Gálatas 5

Kenneth Wuest · Citado em PreceptAustin

Gálatas 5

Wuest - For this aforementioned freedom Christ set you free. Keep on standing firm therefore and stop being subject again to a yoke of bondage. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - IN [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off]. NET Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery. GNT Galatians 5:1 τῇ ἐλευθερίᾳ ἡμᾶς Χριστὸς ἠλευθέρωσεν· στήκετε οὖν καὶ μὴ πάλιν ζυγῷ δουλείας ἐνέχεσθε. NLT Galatians 5:1 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. KJV Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. ESV Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. CSB Galatians 5:1 Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don't submit again to a yoke of slavery. NIV Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. NKJ Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. NRS Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. YLT Galatians 5:1 In the freedom, then, with which Christ did make you free -- stand ye, and be not held fast again by a yoke of servitude; NAB Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. NJB Galatians 5:1 Christ set us free, so that we should remain free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be fastened again to the yoke of slavery. GWN Galatians 5:1 Christ has freed us so that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom. Therefore, be firm in this freedom, and don't become slaves again. BBE Galatians 5:1 Christ has truly made us free: then keep y our free condition and let no man put a yoke on you again. keep standing firm: Pr 23:23 1Co 15:58 1 Cor 16:13 Eph 6:14 Php 1:27 1Th 3:8 2Th 2:15 Heb 3:6,14 Heb 4:14 Heb 10:23,35-39 Jude 1:3,20,21 Rev 2:25 3:3 freedom: Ga 5:13 Gal 2:4 Gal 3:25 Gal 4:26,31 Ps 51:12 Isa 61:1 Mt 11:28-30 Jn 8:32-36 Ro 6:14,18 Ro 7:3,6 Ro 8:2 1Co 7:22 2Co 3:17 1Pe 2:16 2Pe 2:19 do not be subject again: Ga 2:4 4:9 Mt 23:4 Ac 15:10 Col 2:16-22 Heb 9:8-11 Dear saint free in Christ, take a moment and listen to this song by Jessa Myer "Freedom (Galatians Song)" Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries FREED BY CHRIST TO BE FREE This heading sounds redundant at first reading, but it is not, for it serves as a necessary reminder to all believers, because our mortal bodies still harbor the fallen flesh, that indwelling power which continually tries to deceive us into believing that we can live the "Christ life" in our own strength by keeping certain rules! I've got news -- we cannot live the life of freedom in Christ in dependence on ourselves but ONLY in continual, daily, moment by moment utter and total dependence on the supernatural enabling power of the indwelling Spirit of Jesus (Acts 16:7+)! After explaining that the Galatians were not children of the bondwoman Hagar but children of the free woman Sarah, children of promise (Gal 4:28+), now Paul calls on the Galatian believers to live free in Christ by the power supplied by the Spirit of Christ (Ro 8:9+). Believers have been rescued (Col 1:13+), purchased out of the slave market with the payment of Christ's precious blood (cf Rev 5:9+, Rev 14:4+, 1 Pe 1:18,19+, 1 Cor 6:19, 20+, 1 Cor 7:23, Eph 1:7+, Titus 2:14+, Mt 20:28), and set free by the work of Christ and thus should continually walk in the light (1 Jn 1:7+) of the costly freedom that Christ purchased for us on Calvary's Tree. Keep the context of the letter in mind (see also charts above) - Galatians 1-2 Paul Defended his apostleship - this is Paul's personal testimony that justification is by faith alone in Christ alone independent of human works. This is therefore a more personal and experiential defense of the Gospel of grace. Galatians 3-4 Paul Defended Justification by Faith Alone - This is Paul's Biblical defense of justification by faith based even on the Old Testament. This is a more doctrinal or theological defense based on the Word of God, God's "testimony" if you will. Galatians 5-6 Paul Defends the Normal Christian Life - Paul demonstrates that justification is true because of the moral transformation that it brings about in believers by virtue of the Holy Spirit. In short, the normal Christian life is a life of liberty, lived through the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit and for the glory and honor of God. This was not a new teaching for in his second letter to the saints at Corinth Paul wrote Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (eleutheria - also Gal 5:1, 13). (2 Corinthians 3:17) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom. (2Co 3:17NET) Now we get to the more difficult part. I have spent several days meditating on Galatians 5:1-4 and reading numerous commentaries and sermons. I initially thought that Paul's statement "fallen from grace," was the most difficult and controversial phrase, but have discovered the difficulty is much more involved. Paul actually warns of 4 serious consequences for anyone who receives circumcision thinking it adds to their salvation. As explained below, he is not speaking of the neutral act of physical circumcision (even he had undergone circumcision), but he is speaking of circumcision as a meritorious work, a work of the flesh which was carried out to gain God's favor and to attain righteousness. Because this error is so serious, Paul gave 4 very sobering warnings to any person who would seek to be circumcised in order to obtain righteousness. Here are the 4 consequences: Christ will be of no benefit to you - Gal 5:2 One obligates himself to keep the whole law - Gal 5:3 One has been severed from Christ - Gal 5:4 One has fallen from grace - Gal 5:4 WHO IS PAUL ADDRESSING? BELIEVERS OR UNBELIEVERS OR BOTH? Now here is where the interpretation becomes a bit "tricky." How one interprets these 4 serious consequences depends on who they feel was the intended audience - believers, unbelievers, mixed group? Most commentators feel that these warnings were directed to believers, those who had already been saved by grace through faith and thus were eternally secure in Christ. A few like John MacArthur feel that Paul was addressing a mixed group. And so

Gálatas 5

Wuest - Behold, I, Paul, am saying to you that if you persist in being circumcised, Christ will be advantageous to you in not even one thing, (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - I once more protest and testify to every man who receives circumcision that he is under obligation and bound to practice the whole of the Law and its ordinances. NET Galatians 5:2 Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you at all! GNT Galatians 5:2 Ἴδε ἐγὼ Παῦλος λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ἐὰν περιτέμνησθε, Χριστὸς ὑμᾶς οὐδὲν ὠφελήσει. NLT Galatians 5:2 Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you. KJV Galatians 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. ESV Galatians 5:2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. CSB Galatians 5:2 Take note! I, Paul, tell you that if you get yourselves circumcised, Christ will not benefit you at all. NIV Galatians 5:2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. NKJ Galatians 5:2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. NRS Galatians 5:2 Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. YLT Galatians 5:2 lo, I Paul do say to you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing; NAB Galatians 5:2 It is I, Paul, who am telling you that if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. NJB Galatians 5:2 I, Paul, give you my word that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you at all. GWN Galatians 5:2 I, Paul, can guarantee that if you allow yourselves to be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. BBE Galatians 5:2 See, I Paul say to you, that if you undergo circumcision, Christ will be of no use to you. Behold I, Paul: 1Co 16:21 2Co 10:1 1Th 2:18 Philemon 1:9 that if you receive circumcision: Ga 5:4,6 2:3-5 Ac 15:1,24 16:3,4 Ro 9:31,32 10:2,3 Heb 4:2 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TRUST IN CIRCUMCISION FORFEITS BENEFIT OF CHRIST'S WORK! In this passage for the first time in the letter, Paul mentions by name the specific issue that was threatening the spiritual lives of the Galatian believers. And what was the danger? The issue of circumcision. Dan Duncan asks "Now we might wonder why this is so crucial an issue, this issue of circumcision, so crucial that Paul would write a letter, but such a heated, vigorous letter as this, and give such dire warnings about it. After all, circumcision is a simple surgical operation performed only once and performed only on males. Why did Paul consider it so dangerous that if they received it, Christ would be of no benefit to them? The reason is because circumcision was more than a surgical operation. It was a theological symbol. It's always been a theological symbol. First of all, in a good sense, because it was a symbol given to Abraham, that he was to pass on to his descendants. He was to circumcise himself and his servants and all of his children, because it was a symbol of the covenant God had made with Him. But the meaning of that symbol had been twisted into something else, perverted. The theological symbol now with these Judaizers was that salvation is by ceremonies; it is by lawkeeping. And those who come under circumcision are devoting themselves to that idea. So men can be circumcised; women cannot. But a woman could come to believe that circumcision was necessary and a part of the gospel, and she too would come under this devotion to law keeping as a way of salvation...to keep that from hindering the gospel, he had Timothy circumcised (Acts 16:3+). But that had nothing to do with the gospel itself. Circumcision is, in and of itself, a non-issue. The issue here is the importance a person gives to circumcision. It is the theology of circumcision and salvation by works that is the issue." (Sermon)

Gálatas 5

Wuest - and I solemnly affirm again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to do the whole law. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - Notice, it is I, Paul, who tells you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no profit (advantage, avail) to you for if you distrust Him, you can gain nothing from Him]. NET Galatians 5:3 And I testify again to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. GNT Galatians 5:3 μαρτύρομαι δὲ πάλιν παντὶ ἀνθρώπῳ περιτεμνομένῳ ὅτι ὀφειλέτης ἐστὶν ὅλον τὸν νόμον ποιῆσαι. NLT Galatians 5:3 I'll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey every regulation in the whole law of Moses. KJV Galatians 5:3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. ESV Galatians 5:3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. CSB Galatians 5:3 Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to keep the entire law. NIV Galatians 5:3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. NKJ Galatians 5:3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. NRS Galatians 5:3 Once again I testify to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the entire law. YLT Galatians 5:3 and I testify again to every man circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law; And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision: De 8:19 31:21 Ne 9:29,30,34 Lu 16:28 Ac 2:40 20:21 Eph 4:17 1Th 4:6 1Jn 4:14 that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law: Ga 3:10 De 27:26 Mt 23:16,18 Jas 2:10,11 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CIRCUMCISION OBLIGATES ONE TO THE WHOLE LAW And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision - Notice the word again which could refer to the previous passage (which was certainly a solemn warning) or it could refer to a previous occasion. In any event Paul is now referring to receiving circumcision as a condition that must be met in order for one to be genuinely saved which is what the Judaizers taught. I testify (3143)(marturomai from mártus = witness) meant summon to witness and thus conveys the idea of making a strong, solemn protestation, a serious declaration (cf 2 uses describing Paul in Acts - Acts 20:26+, Acts 26:22+) Paul's words take on the character of a formal declaration under oath in a court of law. You can begin to sense Paul's passion rising - the previous verse had "behold" and now it is "testify," both calculated to arrest the attention of the Galatians. Receives circumcision (present passive)(4059)(peritemno from perí = around + témno = cut off - see study of peritome) means literally to cut something off or away ("to cut off around"), signifying a removal of that which has been cut away. It means to cut off one's prepuce and was used of the rite performed on the 8th day after birth on all male Jewish infants. It was subsequently also applied to Gentiles who sought to be `proselytes of righteousness' in converting to Judaism. And as noted above the present passive implies that the Galatians have not already taken the step, but are only considering it. It also means that Paul is in no way condemning those Jewish Christians who are already circumcised. All NT uses of peritemno - Lk. 1:59; Lk. 2:21; Jn. 7:22; Acts 7:8; Acts 15:1; Acts 15:5; Acts 16:3; Acts 21:21; 1 Co. 7:18; Gal. 2:3; Gal. 5:2; Gal. 5:3; Gal. 6:12; Gal. 6:13; Col. 2:11 That he is under obligation to keep the whole Law - Here is the problem with receiving circumcision as a requirement for salvation. Paul says you can't stop there! You cannot select those things from the Law that you will accept like circumcision. No, the Law is viewed as a whole and you must take all or nothing! If one is going to live under part of the Law in hopes of attaining righteousness, the Law demands that one live by the totality of its precepts, not a portion of them! The Law is like a window pane - if you break part of the pane, you have broken the entire window pane. This is similar to what Paul wrote earlier For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM.” (Gal 3:10+). Dan Duncan comments that "God says, no, no, if you are going to be saved by law keeping, circumcision alone or baptism alone is not enough. The whole Law, all 613 rules, are to be kept and to be kept perfectly, both in deed and thought. Your thoughts must be pure. Your motives must be pure. All of your deeds must be pure, correct, perfect. Absolute perfection is what the Law demands. That should have concerned the Galatians. But if it didn't, then the third consequence would have. (see Gal 5:4)" (Sermon) As

