
Share Life Go
Galatians 5:16-26 reflects this year’s Share Life theme. It examines what causes division in our society and offers the Christian counter-culture. Some people claim that Christianity is anti-social because it breeds division. But here we’ve seen the opposite.
Why do people need the Holy Spirit?
Go into the week prayerfully, asking God to be at work by his Spirit. In your Share Life Go Journal, why not start building a list of people and asking God to do an amazing, saving work among them?
Taking it with you
Share one thing from this passage and study that you can share with someone at home or elsewhere.