Gálatas 5

Wuest - You are without effect from Christ, such of you as in the sphere of the law are seeking your justification. You have lost your hold upon [sanctifying] grace. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - If you seek to be justified and declared righteous and to be given a right standing with God through the Law, you are brought to nothing and so separated (severed) from Christ. You have fallen away from grace (from God’s gracious favor and unmerited blessing). NET Galatians 5:4 You who are trying to be declared righteous by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace! GNT Galatians 5:4 κατηργήθητε ἀπὸ Χριστοῦ, οἵτινες ἐν νόμῳ δικαιοῦσθε, τῆς χάριτος ἐξεπέσατε. NLT Galatians 5:4 For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God's grace. KJV Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. ESV Galatians 5:4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. CSB Galatians 5:4 You who are trying to be justified by the law are alienated from Christ; you have fallen from grace. NIV Galatians 5:4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. NKJ Galatians 5:4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. NRS Galatians 5:4 You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. YLT Galatians 5:4 ye were freed from the Christ, ye who in law are declared righteous; from the grace ye fell away; NAB Galatians 5:4 You are separated from Christ, you who are trying to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. NJB Galatians 5:4 once you seek to be reckoned as upright through the Law, then you have separated yourself from Christ, you have fallen away from grace. GWN Galatians 5:4 Those of you who try to earn God's approval by obeying his laws have been cut off from Christ. You have fallen out of God's favor. BBE Galatians 5:4 You are cut off from Christ, you who would have righteousness by the law; you are turned away from grace. You have been severed from Christ: Ga 5:2 2:21 Ro 9:31,32 10:3-5 you who are seeking to be justified by law: Ro 3:20 4:4,5 you have fallen from grace.: Ga 1:6-9 Ro 11:6 Heb 6:4-6 10:38,39 12:15 2Pe 2:20-22 3:17,18 Rev 2:5 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CHRIST IS BECOME OF NO BENEFIT TO YOU The title above is modified slightly from the KJV rendering which accurately describes the state of all who would turn to the Law and receive circumcision as a meritorious work (thinking this act would gain God's favor!). Imagine yourself as a Galatian reader who has believed in Christ for salvation and you are being wooed by the Judaizers to add Law (circumcision) to the grace! What Paul states here would be horrifying, frightening and hopefully would stop any believer in their tracks so that they would quickly shun any teaching that smacks of legalism. THOUGHT - If you are a believer and someone is trying to draw you into some form of legalism, than this section is for you! You need to hear and heed Paul's strong words of warning! Sadly I have had occasion to speak to a number of Christians who are being drawn by charismatic, persuasive speakers into a form of "Christianity" (if you can call it that) in which they advocate a return to the Old Covenant. One such movement that I have encountered is called the HEBREW ROOTS MOVEMENT. Here is a synopsis from gotquestions.org: What does the Hebrew Roots Movement believe? Essentially, their goal is to restore the Jewishness of Christianity. Those in the Hebrew Roots Movement argue that Christianity has strayed way too far from its Jewish roots. There is definitely some truth to this argument. For instance, western Christianity has no problem observing holidays the Bible does not mention, but virtually ignores the Jewish holidays the Bible does mention. But, the Hebrew Roots Movement is not just about the Jewish holidays. The ultimate goal of many in the Hebrew Roots Movement is to put Christians under the bondage of the Old Covenant law, with strict adherence to all of the commands, other than the sacrificial system. (Full article; see also What is the Hebrew Roots movement? Note: This is not the same as What is Messianic Judaism?) You have been severed from Christ - This is a frightening statement. In English to be severed means to be cut off, so what Paul is saying simply is that you have been cut off from the life (and freedom) that only Christ gives. Most commentators see Paul making this statement to believers. In this context, these legalistic believers would experience a powerless Christian life! (See note on who Paul is addressing in Galatians 5). John MacArthur on how severed from Christ related to believers - For a believer to start living again under the law to merit salvation is, in fact, to reject salvation by grace. Contrary to the teaching of the Judaizers, to add circumcision and other works of the law to what Christ accomplished by grace is not to raise one's spiritual level but to severely lower it. Legalism does not please God but offends Him. It does not bring a person closer to God but rather drives him away Jack Arnold - You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; to go back under the law for justification and sanctification is to say that Christ's work on the cross is unnecessary and of no value and that the work of the Spirit is useless. An attitude of self-effort by law-works alienates (have been severed) the believer from Christ. Ryken applies this to believers - The underlying principle is that if we try to justify ourselves before God on the basis of our own works, Jesus Christ becomes a stranger to us; we lose access to His grace. THOUGHT - Ryken does not say we lose our salvation, but we do lose access to the transforming power of grace in our lives. Little wonder that legalistic believers are miserable believers, living with frequent failure to defeat sin, etc. How could they? they have been temporarily severed from Christ. Confess. Repent. Return. Experience the joy of the Lord found only when one lives in dependence on grace, not self works. Have been severed (2673)(katargeo) in this context means to cease or be done with used in a similar sense in Ro 7:6 (released [katargeo] from the Law) These individuals are in effect "rendered inactive" (another meaning of katargeo) in their relationship with Christ. They were not "living in a sphere (in which) Christ was operative." (Donald Campbell) W E Vine adds that "the essential effect of the preaching of the Cross would become inoperative by the preaching of circumcision." You who are seeking to be justified by law - NET has 'You who are trying to be declared righteous by the law." As discussed above circumcision was not merely a physical operation or just a ceremonial rite, but it was symbolic of salvation by good works, seeking to be justified by keeping the Law. Paul is writing to those Galatians who have begun to accept the legalistic principle and were seeking justification by following the law Justified (1344)(dikaioo) means to be declared righteous. Dikaioo describes the act by which a man is brought into a right state of relationship to God. Dikaioo is a legal term having to do with the law and the the courtroom, where it represented the legally binding verdict of the judge. This is the sense in which Paul uses dikaioo in this section in Romans (Ro 3:21-5:11) in which he unfolds the doctrine of justification. Luke used the same verb dikaioo to show the contrast between faith and works of the Law writing that " through Him (CHRIST) everyone who believes is freed (or justified - dikaioo) from all things, from which you could not be freed (or justified - dikaioo) through the Law of Moses."(Acts 13:39+) Dikaioo in Galatians - Gal. 2:16; Gal. 2:17; Gal. 3:8; Gal. 3:11; Gal. 3:24; Gal. 5:4 Ryrie - To use the impossible ground of justification by law is to leave, abandon, fall from the way of grace as the only basis for justification. Criswell - This verse does not affirm the possibility of the losing of salvation. If the Galatians seek to be justified by the keeping of the law, they will have abandoned the sphere of God's grace wherein salvation is experienced and enjoyed. Any attempt to be justified by the law moves a man away from the grace of God. (Believer's Study Bible) You have fallen from grace - Note what Paul DOES NOT say -- He does not say "You have fallen from salvation." He says fallen from grace, and there is a difference. Paul is not saying that genuine believers can lose their salvation. The idea is to be fallen out of the sphere of God's grace, because you simply cannot mix grace and law. So if you are a believer ensnared by legalism in whatever form you have in effect "fallen from grace." Henry

Gálatas 5

Wuest - For, as for us, through the agency of the Spirit, on the ground of faith, a hoped-for righteousness we are eagerly awaiting, (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - For we, [not relying on the Law but] through the [Holy] Spirit’s [help], by faith anticipate and wait for the blessing and good for which our righteousness and right standing with God [our conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action, causes us] to hope. NET Galatians 5:5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait expectantly for the hope of righteousness. GNT Galatians 5:5 ἡμεῖς γὰρ πνεύματι ἐκ πίστεως ἐλπίδα δικαιοσύνης ἀπεκδεχόμεθα. NLT Galatians 5:5 But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. KJV Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. ESV Galatians 5:5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. CSB Galatians 5:5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. NIV Galatians 5:5 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. NKJ Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. NRS Galatians 5:5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. YLT Galatians 5:5 for we by the Spirit, by faith, a hope of righteousness do wait for, NAB Galatians 5:5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we await the hope of righteousness. NJB Galatians 5:5 We are led by the Spirit to wait in the confident hope of saving justice through faith, GWN Galatians 5:5 However, in our spiritual nature, faith causes us to wait eagerly for the confidence that comes with God's approval. BBE Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit by faith are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For we through the Spirit: Joh 16:8-15 Eph 2:18 by faith, are waiting: Ge 49:18 Ps 25:3,5 62:5 130:5 La 3:25,26 Ho 12:6 Ro 8:24,25 1Th 1:10 2Th 3:5 the hope of righteousness: Ro 5:21 Php 3:9 2Ti 4:8 Tit 2:13 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Although Paul begins with a "for" (gar) which is normally a term of explanation, when compared with the preceding negative consequences, this verse serves almost like a contrast. In fact it is notable that some of the translations begin the verse with "but" signaling they also see this as somewhat of a contrast (NLT, NIV). For (gar) - "introducing the ground upon which the uncompromising statements of Gal 5:4 are made." (Vine) we - "We" refers to Paul and the Galatians. "We Christians," we who repudiate the law and trust wholly in Christ for justification and the fulfillment of the promises of God.

Gálatas 5

Wuest explains that apekdechomai is "a Greek word made up of three words put together, the word, “to receive,” (dechomai) which speaks of a welcoming or appropriating reception such as is tendered to a friend who comes to visit one; the word “off,” (apo) speaking here of the withdrawal of one’s attention from other objects, and the word “out,” (ek) used here in a perfective sense which intensifies the already existing meaning of the word. The composite word speaks of an attitude of intense yearning and eager waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus into the air to take His Bride to heaven with Him, the attention being withdrawn from all else and concentrated upon the Lord Jesus." (Philippians Commentary Online- Recommended) Hope (1680)(elpis from elpō - to anticipate, welcome) properly speaks of the expectation of something sure or certain. It is a looking forward with confidence to that which is good and beneficial and with reason for confidence respecting fulfillment. And so in Scripture elpis is not the world's definition of "I hope so", with a few rare exceptions (e.g., Acts 27:20) Hope is defined as a desire for some future good with the expectation of obtaining it. Hope is always an expectation of something good as well as descriptive of something for which we must wait. Hope is the opposite of despair. And the opposite of a "living hope" is a "dead hope." For believers, elpís ("hope, an active expectation") is always based on receiving the title-deed of faith, His inbirthed persuasion about what to expect (wait, hope for). Even as faith is always something received (generated by the Lord, never people), so biblical hope is always from God (about what He has spoken), and is not mere human optimism ("wishful thinking"). Righteousness (1343)(dikaiosune from dikaios= being proper or right in the sense of being fully justified being or in accordance with what God requires) is the quality of being upright. In its simplest sense dikaiosune conveys the idea of conformity to a standard or norm and in Biblical terms the "standard" is God and His perfect, holy character. In this sense righteousness is the opposite of hamartia (sin), which is defined as missing of the mark set by God. Dikaiosune is rightness of character before God and rightness of actions before men. Righteousness of God could be succinctly stated as all that God is, all that He commands, all that He demands, all that He approves, all that He provides through Christ (Click here to read Pastor Ray Pritchard's interesting analysis of righteousness in the Gospel of Matthew). Jack Arnold interprets the righteousness as present righteousness (sanctification), not future righteousness (glorification). While this is not certainly a reasonable interpretation, most commentators see this as a reference to our future righteousness which will be revealed when Christ returns. One strong support of this interpretation is that the verb wait is used 7/8x in the NT to refer to the return of Christ. With that background here is Arnold's comment on this passage - In this verse, Paul gives the first mention a new kind of life the Christian is to live, not by law but by faith and through the Holy Spirit. This is the life of liberty in Christ Jesus. The "righteousness" in this context refers to experiential righteousness in one’s life after conversion to Christ. This is the practical righteousness that one hopes for, as he is dependent on the Holy Spirit in his daily life. The true believer is constantly and continually looking for this righteousness to flow from his life. Every Christian should have an intense desire for, and an eager expectation of, practical righteousness which will be produced in the life as he yields to the Holy Spirit in his daily life. This, of course, is the answer to the accusation that grace teaching produces loose living because it does not demand that a person keep the Mosaic Law. The Christian has a new restrainer other than the law. He has the Holy Spirit in him who is at work to produce righteousness. The law could only provide external righteousness, but the Holy Spirit works in the Christian to produce internal righteousness. There is no strength or power in circumcision or uncircumcision when one is in Christ. The power is in God who loves and gives the power to exercise faith through the Holy Spirit. This “love” does not refer to man’s love or we would have salvation or spirituality by works. It would be making faith the result of man’s love. Faith is the result of God’s love and this faith works because God is behind it. The doctrine of grace does not cause a person to be indifferent about his Christianity resulting in low morals and ethics, but real grace and love from God produces faith in the Christian. This could be translated, “But faith which is working by love.” The Holy Spirit is working inside every Christian to produce holiness of life (Phil. 2:12b-13 “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”). The Christian does not work in order to be saved or keep himself saved, but he works by faith because he is saved. True faith works. The true Christian will prove with his life he is saved, but the power to exercise faith comes from God Himself, for He is working in the life of every Christian through the Holy Spirit. Works are not the cause of our salvation, but are the result of it. The Christian works as he is motivated by the Holy Spirit out of a deep appreciation of God’s grace and love that has been shown him in Christ Jesus. Spirit-moved and faith-prompted works are necessary to prove, demonstrate and give evidence of true saving faith (James 2:14 “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims (says) to have faith but has no deeds (works)? Can such a faith save him? (No!)”).(Liberty not Legalism) Boice sees this righteousness as present and future writing that "In the context, “the righteousness for which we hope” does not refer to that imputed righteousness the believer has in the present through faith in Christ’s death, though the thought is not far away, but rather (in line with the ethical section to follow) to that actual righteousness the believer is to grow into (ED: THIS WOULD BE LIKE ARNOLD DESCRIBES ABOVE) and which he is to be perfectly conformed to in glory (ED: THIS WOULD BE GLORIFICATION). (Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1976) Count Von Zinzendorf beautifully describes our future righteousness... Jesus Thy Blood and righteousness My beauty are, my glorious dress; ’Midst flaming worlds in these arrayed, With joy shall I lift up my head. (Play Beautiful Vocal) Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. Phillips Paraphrase - In Jesus Christ there is no validity in either circumcision or uncircumcision; it is a matter of faith, faith which expresses itself in love. Wuest - for in Christ Jesus neither circumcision is of any power nor uncircumcision, but faith coming to effective expression through love. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love. NET Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision carries any weight– the only thing that matters is faith working through love. GNT Galatians 5:6 ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει οὔτε ἀκροβυστία ἀλλὰ πίστις δι᾽ ἀγάπης ἐνεργουμένη. NLT Galatians 5:6 For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love. KJV Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. ESV Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. CSB Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision accomplishes anything; what matters is faith working through love. NIV Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. NKJ Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. NRS Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love. YLT Galatians 5:6 for in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith through love working. NAB Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. NJB Galatians 5:6 since in Christ Jesus it is not being circumcised or being uncircumcised that can effect anything -- only faith working through love. GWN Galatians 5:6 As far as our relationship to Christ Jesus is concerned, it doesn't matter whether we are circumcised or not. But what matters is a faith that expresses itself through love. BBE Galatians 5:6 Because in Christ Jesus, having circumcision or not having circumcision are equally of no profit; but only faith working through love. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision: Ga 5:2,3 3:28 6:15 Ro 2:25-29 3:29-31 1Co 7:19 Col 3:11 but faith working through love: Mt 25:31-40 2Co 5:14 1Th 1:3 Heb 11:8,17-19 Jas 2:14-26 1Pe 1:8 1Jn 3:14-20 4:18-21 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries FAITH THAT WORKS Paul's point in this passage is that men are right with God by faith alone and not by any added human rituals or performance, whether it is circumcision, food laws, or even moral living (which can be carried out in a very legalistic manner and blunt the flow of grace and work of the Spirit). For in Christ Jesus - In Christ Jesus is the true sphere of salvation entered by grace through faith alone in Christ alone. For those safe in Christ Jesus, the status of circumcision is irrelevant. Nothing is needed for the believer to improve his or her standing before Christ, because they are positionaly perfect in His beloved Son. Neither circumcision (peritome) nor uncircumcision (akrobustia) means anything - External things (no matter how "spiritual" they may appear) mean absolutely nothing in regard to true spirituality and do not please God (cf Heb 11:6+; Ro 8:8+). Stated another way absolutely nothing done or not done in the flesh, included ornate religious ceremony, makes any difference in our relationship to God. What is external is immaterial and worthless, UNLESS it reflects genuine internal righteousness (Ro 2:25-28, 29+).

Gálatas 5

Wuest - You were running well. Who cut in on you and thus hindered you from obeying the truth? (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding and following the Truth? NET Galatians 5:7 You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? GNT Galatians 5:7 Ἐτρέχετε καλῶς· τίς ὑμᾶς ἐνέκοψεν [τῇ] ἀληθείᾳ μὴ πείθεσθαι; NLT Galatians 5:7 You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? KJV Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? ESV Galatians 5:7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? CSB Galatians 5:7 You were running well. Who prevented you from obeying the truth? NIV Galatians 5:7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? NKJ Galatians 5:7 You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? NRS Galatians 5:7 You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? YLT Galatians 5:7 Ye were running well; who did hinder you -- not to obey the truth? NAB Galatians 5:7 You were running well; who hindered you from following (the) truth? NJB Galatians 5:7 You began your race well; who came to obstruct you and stop you obeying the truth? GWN Galatians 5:7 You were doing so well. Who stopped you from being influenced by the truth? BBE Galatians 5:7 You were going on well; who was the cause of your not giving ear to what is true? You were running well: Mt 13:21 1Co 9:24 Heb 12:1 who hindered you, Ga 3:1 from obeying the truth: Ac 6:7 Ro 2:8 6:17 10:16 15:18 16:26 2Co 10:5 2Th 1:8 Heb 5:9 Heb 11:8 1Pe 1:22 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL CHIDES THE GALATIANS Paul is giving the Galatians what McGee calls "a gentle rebuke." Dan Duncan says here Paul "compares the Galatians' past progress with their present confusion. Paul was fond of athletic metaphors, and if you read through the New Testament, read through his letters, you read of his statements about running and wrestling and boxing. He mentions these aggressive kinds of athletic endeavors to bring out the fact that the Christian life is an active life. In fact, it's combative in its nature – not in a bad sense; in a good sense. It calls for vigor. It calls for a life of discipline if it's going to be lived properly and well, of concentration and adherence to the rules and to the life of Christ. And early on the Galatians showed all of that. They were like runners who began the race well. The gun went off, they heard the gospel, they believed it, and they began to run the race with vigor and they were running straight. They were running well. They not only believed the gospel, but they living it. Then someone cut into their lane and forced them off the track, off their course. Now when we see that happen during a sporting event – and occasionally you see in a track meet, runners will collide. It's a violent collision. They fall down, they're sprawled out on the track, they're skinned up, they're hurt, they're dizzy. Well, that's what Paul is describing here, but he doesn't describe it as having happen violently as it might have in a race, but persuasively. It's how he describes this in verse 8. He describes this interference as a persuasion." You were running well - If you have ever run a marathon (I have only run one), the start is so exhilarating with 1000's of other eager runners charging off the starting line with the sound of the gun! But about mile 20 or so I begin to "hit the wall" and was no longer running so well! The Christian life is like that. It is not a sprint or dash but a spiritual marathon, a race that will not end until we enter glory. Indeed, Paul would call all of us to imitate him (1 Cor 11:1+), and run this "once in a lifetime" race with endurance (Heb 12:1-2+), so that we might be able to confidently say as we prepare to cross the "finish line" in this life "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course (THE RACE), I have kept the faith." (2 Ti 4:7+). Paul frequently compared our Christian life to an athletic race (Gal 2:2; Ro 9:16; 1Co 9:24, Php 3:14). What Paul is saying is that at the outset of their "race," the Galatians were living their Christian life by grace through faith and were doing fine.

Gálatas 5

Wuest - This persuasion is not from the One who calls you. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - This [evil] persuasion is not from Him Who called you [Who invited you to freedom in Christ]. NET Galatians 5:8 This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you! GNT Galatians 5:8 ἡ πεισμονὴ οὐκ ἐκ τοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς. NLT Galatians 5:8 It certainly isn't God, for he is the one who called you to freedom. KJV Galatians 5:8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. ESV Galatians 5:8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. CSB Galatians 5:8 This persuasion did not come from the One who called you. NIV Galatians 5:8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. NKJ Galatians 5:8 This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. NRS Galatians 5:8 Such persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. YLT Galatians 5:8 the obedience is not of him who is calling you! NAB Galatians 5:8 That enticement does not come from the one who called you. NJB Galatians 5:8 It was certainly not any prompting from him who called you! GWN Galatians 5:8 The arguments of the person who is influencing you do not come from the one who is calling you. BBE Galatians 5:8 This ready belief did not come from him who had made you his. Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A FALSE PERSUASION Persuasion is defined in English as the process by which a person's attitudes or behaviour are, without duress, influenced by communications from other people. The addressing of arguments to someone with the intention of changing their mind or convincing them of a certain point of view, course of action etc. Cereghin quips that "It is amazing how often disobedient Christians will claim that "The Lord led me" to do something that is so contrary to Scripture. The Galatians seemed to fall back to this line of defense against Paul- "The Lord led us to do it!" (How many times have you heard that?) No He did not. Paul asserted. The Lord gets blamed for a lot of things that He did not do. We do a thing, knowing God has not commanded it or approved of it, and then seek God’s rubber stamp on it." (Commentary) Rapka on this persuasion did not come from Him - Their (PERSUASIVE) teaching had moved the Galatians from “running” along the path of the law-free gospel Paul had preached to them (Gal 1:6–10; Gal 3:1–2) to the nomistic (LEGALISTIC) course made up of belief in Jesus plus the incorporation of law observance. But, Paul says, this version of the Gospel is not from God, Who had called them; this is an artifice of the Judaizers, designed to ensnare the Galatians for the Judaizers’ own purposes. (EBC - revised) This persuasion did not come from Him Who calls you - In the present context what was "this persuasion?" This is a description of the false teaching regarding circumcision (aka "legalism") that had hindered the Galatian believers from obeying the truth. It wasn't a violent pushing them aside out of their proper running lane as might happen in a crowded race. No, this hindrance came very persuasively, but it not come from God, from His Spirit.

Gálatas 5

Wuest - A little yeast is permeating the whole lump. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole lump [it perverts the whole conception of faith or misleads the whole church]. NET Galatians 5:9 A little yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise! GNT Galatians 5:9 μικρὰ ζύμη ὅλον τὸ φύραμα ζυμοῖ. NLT Galatians 5:9 This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough! KJV Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ESV Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. CSB Galatians 5:9 A little yeast leavens the whole lump of dough. NIV Galatians 5:9 "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." NKJ Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. NRS Galatians 5:9 A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. YLT Galatians 5:9 a little leaven the whole lump doth leaven; NAB Galatians 5:9 A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. NJB Galatians 5:9 A pinch of yeast ferments the whole batch. GWN Galatians 5:9 A little yeast spreads through the whole batch of dough. BBE Galatians 5:9 A little leaven makes a change in all the mass. Mt 23:33 16:6-12 Mk 8:15 Lu 12:1 13:21 1Co 5:6,7 15:33 2Ti 2:17 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries BE WARY OF EVEN THE SMALLEST DOCTRINAL ERROR! Paul now proceeds to use a common saying to illustrate the destructive influence these persuasive but false teachings had caused in the Body of Christ in Galatia (see especially the effect in Gal 5:15).

Gálatas 5

Wuest - As for myself, I have come to a settled persuasion in the Lord with respect to you, namely, that yo u will take no other view than this. But the one who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - [For my part] I have confidence [toward you] in the Lord that you will take no contrary view of the matter but will come to think with me. But he who is unsettling you, whoever he is, will have to bear the penalty. NET Galatians 5:10 I am confident in the Lord that you will accept no other view. But the one who is confusing you will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. GNT Galatians 5:10 ἐγὼ πέποιθα εἰς ὑμᾶς ἐν κυρίῳ ὅτι οὐδὲν ἄλλο φρονήσετε· ὁ δὲ ταράσσων ὑμᾶς βαστάσει τὸ κρίμα, ὅστις ἐὰν ᾖ. NLT Galatians 5:10 I am trusting the Lord to keep you from believing false teachings. God will judge that person, whoever he is, who has been confusing you. KJV Galatians 5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. ESV Galatians 5:10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. CSB Galatians 5:10 I have confidence in the Lord you will not accept any other view. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. NIV Galatians 5:10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. NKJ Galatians 5:10 I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is. NRS Galatians 5:10 I am confident about you in the Lord that you will not think otherwise. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. YLT Galatians 5:10 I have confidence in regard to you in the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded; and he who is troubling you shall bear the judgment, whoever he may be. NAB Galatians 5:10 I am confident of you in the Lord that you will not take a different view, and that the one who is troubling you will bear the condemnation, whoever he may be. NJB Galatians 5:10 But I feel sure that, united in the Lord, you will not be led astray, and that anyone who makes trouble with you will be condemned, no matter who he is. GWN Galatians 5:10 The Lord gives me confidence that you will not disagree with this. However, the one who is confusing you will suffer God's judgment regardless of who he is. BBE Galatians 5:10 I am certain about you in the Lord, that you will be of no other mind; but he who is troubling you will have his punishment, whoever he is. I have confidence in you in the Lord: Ga 4:11,20 2Co 1:15 2:3 7:16 8:22 2Th 3:4 Phm 1:21 but the one who is disturbing you: Ga 1:7 2:4 3:1 4:17 6:12,13,17 Ac 15:1,2,24 1Jn 2:18-26 will bear his judgment,: Ga 5:12 1Co 5:5 2Co 2:6 10:2,6 13:10 1Ti 1:20 whoever he is.: Ga 2:6 2Co 5:16 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL'S ENCOURAGING WORDS I have confidence in you in the Lord (John 6:39, 40; 10:28, 29; Rom. 8:31-39; Phil. 1:6, 7) - Note that Paul does not say he has confidence in the Galatian believers in themselves alone, but he does have confidence in them as they lean on the Lord and surely His Spirit Who alone could enable them to accurately and effectively "filter" out the persuasive false teaching. Duncan - Paul didn't seem to have any good reason in these Galatians. The Galatians were a weak vacillating people, under the spell of false teachers. They'd been swept away early on. He was amazed that they were so quickly deceived by all of this, he says at the beginning of the letter. There's little reason for him to have confidence in them. But then Paul's confidence really was not in them. His confidence is in the Lord. "I have confidence in you in the Lord." And the Lord is faithful, even when we are not. We are all like sheep. We go astray. He is the good shepherd who goes out after His sheep and finds them. And those who are truly His will be found and they will be brought back into the fold. "My sheep, hear my voice. And they know Me and they follow Me." Well, He goes out and gets the lost sheep through the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit does that through us. Later in 6:1, Paul will say, "You who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness." The Lord works through us and Paul was confident that the Spirit of God would work through him to restore the Galatians to the truth, because he was confident that they were true believers. God works through us to restore one another to the truth by the warnings that we give against error by alerting people to the error that they are in and that they are flirting with. Have confidence (3982)(peitho) means convinced or persuaded and includes the components of confidence, reliance, and hope. Here peitho is in the perfect tense indicating that this is Paul's stedfast persuasion regarding the Galatian believers. Wuest translates it this way - "I have come to a settled persuasion in the Lord" That you will adopt no other view - That you will have no other opinion. This confidence parallels that Paul expressed to the saints at Philippi For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. (Phil 1:6-7+) Cereghin has an interesting definition of legalism - "Living the Christian life in your own strength and power without the aid of the Holy Spirit or the faith of Christ." I like that. I think it is sadly an accurate description of how many genuine disciples of Jesus are living their Christian life - their strength, not His! My experience over 35 years of walking with Jesus is that one of the main reasons for this "subpar" life, is that many believers simply have not been taught accurately about the role of the Holy Spirit and their daily need for Him, Who alone can enable a supernatural life. And this is not a "second blessing," but really the "first blessing" (so to speak), that blessing you experienced at the outset when you were running well! Related Resource: The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked! PAUL'S WORDS OF JUDGMENT But the one who is disturbing you - Disturbing in the present tense (continually disturbing) and is masculine singular suggesting this is a specific individual. NET Note - In context Paul is referring to the confusion and turmoil caused by those who insist that Gentile converts to Christianity must observe the Mosaic law. Disturbing (stir you up) (5015)(tarasso) literally means to shake back and forth and therefore to agitate and stir up (like the pool in John 5:4,7, Lxx = Ezek 32:2, 13, Isa 51:15). To shake together, stir up, disturb, unsettle, throw into disorder (Lxx = Ps 46; 2Sa 22:8 = of earth shaking). Most of the NT uses of tarasso are figurative and describe the state of one's mind as stirred up, agitated or experiencing inward commotion. The passive voice is always used in the NT with a negative meaning, conveying the sense of emotional disturbance or inner turmoil, so that one is unsettled, thrown into confusion, or disturbed by various emotions, including excitement, perplexity, fear or trepidation. Tarasso conveys the idea of to disturb mentally or to cause a deep emotional disturbance and thus refers to an unsettled mind, as when Herod heard of the birth of Jesus (Mt 2:3), Zacharias' fear when he saw the angel (Lk 1:12), the terror of the disciples when they witnessed Jesus walking on the water (Mt 14:26), Jesus' reaction to the lack of faith among the people before He raises Lazarus (Jn 11:33), in Jesus' command to not let their hearts be troubled (Jn 14:1) and of disturbing the faith of someone (Gal 5:10). Tarasso emphasizes the intensity of the Lord's reaction to His impending death (Jn 12:27) and His response to Judas' imminent betrayal. Tarasso is a strong word, meaning “to deeply upset,” “to deeply disturb,” “to perplex,” or “to create fear.” Tarasso also describes the potential effect of false teaching in Galatians 1:7 and Gal 5:10.

Gálatas 5

Wuest - And I, brethren, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I in spite of this fact still being persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the Cross has been done away. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - But, brethren, if I still preach circumcision [as some accuse me of doing, as necessary to salvation], why am I still suffering persecution? In that case the cross has ceased to be a stumbling block and is made meaningless (done away). NET Galatians 5:11 Now, brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. GNT Galatians 5:11 ἐγὼ δέ, ἀδελφοί, εἰ περιτομὴν ἔτι κηρύσσω, τί ἔτι διώκομαι; ἄρα κατήργηται τὸ σκάνδαλον τοῦ σταυροῦ. NLT Galatians 5:11 Dear brothers and sisters, if I were still preaching that you must be circumcised-- as some say I do-- why am I still being persecuted? If I were no longer preaching salvation through the cross of Christ, no one would be offended. KJV Galatians 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. ESV Galatians 5:11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. CSB Galatians 5:11 Now brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. NIV Galatians 5:11 Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. NKJ Galatians 5:11 And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased. NRS Galatians 5:11 But my friends, why am I still being persecuted if I am still preaching circumcision? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. YLT Galatians 5:11 And I, brethren, if uncircumcision I yet preach, why yet am I persecuted? then hath the stumbling-block of the cross been done away; NAB Galatians 5:11 As for me, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case, the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished. NJB Galatians 5:11 And I, brothers -- if I were still preaching circumcision, why should I still be persecuted? For then the obstacle which is the cross would have no point any more. GWN Galatians 5:11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching that circumcision is necessary, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the cross wouldn't be offensive anymore. BBE Galatians 5:11 But I, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still attacked? then has the shame of the cross been taken away. if I still preach circumcision: Ga 2:3 Ac 16:3 why am I still persecuted: Ga 4:29 6:12,17 Ac 21:21,28 22:21,22 23:13,14 1Co 15:30 2Co 11:23-26 the stumbling block of the cross: Isa 8:14 Ro 9:32,33 1Co 1:18,23 1Pe 2:8,9 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries FALSE CHARGES AGAINST PAUL But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision (peritome), why am I still persecuted? - This is the twisted irony - False teachers persecute truth teachers! "If I preach to please people, then why am I persecuted?" Why does Paul make this statement? The fact that he has to write this denial supports the premise that the false teachers were saying that Paul agreed with their false teaching. Clearly the fact the false teachers sought to persecute Paul and call into question his teachings was clear evidence that he himself was not preaching circumcision. He suffered a lot for preaching a Law-free gospel. As

Gálatas 5

Wuest - I would that they who are upsetting you would even have themselves mutilated. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - I wish those who unsettle and confuse you would go all the way and] cut themselves off! NET Galatians 5:12 I wish those agitators would go so far as to castrate themselves! GNT Galatians 5:12 ὄφελον καὶ ἀποκόψονται οἱ ἀναστατοῦντες ὑμᾶς. NLT Galatians 5:12 I just wish that those troublemakers who want to mutilate you by circumcision would mutilate themselves. KJV Galatians 5:12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you. ESV Galatians 5:12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves! CSB Galatians 5:12 I wish those who are disturbing you might also get themselves castrated! NIV Galatians 5:12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves! NKJ Galatians 5:12 I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off! NRS Galatians 5:12 I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves! YLT Galatians 5:12 O that even they would cut themselves off who are unsettling you! NAB Galatians 5:12 Would that those who are upsetting you might also castrate themselves! NJB Galatians 5:12 I could wish that those who are unsettling you would go further and mutilate themselves. GWN Galatians 5:12 I wish those troublemakers would castrate themselves. BBE Galatians 5:12 My desire is that they who give you trouble might even be cut off themselves. would even mutilate themselves.: Ga 5:10 1:8,9 Ge 17:14 Ex 12:15 30:33 Lev 22:3 Jos 7:12,25 Joh 9:34 Ac 5:5,9 1Co 5:13 Tit 3:10 those who are troubling you : Ac 15:1,2,24 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL'S CUTTING SARCASM Clearly there is a pun intended in this title! Clearly Paul feels very strongly about the false teaching and those who were spreading this leaven. I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves - If the Judaizer who advocated obeying the Law, were so enamored of circumcision, they should go all the way and make eunuchs of themselves! This is a little like the law of sowing and reaping for spiritually, circumcision adds nothing to salvation and in fact takes away and "emasculates" spiritually speaking. So those who sowed a little leaven of circumcision should reap literal emasculation! Are troubling (stirring you up) (387)(anastatoo from anastatos = made to rise up and depart from anistemi = to stand up) means to disturb, disquiet, unsettle, to disturb the balance or stability of, to incite to revolt, to cause to rebel, to instigate an uprising, to stir up sedition (Acts 21:38). Used in a letter of a bad little boy whose mother said, “He drives me mad." Used only 3x - Acts 17:6, 21:38 ("stirred up"), Gal 5:12 ("troubling you"). Mutilate was the word used of castration, such as in the cult of Cybele, whose priests were self-made eunuchs. Paul’s ironic point is that since the Judaizers were so insistent on circumcision as a means of pleasing God, they should go to the extreme of religious devotion and mutilate themselves. Perhaps the resulting physical impotence pictured Paul’s desire that they also be unable to produce new converts!

Gálatas 5

Wuest - For, as for you, upon the basis of freedom you were called, brethren. Only do not turn your liberty into a base of operations for the evil nature, but through love keep on constantly serving one another, (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another. NET Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another. GNT Galatians 5:13 Ὑμεῖς γὰρ ἐπ᾽ ἐλευθερίᾳ ἐκλήθητε, ἀδελφοί· μόνον μὴ τὴν ἐλευθερίαν εἰς ἀφορμὴν τῇ σαρκί, ἀλλὰ διὰ τῆς ἀγάπης δουλεύετε ἀλλήλοις. NLT Galatians 5:13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. KJV Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. ESV Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ASV Galatians 5:13 For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another. CSB Galatians 5:13 For you were called to be free, brothers; only don't use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. NIV Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. NKJ Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. NRS Galatians 5:13 For 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. YLT Galatians 5:13 For ye -- to freedom ye were called, brethren, only not the freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through the love serve ye one another, NAB Galatians 5:13 For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. NJB Galatians 5:13 After all, brothers, you were called to be free; do not use your freedom as an opening for self-indulgence, but be servants to one another in love, GWN Galatians 5:13 You were indeed called to be free, brothers and sisters. Don't turn this freedom into an excuse for your corrupt nature to express itself. Rather, serve each other through love. BBE Galatians 5:13 Because you, brothers, were marked out to be free; only do not make use of your free condition to give the flesh its chance, but through love be servants one to another. For you were called to freedom, brethren: Ga 5:1 4:5-7,22-31 Isa 61:1 Lu 4:18 Joh 8:32-36 Ro 6:18-22 only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh: 1Co 8:9 1Pe 2:16 2Pe 2:19 Jude 1:4,10-12 but through love serve one another: Ga 5:14,22 6:2 Mk 10:43-45 Joh 13:14,15 Ac 20:35 Ro 15:1,2 1Co 9:19 1Co 13:4-7 2Co 4:5 12:15 1Th 1:3 Jas 2:15-17 1Jn 3:16-19 Dear saint free in Christ, take a moment and listen to this song by Jessa Myer "Freedom (Galatians Song)" Galatians 5:13-26 Legalism - Ray Stedman Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DO NOT TURN LIBERTY TO LICENSE In this next section in Galatians 5:13-15 Paul is seeking to convince the believers that the Law has no power to restrain the sinful flesh, and in fact the more one attempts to overcome the sinful flesh by keeping the Law, the more deeply enslaved one becomes to the sinful nature. Dear reader, don't fall into this trap. Mike Andrus writes "Most social scientists today want us to believe people are basically good and all the evil we see is a result of environmental factors. But every one who has kids knows that isn't true. Sure, an evil environment will encourage the evil already in us; that's why slums breed crime. But even in the best of environments children exhibit rebellion and defiance at a very early age. It comes naturally; they don't even have to be taught....The problem is that the old nature with which we were born is not eradicated. Oh, there are some theologians who claim it can be eradicated in this life and that the believer can reach a state of total sanctification, sometimes called “sinless perfection.” But I believe both Scripture and personal experience make it clear that the sinful nature remains with us, rearing its ugly head at the most inopportune times, begging for attention and demanding to be satisfied." (Sermon) As

Gálatas 5

Wuest - for the whole law in one utterance stands fully obeyed, namely, in this, Love your neighbor as you do yourself. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified -For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is complied with in the one precept, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. NET Galatians 5:14 For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, "You must love your neighbor as yourself." GNT Galatians 5:14 ὁ γὰρ πᾶς νόμος ἐν ἑνὶ λόγῳ πεπλήρωται, ἐν τῷ Ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν. NLT Galatians 5:14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." KJV Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ESV Galatians 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." ASV Galatians 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. CSB Galatians 5:14 For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. NIV Galatians 5:14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." NKJ Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." NRS Galatians 5:14 For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." YLT Galatians 5:14 for all the law in one word is fulfilled -- in this: 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself;' NAB Galatians 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." NJB Galatians 5:14 since the whole of the Law is summarised in the one commandment: You must love your neighbour as yourself. GWN Galatians 5:14 All of Moses' Teachings are summarized in a single statement, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." BBE Galatians 5:14 For all the law is made complete in one word, even in this, Have love for your neighbour as for yourself. the whole Law is fulfilled in one word Mt 7:12 Mt 19:18,19 Mt 22:39,40 Ro 13:8-10 Jas 2:8-11 YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF: Lev 19:18,34 Mk 12:31,33 Lu 10:27-37 1Ti 1:5 Galatians 5:13-26 Legalism - Ray Stedman Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Andrus comments that "Throughout this letter Paul has been arguing against a Law-based approach to God and in defense of the Gospel of pure grace. Now, in a most striking fashion, he returns to the Mosaic Law and seems to speak favorably of it....Perhaps the most important of those principles is the far-reaching one mentioned here in verse 14, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If we took the time to look back at Leviticus we would find dozens of detailed rules and regulations as to how to treat one's neighbor lovingly in every conceivable circumstance. But instead of repeating the details Paul picks up only the principle. He doesn't dismiss the moral law of God from our lives; rather he wants us to understand that the essence of it is found in principles of conduct, not detailed rules of conduct. Unfortunately there are some in our day who have misunderstood his point, perhaps on purpose. They tell us the only moral absolute we must obey is to love our neighbor as ourselves, and then they use that principle as a basis for actually violating the laws of God. For example, they say if you really love your neighbor, it’s OK to indulge in premarital, extramarital or even homosexual sex with him or her. If you really love your neighbor, it may be OK to murder him, as in abortion and euthanasia. Dr. Kevorkian, for example, portrayed himself as loving the people he killed." (Sermon) For (gar) is a term of explanation. What is Paul explaining? He is explaining why we should through love serve one another. "Freedom in Christ does not ignore the law, it fulfills its holy demands through that which is its essence, love for one’s neighbor. “If you love people (because you love Christ), you will not steal from them, lie about them, envy them, or try in any way to hurt them.” Keathley adds "Love from within through the ministry of the Spirit, with Scripture as our guide for how love acts, fulfills the Law." (Hampton Keathley) The whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement - Paul says that the whole Law is fulfilled in one word: thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Here is a major misunderstanding of the Law. It's central thesis is not necessarily "do" but is rather "love". Love is at the center of the Law- love God and your neighbor. Yet how the Judaizers missed it!

Gálatas 5

Wuest writes that "Agapao speaks of a love which is awakened by a sense of value in an object which causes one to prize it (ED: cf THE WAY GOD LOVES = agapao in Jn 3:16)." Neighbor (Near) (4139)(plesion from pélas = near, near to or from plesios = close by) literally means near (literal use only in Jn 4:5), quite near, nearby = position quite close to another position. Figuratively, plesion means to be near someone and thus be a neighbor. Eight of 17 uses of plesion occur in a citation of or allusion to Leviticus 19:18: “You shall love your neighbor (plēsion, Septuagint) as yourself” (Mt 5:43; 19:19; 22:39; Mk 12:31; Luke 10:27; Ro 13:9; Gal 5:14; Jas 2:8). Luther - If you want to know how you ought to love your neighbor, ask yourself how much you love yourself. If you were to get into trouble or danger, you would be glad to have the love and help of all men. You do not need any book of instructions to teach you how to love your neighbor. All you have to do is to look into your own heart, and it will tell you how you ought to love your neighbor as yourself. Galatians 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

Gálatas 5

Wuest - But if, as is the case, you are biting and devouring one another, take heed lest you be consumed by one another. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - But if you bite and devour one another [in partisan strife], be careful that you [and your whole fellowship] are not consumed by one another. NET Galatians 5:15 However, if you continually bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another. GNT Galatians 5:15 εἰ δὲ ἀλλήλους δάκνετε καὶ κατεσθίετε, βλέπετε μὴ ὑπ᾽ ἀλλήλων ἀναλωθῆτε. NLT Galatians 5:15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. KJV Galatians 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. ESV Galatians 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. ASV Galatians 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. CSB Galatians 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. NIV Galatians 5:15 If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. NKJ Galatians 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! NRS Galatians 5:15 If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. YLT Galatians 5:15 and if one another ye do bite and devour, see -- that ye may not by one another be consumed. NAB Galatians 5:15 But if you go on biting and devouring one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another. NJB Galatians 5:15 If you go snapping at one another and tearing one another to pieces, take care: you will be eaten up by one another. GWN Galatians 5:15 But if you criticize and attack each other, be careful that you don't destroy each other. BBE Galatians 5:15 But if you are given to fighting with one another, take care that you are not the cause of destruction one to another. Ga 5:26 2Sa 2:26,27 Isa 9:20,21 Isa 11:5-9,13 1Co 3:3 6:6-8 2Co 11:20 2Co 12:20 Jas 3:14-18 4:1-3 Galatians 5:13-26 Legalism - Ray Stedman Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries "SPIRITUAL CANNIBALISM" But - Term of contrast. What a contrast this is for on one side we read about the call to through love serve one another and thereby fulfilling the whole Law! But then we read about the reality in the Body of Christ in Galatia! Apparently the believers in Galatia were failing miserably at serving and loving one another. Paul does not state why they were in such a mess, but in context clearly they were not depending on the power of the Holy Spirit to enable selfless love rather than selfish infighting! Was this "rotten fruit" the product of the Judaizers telling the Galatians to live in conformity with the Law which in fact even exacerbated and stirred up their sinful flesh? Paul does not say specifically, but that is a possibility. In any even he had apparently received a distressing report about their infighting and he would use this bad report as a launching to teach them about the good Spirit empowered life. Andrus comments that "This spiritual cannibalism is probably a reference to malicious talk and degrading slander, but one can't be sure. Several years ago I came across an Associated Press article which stated that human bites had increased 77% in the previous ten years. Furthermore, according to Michael Callahan, chief of emergency medicine at the University of California at San Francisco, “Human bites are a worse problem than dog bites because they are much more likely to get infected.” New York City reports that human bites used to rank third behind dogs and cats, but now rank second behind dogs. Maybe the Galatians were actually taking chunks out of one another. But whether these were literal or figurative bites, I think it is instructive to note that it was apparently the legalism introduced by the false teachers that brought this destructive spirit into the church. I think conflict and disunity are probably most common in legalistic churches. That shouldn’t surprise us, because you can't have your focus on serving and loving people if you're constantly concerned with rules and regulations and who is failing to obey them. It’s not an accident that the legalistic Pharisees were Jesus’ greatest enemies. But there is the potential for spiritual cannibalism in any church, and we need to be vigilant against it. Sometimes we don't even realize how destructive our comments and attitudes can be to others. Christian freedom is not freedom to exploit my neighbor, but rather to serve him and love him.i Christian freedom is not freedom to disregard the basic moral law of God." (Sermon) if you bite and devour one another - The "if" introduces a first class conditional statement which means that this disruptive, destructive interactions was beginning to take place in the Body of Christ. What does this tell us about the believers in Galatia? They were beginning to go back under the Law. How do we know? Because biting and devouring one another is typical of the behavior of saints who have begun to try to be sanctified (set apart progressively) by keeping the Law. The problem of course is that the Law cannot restrain the flesh. Legalism has absolutely no power to hold down the lusts of the flesh. Circumcision, ceremonies, new moons, festivals, feast days, etc, has no impact on one's hearts; and dear reader they (or reliance of things like them - baptism, church membership, keeping a list of do's and don't's, etc) will not have any impact on your new life in Christ either. To be sanctified you don't go back to the Law, for the Law focuses on our external behavior. Instead, you need to learn to walk by the Spirit which Paul in fact commands (it is an absolute necessity to live a victorious Christian life) in Gal 5:16. It is ONLY by the enabling supernatural power of the Holy Spirit that one can defeat the desires of the flesh that result in things like biting and devouring one another! The verbs bite and devour were "two common and old verbs often used together of wild animals, or like cats and dogs. So the imagery is of wild animals savagely attacking and killing each other—a graphic picture of what happens in the spiritual realm when believers do not love and serve each other." (A T Robertson) Leon

Gálatas 5

Wuest - But I say, Through the instrumentality of the Spirit habitually order your manner of life, and you will in no wise execute the passionate desire of the evil nature, (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). NET Galatians 5:16 But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. GNT Galatians 5:16 Λέγω δέ, πνεύματι περιπατεῖτε καὶ ἐπιθυμίαν σαρκὸς οὐ μὴ τελέσητε. NLT Galatians 5:16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. KJV Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. ESV Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. CSB Galatians 5:16 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. NIV Galatians 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. NKJ Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. NRS Galatians 5:16 Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. YLT Galatians 5:16 And I say: In the Spirit walk ye, and the desire of the flesh ye may not complete; NAB Galatians 5:16 I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. NJB Galatians 5:16 Instead, I tell you, be guided by the Spirit, and you will no longer yield to self-indulgence. GWN Galatians 5:16 Let me explain further. Live your life as your spiritual nature directs you. Then you will never follow through on what your corrupt nature wants. BBE Galatians 5:16 But I say, Go on in the Spirit, and you will not come under the rule of the evil desires of the flesh. But I say Gal 3:17; 1Cor 7:29 walk by the Spirit Gal 5:25; 6:8; Romans 8:1,4,5,12, 13, 14; 1 Pe 1:22; 4:6; Jude 1:19, 20, 21 and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh: Ga 5:19-21 Ro 6:12 13:13,14 2Co 7:1 Eph 2:3 Col 2:11 3:5-10 1Pe 1:14 2:11 4:1-4 1Jn 2:15,16 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Galatians 5:13-26 Legalism - Ray Stedman The Perfect Model of a Spirit-Empowered Life - Excellent discussion of Jesus walking by the Spirit giving us a model ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT VERSES IN THE BIBLE! NOTE: For a much more in depth discussion of this verse click Galatians 5:16 Commentary Thomas

Gálatas 5

Wuest - The Christian and Trench Warfare But I say, walk (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) by the Spirit, and you (DOUBLE NEGATIVE = ABSOLUTELY) will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For (EXPLAINS THAT THIS SPIRITUAL WARFARE NEVER CEASES EVERY DAY OF OUR LIFE ON EARTH! DON'T GET LAX! STAY ALERT!) the flesh sets its desire against (epithumeo in present tense - continually sets its strong desires against) the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition (antikeimai in present tense - continually in opposition = ongoing war until the day we die!) to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. (Wuest Word Studies - Eerdman Publishing Company Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3 - used by permission) THERE ARE some interesting word studies in Galatians 5:16–17. Those we will study are “walk, Spirit, lusteth, against, contrary, cannot.” The Christian is exhorted to walk in the Spirit. The word “walk” is used in an early Greek manuscript in the sentence, “I am going about in a disgraceful state.” The writer of this sentence was commenting upon the kind of life he was living, how he was conducting himself. The form in the Greek shows that it is a command to be constantly obeyed. “Be constantly conducting yourselves in the Spirit.” The word “Spirit,” referring here to the Holy Spirit, is in the locative of sphere (See article on locative of sphere), and could be charted by a dot within a circle. The dot is ensphered within the circle. The exhortation therefore is, “Be constantly conducting yourselves in the sphere of the Spirit.” That is, determine every thought, word, and deed by the leading of the Spirit through the Word, and think every thought, speak every word, and do every deed, in an attitude of entire dependence upon the Holy Spirit’s empowering energy, “Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5+). Related Resource: See study on meaning and significance of locative of sphere ”If we do this, we have God’s guarantee and promise that we shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. The word “flesh” refers here to the fallen depraved nature with which we were born, but whose power was broken when we were saved. The word “lust” has changed its meaning. Today it refers to an immoral desire. When the Authorized Version was translated, it meant what the Greek word means from which it is translated, simply a desire. The desire may be a good one or a bad one, according to the context. The word in the Greek has in this verse a preposition prefixed which intensifies its meaning. It is not only a desire, it is a craving. But as we determine our conduct by what the Spirit leads us to do, and yield to Him for the divine energy with which to do it, we have God’s promise that we will not; there is a double negative in the Greek which strengthens the negation, we will absolutely not fulfill the cravings of the fallen nature. The explanation of how we are delivered from those cravings and the actions which would satisfy those cravings, is found in verse seventeen. The fallen nature lusts against the Holy Spirit. The same word for “lust” is used as in the previous verse. The flesh has a strong desire again the Spirit. The word “against” is from a Greek preposition which literally means “down.” The idea is one of defeat, suppression. One could render the sentence, “The flesh has constantly a strong desire to suppress the Spirit.” The work of the Holy Spirit in the believer is two-fold, namely, to put sin out of the life and to produce His own fruit. The fallen nature has a strong desire to suppress the Holy Spirit in the work of His office. But the Holy Spirit has a strong desire likewise to suppress the fallen nature in its attempt to cause the believer to obey its behests. They are contrary to one another. The words “one another” are a reciprocal pronoun in the Greek. The Spirit and the flesh reciprocate the antagonism each has for the other. The word “contrary,” speaks of a permanent attitude of opposition toward each other on the part of both the flesh and the Spirit. The picture in the Greek word is that of two opposing armies, each digging a system of trenches for the purpose of holding the land they have and conducting a trench warfare. They have dug themselves in for a long drawn-out contest. This contest is going on all the time in the heart of every child of God. It continues until the death of the believer. The Holy Spirit is the divine provision for victory over sin, “so that ye may not do the things that ye would desire to do.” The part the Christian must play in this trench warfare is found in our previous verse, namely, to be constantly determining his every thought, word, and deed by the leading of the Spirit, yielding to Him for the energy to act in the premises. The entire translation could read, “But I say, be constantly conducting yourselves within the sphere of the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the cravings of the flesh. For the flesh has constantly a strong desire to suppress the Spirit, and the Spirit has as constantly a strong desire to suppress the flesh, and these are entrenched in a permanent attitude of opposition to one another, so that ye may not do the things that ye would desire to do.” (Golden Nuggets)(Wuest Word Studies - Eerdman Publishing Company Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3 - used by permission) Morning and Evening by Charles H. Spurgeon Walking implies continuance. There must be a perpetual abiding in Christ. How many Christians think that in the morning and evening they ought to come into the company of Jesus, and may then give their hearts to the world all the day: but this is poor living; we should always be with Him, treading in His steps and doing His will. Walking also implies habit. When we speak of a man’s walk and conversation, we mean his habits, the constant tenor of his life. Now, if we sometimes enjoy Christ, and then forget Him; sometimes call Him ours, and anon lose our hold, that is not a habit; we do not walk in Him. We must keep to Him, cling to Him, never let Him go, but live and have our being in Him. “As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him;” persevere in the same way in which ye have begun, and, as at the first Christ Jesus was the trust of your faith, the source of your life, the principle of your action, and the joy of your spirit, so let him be the same till life’s end; the same when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and enter into the joy and the rest which remain for the people of God. The Battle Within Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. —Galatians 5:16 In his letter to Christians in Galatia, Paul tried to get them to understand the inner conflict that all who belong to Christ will experience. This battle is between “the flesh” (our sinful human nature) and the Holy Spirit who lives within us (Galatians 5:17). Because our self-centered nature wants its own way, it fights the rule of Christ within us. So we often end up doing our will rather than God’s (v.17). Once I prayed in desperation, “Lord, please show me how to overcome!” God directed me to Paul’s words in Galatians 5:16—”Walk in the Spirit.” I kept reading, and came to recognize my own “works of the flesh”—my envy, anger, hatred, and selfish ambitions (vv.19-21). I asked God for forgiveness, and I came to understand that I have been crucified with Christ (2:20). The power of my sinful flesh has been broken (5:24; Romans 6:6-7). I’ve gradually learned to bring this “death” into effect by allowing my flesh no more rights than a corpse! So I resolve daily to recognize and obey Christ’s will alone. I sometimes fail, but repentance puts me back in step with the Holy Spirit. Lord, grant me strength from day to day— How prone I am to go astray! The passions of my flesh are strong; Be Thou, my God, a shield from wrong. —D. De Haan God will give us the victory, but we must be willing to fight. Underrated Values Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. —Galatians 5:16 Why is it that some of the best things in life can sound so unappealing to us—things like holiness, obedience, Spirit-control, and faith, for instance? Why do they so often trigger a sudden yawn rather than wet eyes of thankful emotions? Could it be that we’ve underrated their value? Think how much these values can do for us. A truly Spirit-controlled person won’t cheat on a spouse, abuse a child, or fudge on an income tax return. A Christ-controlled person isn’t even likely to kick the family dog, or watch the best of intentions evaporate while lounging in front of a television. Every believer in Christ faces a constant challenge to live a pure life (Gal. 5:17). Has that moment-by-moment walk under the Holy Spirit’s guidance seemed too difficult lately? It’s possible we’ve been underrating what should be of greatest value to us. The cost to ourselves and our loved ones may be tremendous. Help me, Lord, to live my life Free from selfishness and strife So that others clearly see Changes You have made in me. —Sper If we take a stand for Christ, we're not likely to fall for the devil. Mixed Signals Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. —Galatians 5:16 Our society sends mixed signals. I got a letter from my credit card company, saying, “Mr. Egner, you are one of our most valued customers. We would like to raise your buying power by $3,000.” The next day, because I was late in sending a payment of $36.96, I got another letter from the same company. It made me feel like a terrible person. It seemed to be saying that if I didn’t pay up immediately, they would take action against me. Which am I? A valued customer or a terrible person? Even more, how am I going to handle these mixed signals? On one hand, I was urged to go out and spend a lot more money. On the other, I felt threatened because I was late making a payment. It’s like the signals our society sends young people. In some ads, movies, and videos they’re told to indulge themselves now—with sex or alcohol. Yet at other times they are warned about AIDS and drinking while driving. Present your life to Christ today, Give Him your all without delay; You’ll know true joy and gladly say, “I’ve found the way to live!” —JDB God’s signals are meant for our protection, correction, and direction. A Lesson From The Oak Tree Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. —Galatians 5:16 Have you ever noticed that in winter some oak trees retain their crisp, dry leaves long after the maples, the elms, and the walnuts have become bare skeletons? Even the strong winter winds and the early spring rains do not completely strip the oak branches of all their old leaves. But as springtime progresses, warmer winds blow and something wonderful begins to happen. Tiny buds start appearing at the tips of the twigs, and the dried remnants of the preceding season fall off. New life replaces the old. At times, old habits cling to our lives with the same tenacity as those oak leaves. Even the winds of adversity do not remove all the lifeless leftovers of our fallen human nature. But Christ, who dwells in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, is at work. His life within us continually seeks to push off the old habits—renewing us when we confess our sins, steadying us when we falter, and strengthening us to do His will. When stubborn sins tenaciously Hold to their former place, We must rely on Jesus’ strength And His unfailing grace. —Sper To get rid of a bad habit, start a good one—trust God. Make It Personal Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. —Galatians 5:16 During my days as a teacher and coach at a Christian high school, I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with teenagers, trying to guide them to a purposeful, Christlike life—characterized by love for God and love for others. My goal was to prepare them to live for God throughout life. That would happen only as they made their faith a vital part of life through the help of the Holy Spirit. Those who didn’t follow Christ floundered after they left the influence of Christian teachers and parents. This is demonstrated in the story of King Joash of Judah and his uncle Jehoiada. Jehoiada, a wise counselor, influenced Joash to live a God-honoring life (2 Chron. 24:11,14). The problem was that Joash did not embrace an honorable life as his own. After Jehoiada died, King Joash “left the house of the LORD” (v.18) and began to worship in a pagan way. He turned and became so evil that he had Jehoiada’s son murdered (vv.20–22). Lord, thank You for the people in my life who influence me toward following You. Help me not to depend on them primarily—but to depend on Your Holy Spirit to guide me. The faith of others encourages; a faith of our own transforms. Walking with the Spirit Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: Galatians 5:13–18 Ten thousand hours. That’s how long author Malcolm Gladwell suggests it takes to become skillful at any craft. Even for the greatest artists and musicians of all time, their tremendous inborn talent wasn’t enough to achieve the level of expertise that they would eventually attain. They needed to immerse themselves in their craft every single day. As strange as it might seem, we need a similar mentality when it comes to learning to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. In Galatians, Paul encourages the church to be set apart for God. But Paul explained that this couldn’t be achieved through merely obeying a set of rules. Instead we’re called to walk with the Holy Spirit. The Greek word that Paul uses for “walk” in Galatians 5:16 literally means to walk around and around something, or to journey (peripateo). So for Paul, walking with the Spirit meant journeying with the Spirit each day—it’s not just a one-time experience of His power. Reflect & Pray While being indwelt by the Holy Spirit when we receive salvation is a one-time event, how does this differ from being filled or walking with the Spirit? How have you been exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit? Father, help me to experience the presence and leading of the Holy Spirit today, so that I might walk with You and live in a way that pleases You. THE TROUBLE WITHIN I see another law in my members, . . . bringing me into captivity to the law of sin. – Romans 7:23 When sin within us rears its head And seeks its former place, We must rely on Jesus’ strength And His unchanging grace. – Sper THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM IS THE PROBLEM OF MAN’S HEART. Galatians 5:17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. Phillips Paraphrase - For the whole energy of the lower nature is set against the Spirit, while the whole power of the Spirit is contrary to the lower nature. Here is the conflict, and that is why you are not free to do what you want to do. Wuest - for the evil nature constantly has a strong desire to suppress the Spirit, and the Spirit constantly has a strong desire to suppress the evil nature. And these are entrenched in an attitude of mutual opposition to one another so that you may not do the things that you desire to do. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. NET Galatians 5:17 For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want. GNT Galatians 5:17 ἡ γὰρ σὰρξ ἐπιθυμεῖ κατὰ τοῦ πνεύματος, τὸ δὲ πνεῦμα κατὰ τῆς σαρκός, ταῦτα γὰρ ἀλλήλοις ἀντίκειται, ἵνα μὴ ἃ ἐὰν θέλητε ταῦτα ποιῆτε. NLT Galatians 5:17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. KJV Galatians 5:17 For 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. ESV Galatians 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. ASV Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. CSB Galatians 5:17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don't do what you want. NIV Galatians 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. NKJ Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. NRS Galatians 5:17 For 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. YLT Galatians 5:17 for the flesh doth desire contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit contrary to the flesh, and these are opposed one to another, that the things that ye may will -- these ye may not do; NAB Galatians 5:17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. NJB Galatians 5:17 The desires of self-indulgence are always in opposition to the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are in opposition to self-indulgence: they are opposites, one against the other; that is how you are prevented from doing the things that you want to. GWN Galatians 5:17 What your corrupt nature wants is contrary to what your spiritual nature wants, and what your spiritual nature wants is contrary to what your corrupt nature wants. They are opposed to each other. As a result, you don't always do what you intend to do. BBE Galatians 5:17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; because these are opposite the one to the other; so that you may not do the things which you have a mind to do. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit: Ps 19:12,13 51:1-5,10-12 65:3 119:5,20,24,25,32,35,40,133,159 Ps 119:176 Ec 7:20 Isa 6:5 Mt 16:17,23 26:41 Joh 3:6 Ro 7:18,21-25 8:5,6,13 Jas 4:5,6 these are in opposition to one another: Ga 3:21 Mt 12:30 Ro 7:7,8,10-14 8:5-8 so that you may not do the things that you please: Ps 119:4-6 130:3 Mt 5:6 Lu 22:33,46,54-61 Ro 7:15-23 Php 3:12-16 Jas 3:2 1Jn 1:8-10 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOTE: For much more in depth discussion of this verse click Galatians 5:17 Commentary John MacArthur makes the observation that "Along with many others in the New Testament, these two verses (Galatians 5:17-18) make it obvious that walking by the Spirit is not simply a matter of passive surrender. The Spirit-led life is a life of conflict, because it is in constant combat with the old ways of the flesh that continue to tempt and seduce the believer. (Galatians. Chicago: Moody Press) For (gar) - Term of explanation. Paul is explaining the urgency and necessity of walking by the Spirit. Paul next explained the need for a life that is controlled and energized by the Spirit. The explanation is found in the fact that each Christian has two natures, a sinful nature received at birth, inherited from fallen Adam, and a new nature received at regeneration when said Christian became a participant in the divine nature (cf. 2 Peter 1:4). Both natures have desires, the one for evil and the other for holiness. Don Anderson - Within the child of God there is this TUG-OF-WAR going on between: OUR FLESH, OUR OLD NATURE, and THE SPIRIT who energizes the new nature. Paul describes this in: Romans 7:15-25 The law stirs up the flesh, and grace is operative through the Spirit. To live for yourself is to walk after the flesh. To live for God is to walk after the Spirit. To be dominated by the flesh is to be dominated by the devil. To be dominated by the devil. To be dominated by the Spirit is to be controlled by God. It is in the areas of our lives where we feel fully capable to move out on our own that the flesh gets a stronghold. It is those areas where we feel that we can make it on our own that we feel to lose Christ in that area would not affect us. It is in those areas where we are not dependent that we are vulnerable. All that the flesh needs to move into action is to be placed before God on a basis of performance or the fulfillment of certain legal requirements. This is where so few Christians seem to understand that our Christian life is not by our flesh dong anything, but Christ living through us. The Holy Spirit in all of His power is forming the life of Christ within each of us....We, through the flesh, try to do what only the Spirit of God can do and that is why we are so frustrated. We set up certain standards of legalism and then try in the flesh to perform properly and, failing to do so, become depressed, guilty and defeated. This is certainly the desire of Satan for each of us as God’s children, that we endeavor to please God by our personal performance. This was the danger that was facing these Galatian Christians. We want so badly to overcome the law of gravity. And we can stand there and jump and jump and we will never do it. For as we jump, we find that the law of gravity takes over and brings us back to earth. Now there is a greater law, the law of aerodynamics that will do that which we cannot do for ourselves. As we step into the plane and sit in the seat, we find that before long, we are skyward, overcoming the law of gravity, not in our ability; for if we decided to step outside the plane and see how personally we could overcome the law of gravity, we would find that the law of gravity would immediately take over. If our Christian life can be explained in terms of our own effort, then it can be safely said that we are living in the flesh....So Paul tells us that the flesh and the Spirit war within us for the right of domination and our only participation is to whom we yield. Austria and Prussia, in the time of Frederick, warred for Cilicia. Cilicia felt the shock of the conflict for it was fought upon her soil, but mightier contestants were deciding the issue. And so it is in the life of the Christian. (from 155 Page of Study Notes) Wuest says: When the flesh presses hard upon the believer with its evil behests, the Holy Spirit is there to oppose the flesh and give the believer victory over it, in order that the believer will not obey the flesh, and thus sin. When the Holy Spirit places a course of conduct upon the heart of the believer, the flesh opposes the Spirit in an effort to prevent the believer from obeying the Spirit. The purpose of each is to prevent the believer from doing what the other moves him to do. The choice lies with the saint. He must develop the habit of keeping his eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus and his trust in the Holy Spirit. The more he says NO to sin, the easier it is to say NO, until it becomes a habit. The more he says YES to the Lord Jesus, the easier it is to say YES, until that becomes a habit. (Wuest Word Studies - Eerdman Publishing Company Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3 - used by permission) COMMENT: I DON'T COMPLETELY AGREE WITH WUEST HERE -- WHILE WUEST DOES NOT SAY THIS IS THE SPECIFIC ORDER - NO TO FLESH, YES TO SPIRIT - THE WAY HE SAYS IT DOES AT LEAST LEAVE THAT IMPRESSION TO THE UNWARY. BUT THE KEY IS FIRST SAYING "YES" TO THE SPIRIT, FOR HOW ELSE CAN WE HAVE THE POWER TO SAY "NO" TO SIN. SPIRIT FIRST, THEN THE FLESH. GO BACK AND LOOK AT THE ORDER IN Galatians 5:16 - SPIRIT FIRST, THEN FLESH. DON'T INVERT THE ORDER!) the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh - Phillips paraphrase is picturesque - " For the whole energy of the lower nature is set against the Spirit, while the whole power of the Spirit is contrary to the lower nature." Bartlett says: It is imperative for our spiritual growth that we grasp the fact that the old nature is not removed or reformed at regeneration. Failure to understand this elementary fact frequently plunges the new convert into needless bewilderment and even despair of his standing before God when, after a peaceful period of triumph and fellowship with Jesus, he stumbles into the old sins and faults he fancied had been vanquished forever. With older Christians this error often operates to effect quite different results. Persuaded that they cannot sin, adherents of the heresy of sinless perfection will deny that those practices are sinful which the Word of GOD plainly denounces as sinful. He who thinks he has reached perfection is the victim of an illusion indicating that he is desperately in need of a new pair of glasses to forestall threatening blindness. (Galatians 5:16-23 - Practical Application ) Ian Thomas illustrates this by pointing out: Our human heart is the royal residence of the Holy Spirit. In this royal residence is the grand piano of personality. Man has the key. One day Satan convinced Adam that he could play the piano just as good as the Holy Spirit. While Satan and Adam were talking, not known to Adam, the devil’s sidekick, the flesh, slipped into the music room and began making a terrible racket by pounding away in discord at the grand piano that was meant to bring forth beautiful music. Sure Adam, now you can pick your own tune, play whatever you want. Well at that moment, Adam began to quarrel with Eve, Cain murdered Abel, and the whole vile thing has been going on ever since. (Quoted by Don Anderson)

Gálatas 5

Wuest - But if you are being led by the Spirit you are not under law. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law. NET Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. GNT Galatians 5:18 εἰ δὲ πνεύματι ἄγεσθε, οὐκ ἐστὲ ὑπὸ νόμον. NLT Galatians 5:18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. KJV Galatians 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. ESV Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. ASV Galatians 5:18 But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. CSB Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. NIV Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. NKJ Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. NRS Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. YLT Galatians 5:18 and if by the Spirit ye are led, ye are not under law. NAB Galatians 5:18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law. NJB Galatians 5:18 But when you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. GWN Galatians 5:18 If your spiritual nature is your guide, you are not subject to Moses' laws. BBE Galatians 5:18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law. But if you are led by the Spirit Ga 5:16,25 4:6 Ps 25:4,5,8,9 143:8-10 Pr 8:20 Isa 48:16-18 Eze 36:27 Joh 16:13 Ro 8:12,14 2Ti 1:7 1Jn 2:20-27 you are not under the Law.: Ga 4:5 Ro 6:14,15 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOTE: For in depth discussion of this verse click Galatians 5:18 Commentary But if you are led by the Spirit - In simple terms we are to yield to the Spirit and allow Him to lead us in our daily life. We are not to place ourselves under (subject to) the Law, which is what Paul has been saying throughout the book and especially in Galatians 5. Freedom is found in Christ alone and is enabled by His Spirit. It is not found in the Law. Note that the verb are led is passive voice which implies that the action occurs on us from a Source without. And yet while it is passive voice, that does not mean we are to be passive participants. In fact we have the choice to yield to His guidance so it is better seen as as a passive/active relationship. The Spirit of course takes the initiative for this is the pattern of God's grace. God takes the initiative and in this case His Spirit guides us and leads us. However we must actively choose to stand with Him against the flesh and follow His direction. Duncan asks "how does He give this, leading this direction? How does He guide us? He always leads according to the principles of the word of God. The leading of the Spirit does not take place in a vacuum. He is the divine author of scripture, of the Law, of the gospels, of all 66 books of the Bible. So His leading is always according to that and is never arbitrary. It occurs in the heart of the believer. He works upon our mind and upon our will, first by renewing our minds in regeneration, and then renewing through sanctification. He does that principally through the reading and teaching of the Word for Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. (Ro 10:17) He enlightens us about the goodness of God and the wickedness of sin and creates within us a desire to oppose indwelling sin at the same time giving us the power to oppose that sin, and enabling us to do that gladly, joyfully in obedience to God's commands. He enables us to do that (supernaturally), because that mindset is not natural within any of us. (Galatians 5:16-26 The Flesh And The Spirit)

Gálatas 5

Wuest - Now the works of the evil nature are well known, works of such a nature as, for example, fornication, uncleanness, wantonness, (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified -Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency, NET Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, GNT Galatians 5:19 φανερὰ δέ ἐστιν τὰ ἔργα τῆς σαρκός, ἅτινά ἐστιν πορνεία, ἀκαθαρσία, ἀσέλγεια, NLT Galatians 5:19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, KJV Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, ESV Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, ASV Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, CSB Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, NIV Galatians 5:19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; NKJ Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, NRS Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, YLT Galatians 5:19 And manifest also are the works of the flesh, which are: Adultery, whoredom, uncleanness, lasciviousness, NAB Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, NJB Galatians 5:19 When self-indulgence is at work the results are obvious: sexual vice, impurity, and sensuality, GWN Galatians 5:19 Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity, BBE Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are clear, which are these: evil desire, unclean things, wrong use of the senses, Now the deeds of the flesh are evident: Ga 5:13,17 6:8 Ps 17:4 Joh 3:6 Ro 7:5,18,25 8:3,5,9,13 1Co 3:3 1Pe 4:2 immorality, impurity, sensuality Eze 22:6-13 Mt 15:18,19 Mk 7:21-23 Ro 1:21-32 1Co 6:9,10 2Co 12:20,21 Eph 4:17-19 5:3-6 Col 3:5-8 1Ti 1:9,10 Tit 3:3 Jas 3:14,15 1Pe 4:3,4 Rev 21:8 22:15 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries HOW TO TELL IF YOU ARE FOLLOWING THE FLESH! NOTE: For in depth discussion of this verse click Galatians 5:19 Commentary - each of these sins is dealt with in depth. The acts of the flesh symbolize spiritual death, but the fruit of the Spirit is evidence of spiritual life. Don Anderson - Have you noticed that the terminology has changed here from the WORKS (DEEDS) OF THE LAW to the “WORKS (DEEDS) OF THE FLESH”? As soon as there is an introduction of law in my relationship to the Lord, immediately the flesh gets into the act. If we think we are going to be made righteous by the works of the law, it would be well for us to take a look at a few of its products as we by the flesh try to perform it. Back in verse 16 Paul COMMANDS us to “walk by means of the Spirit.” We do that by: DEPENDENCE, SUBMISSION, and OBEDIENCE. Whereas, when we get down to verse 19, the terminology has changed and it is: “THE WORKS OF THE FLESH.” The FOCUS is: off of DEPENDENCE and on DOING. It is: PERFORMING, CARRYING OUT THE CURRICULUM, and DOING THE DEMANDS OF THE LAW. Paul is now going to make a list of these “WORKS OF THE FLESH” in the next couple of verses. We will find there are FIFTEEN “WORKS OF THE FLESH” that are listed. (from 155 Page of Study Notes) Now the deeds of the flesh are evident - Evident (phanerós) means that which can be plainly seen and known. These sins are not subtle! And so these next 3 verses help us assess whether we are being led by the Spirit or are choosing to be led by our fallen flesh. Gal 5:19-21 clearly point out what a flesh-led life looks like. If these unholy deeds are active in our life, then we can know unequivocally that we are not submitting to the control of the Holy Spirit. Evident (5318)(phanerós = manifest, visible, conspicuous, from phaino = give light; to make to shine, to cause to become visible from phos = light; Study verb phaneroo) means made visible as an external manifestation to senses. Phaneros stresses what is visible to sight. Bartlett says: “Now, the works of the flesh are EVIDENT. . .” Let us pause right here. “The works of the flesh are EVIDENT”—that is to say, they are going to be shown for what they really are, in all their naked hideousness. The Word strips of glamour the sins that the world clothes with glamour. We do well from time to time to gaze upon the loathsome picture of sin which Scripture paints. (Galatians 5:16-23 - Practical Application) De Haan says: Notice just two words, WORKS (DEEDS) and FRUIT. Works of the flesh—Fruit of the Spirit. Works speak of effort, mechanics, toil and labor. Works result in weariness, faintness, and often frustration. It is accompanied by much fleshly effort, and much display and noise of hammer and saw. But FRUIT! How different! It does not involve work, but is the result of just RECEIVING, YIELDING, ACCEPTING. It means having no confidence in the flesh, but an honest confession of our weakness, an earnest plea for forgiveness, and a surrender to the will of God. (Studies in Galatians) Barker & Kohlenberger say: That pneuma and sarx are in conflict is now illustrated by contrasting lists of the works of the sinful nature and of the fruit of the Spirit. At the same time, the lists are more than a mere proof of what he has written earlier. For by raising these particulars of conduct, he also provides a checklist for measuring the conduct of those who consider themselves spiritual. If one’s conduct is characterized by the traits in the first list, then he or she is either not a believer or else a believer is not being led by God’s Spirit.

Gálatas 5

Wuest - idolatry, witchcraft, enmities, strife, jealousy, angers, self-seekings, divisions, factions, (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies), NET Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, GNT Galatians 5:20 εἰδωλολατρία, φαρμακεία, ἔχθραι, ἔρις, ζῆλος, θυμοί, ἐριθεῖαι, διχοστασίαι, αἱρέσεις, NLT Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, KJV Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, ESV Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, ASV Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, CSB Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, NIV Galatians 5:20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions NKJ Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, NRS Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, YLT Galatians 5:20 idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strifes, emulations, wraths, rivalries, dissensions, sects, NAB Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, NJB Galatians 5:20 the worship of false gods and sorcery; antagonisms and rivalry, jealousy, bad temper and quarrels, disagreements, GWN Galatians 5:20 idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, factions, BBE Galatians 5:20 Worship of images, use of strange powers, hates, fighting, desire for what another has, angry feelings, attempts to get the better of others, divisions, false teachings, Sorcery: Eze 22:18 De 18:10 1Sa 15:23 1Ch 10:13,14 2Ch 33:6 Ac 8:9-11 Ac 16:16-19 factions: 2Co 11:19 Tit 3:10 2Pe 2:1 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOTE: For in depth discussion of this verse click Galatians 5:20 Commentary - each of these sins is dealt with in depth. Idolatry (1495)(eidololatreia from eidolon = idol + latreia = service, worship) (See multiple Bile dictionary articles on idolatry) speaks of extreme admiration or reverence for something other than God. Idolatry more specifically is the worship of something created which is in direct opposition to the worship of the Creator Himself. Originally, a physical idol helped visualize the god it represented but later people worshipped the physical object itself (Ro 1:19; 20; 21; 22; 23 see notes Ro 1:19; 20; 21; 22; 23). Sorcery (5331) (pharmakeia from phamakeus = one who prepares or uses magical remedies; from pharmakon = a drug or spell giving potion, but also used of medicinal drugs; English - pharmacy, etc) primarily signified the use of medicine, drugs, spells, then, poisoning and finally sorcery. It was used to describe the use of magic which often involved the taking of drugs. Sorcery per se describes an occult practice in which the adherents claim to have supernatural powers and knowledge, including the ability to foretell the future and to summon evil spirits through charms and magical spells.

Gálatas 5

Wuest - envyings, drunkenness, carousings, and the things of such a nature which are like these things, respecting which things I am telling you beforehand even as I told you in advance, that those who are in the habit of practicing things of that nature shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. NET Galatians 5:21 envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God! GNT Galatians 5:21 φθόνοι, μέθαι, κῶμοι καὶ τὰ ὅμοια τούτοις, ἃ προλέγω ὑμῖν, καθὼς προεῖπον ὅτι οἱ τὰ τοιαῦτα πράσσοντες βασιλείαν θεοῦ οὐ κληρονομήσουσιν. NLT Galatians 5:21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. KJV Galatians 5:21 Envyings, 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. ESV Galatians 5:21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ASV Galatians 5:21 envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. CSB Galatians 5:21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance-- as I told you before-- that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. NIV Galatians 5:21 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. NKJ Galatians 5:21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. NRS Galatians 5:21 envy, 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. YLT Galatians 5:21 envyings, murders, drunkennesses, revellings, and such like, of which I tell you before, as I also said before, that those doing such things the reign of God shall not inherit. NAB Galatians 5:21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. NJB Galatians 5:21 factions and malice, drunkenness, orgies and all such things. And about these, I tell you now as I have told you in the past, that people who behave in these ways will not inherit the kingdom of God. GWN Galatians 5:21 envy, drunkenness, wild partying, and similar things. I've told you in the past and I'm telling you again that people who do these kinds of things will not inherit the kingdom of God. BBE Galatians 5:21 Envy, uncontrolled drinking and feasting, and such things: of which I give you word clearly, even as I did in the past, that they who do such things will have no part in the kingdom of God. drunkenness: De 21:20 Lu 21:34 Ro 13:13 1Co 5:11 6:10 Eph 5:18 1Th 5:7 carousing: 1Pe 4:3 that those who practice such things: Isa 3:11 Ro 2:8,9 8:13 1Co 6:9,10 Eph 5:5,6 Col 3:6 Rev 21:27 Rev 22:15 will not inherit the kingdom of God Mt 25:34 1Co 6:10 15:50 Eph 5:5 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOTE: For in depth discussion of this verse click Galatians 5:21 Commentary - each of these sins is dealt with in depth. Envying (5355)(phthonos) describes pain felt and malignity conceived at the sight of excellence or happiness. It means not just wanting what another person has, but also resenting that person for having it. It is an attitude of ill-will that leads to division and strife and even murder. When we envy, we cannot bear to see the prosperity of others, because we ourselves feel continually wretched. The English word envy is interesting as it is derived from the Latin in = against and video = to look, “to look with ill-will,” etc., toward another, and obviously is an evil strongly condemned in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. To envy is to feel a grudging discontent aroused by the possessions, achievements, or qualities of another along with the desire to have for oneself something possessed by another. To envy another is to show spiteful malice and resentment over another’s advantage. To envy is to possess a discontented feeling that arises in one's selfish heart in view of the superiority of another, and being nearly tantamount to the expression of jealousy. The one who envies possesses a malignant passion that sees in another qualities that it covets, and can even degenerate into hatred for their possessor. When we feel envy towards others our basic desire is to degrade them, not so much because we aspires after elevation as because we delight in obscuring those who are more deserving. It follows that envyingwhile seemingly just an "innocent" sin is in fact one of the most odious and detestable of all vices. Drunkenness (3178)(methe) is the Greek word most often was used of intentional and habitual intoxication. It is worth noting that in two of the three NT uses of carousing and drunkenness are found side-by-side, which is not surprising to see one sin begat another. Carousing (2970)(komos) originally referred to a band of friends who accompanied a victor in a military engagement or athletic contest on his way home, singing with rejoicing and praises to the victor. But the word "degenerated:" until it came to mean "carousal" or a noisy, nocturnal and riotous procession of half drunken revelers and frolicsome fellows who after supper paraded through the streets at night with torches and music in honor of Bacchus or some other deity, singing and playing before houses of male and female friends (and causing a major public disturbance). Hence komos generally refers to feasts and drinking parties that are protracted till late at night and indulge in revelry. Forewarn (foretell, tell in advance) (4302)(prolego from pró = before + lego = to say) means literally to say or tell beforehand (in advance and so to predict), to foretell or to forewarn (the idea is the to warn in advance). Forewarned is forearmed! Practice (4238)(prasso) means doing something as a regular practice or as a routine habit, and is distinguished from poieo which means "to do" which focuses more on the end/achievement of the action. In contrast prasso focuses on the process or habitual effort to arrive at the end/achievement, and thus refers more to the course of conduct. Paul uses the present tense which emphasizes not just an occasional lapse but a lifestyle! And the active voice emphasizes this is their conscious, volitional, deliberate choice to commit these sins (and others like them). No one coerced them. That those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God - Practice is the verb prasso which means in essence that they are actively carrying out ("accomplishing") one or more of these sins. Prasso is in the present tense indicating that they are carrying out these sins continually, as a way of life, as their habitual practice. In short, they are not believers. Anderson - Here in these “works of the flesh” we see the POWER OF EVIL to take: that which is GOOD and to twist it into that which is EVIL, that which is BEAUTIFUL and so deform it that it is UGLY, and the FINEST THINGS and to make them AVENUES FOR SIN. (from 155 Page of Study Notes)

Gálatas 5

Wuest - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, NET Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, GNT Galatians 5:22 Ὁ δὲ καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματός ἐστιν ἀγάπη χαρὰ εἰρήνη, μακροθυμία χρηστότης ἀγαθωσύνη, πίστις NLT Galatians 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, KJV Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ESV Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ASV Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, CSB Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, NIV Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, NKJ Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, NRS Galatians 5:22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, YLT Galatians 5:22 And the fruit of the Spirit is: Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, NAB Galatians 5:22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, NJB Galatians 5:22 On the other hand the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, GWN Galatians 5:22 But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, BBE Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, a quiet mind, kind acts, well-doing, faith, the fruit: Ga 5:16-18 Ps 1:3 92:14 Ho 14:8 Mt 12:33 Lu 8:14,15 13:9 Joh 15:2,5,16 Ro 6:22 7:4 Eph 5:9 Php 1:11 Col 1:10 love: Ga 5:13 Ro 5:2-5 12:9-18 15:3 1Co 13:4-7 Eph 4:23-32 5:1,2 Php 4:4-9 Col 3:12-17 1Th 1:3-10 5:10-22 Titus 2:2-12 Jas 3:17,18 1Pe 1:8,22 2Pe 1:5-8 1Jn 4:7-16 goodness: Ro 15:14 faithfulness: 1Co 13:7,13 2Th 3:2 1Ti 3:11 4:12 1Pe 5:12 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOTE: For in depth discussion of this verse click Galatians 5:22 Commentary - each of these virtues is dealt with in depth. But the fruit of the Spirit - Paul now gives 9 virtues that are evidence of being led by the Spirit. Note the designation is fruit, not deeds. Deeds or works, speak of what man can do, as with the works or the deeds of the Law. On the other hand fruit must grow out of life and in the case of the believer, it grows out of the life of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us and produces His fruit in and through us. Notice also that while deeds are plural, fruit is singular stressing the fact that all 9 virtues compose a uniform whole, a unity. Think of them as a cluster of grapes which are all attached to one branch. The point is that ALL of them are to be found in the believer.

Gálatas 5

Wuest - meekness, self-control. Against such things as these there is no law. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law that can bring a charge]. NET Galatians 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. GNT Galatians 5:23 πραΰτης ἐγκράτεια· κατὰ τῶν τοιούτων οὐκ ἔστιν νόμος. NLT Galatians 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! KJV Galatians 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. ESV Galatians 5:23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ASV Galatians 5:23 meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. CSB Galatians 5:23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. NIV Galatians 5:23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. NKJ Galatians 5:23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. NRS Galatians 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. YLT Galatians 5:23 meekness, temperance: against such there is no law; NAB Galatians 5:23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. NJB Galatians 5:23 gentleness and self-control; no law can touch such things as these. GWN Galatians 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that. BBE Galatians 5:23 Gentle behaviour, control over desires: against such there is no law. self-control: Ac 24:25 1Co 9:25 Tit 1:8 2:2 against such things there is no law: 1Ti 1:9 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOTE: For in depth discussion of this verse click Galatians 5:23 Commentary - each of these virtues is dealt with in depth. Duncan - All of these are fruit. And fruit, as you know, has seeds. So fruit begets more fruit. And the fruit of the Spirit does that. Love begets more love. Joy begets more joy and so on. It reproduces itself. It is living. It grows naturally and increases as we live under the control and guidance of the Holy Spirit. And in that way it is in contrast to the deeds of the works of the flesh, which suggest labor and effort and toil. Spiritual fruit is not our work. It is a gift of the Spirit, and that's the main point. These virtues are a product of grace. We can't produce them in our own strength. We can't produce them by putting ourselves under some legal code. Only the Spirit can do that, and He does that. He produces this. And for those who are being led by the Spirit, these virtues are as natural as fruit on a vine. So we have to ask ourselves, are we living under the control of the Spirit? Husbands, are you loving your wives? Mothers and fathers, are you being patient with your children? Children, are you being obedient to your parents? Do people look at us and say, "Those people have joy"? Is our conduct and way of life such that it would draw people to Christ? Are we kind to one another? Are we kind to those around us? When we go to a restaurant, are we kind to the waiter or the waitress? These little things in life are where the fruit of the Spirit are displayed. And they will be displayed if we're walking by the Spirit. Well, this is what we need to ask ourselves and this is how we need to examine ourselves and this is what we need to pray for, for ourselves and for one another, that the Lord will produce in us His fruit. This is what we need to seek to emulate in our lives. This is truly the good live. It's the best life. It's the highest life, as Paul says, against such things there is no Law. (Galatians 5:16-26 The Flesh And The Spirit) “FAITHFULNESS”—this is the quality of reliability or trustworthiness; a person upon whom you can utterly rely and his words you can trust. “He who is faithful in little will be allowed to be faithful in much.” Related Resources: What is gentleness? What is self-control? Under Control He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty. —Proverbs 16:32 When the head coach of a university baseball team retired, one sportswriter noted an amazing statistic. While winning 1,466 games, 22 conference championships, and 2 national titles, this coach was never ejected from a game by an umpire. A former player described his coach as “a legend, a winner, but above everything else, he’s a gentleman, on and off the field.” That tribute made me stop and consider my behavior in the game of life. Amid daily pressures and confrontations, how do I react to people at home, at work, or on the highway? Are my words and actions consistent with my profession of faith in Christ? It’s clear from Scripture that God places great value on self-control: “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Prov. 16:32). A patient person receives greater commendation than a powerful warrior. A person whose temper is under control rates higher marks than a conquering hero. Thinking It Over When do you become angry? What happens to you and to others when you lose self-control? What happens when you keep your temper in check? The person who loses his head is usually the last one to miss it. Galatians 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Phillips Paraphrase - Those who belong to Christ have crucified their old nature with all that it loved and lusted for. Wuest - And they who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the evil nature with its dispositions and cravings once for all. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. NET Galatians 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. GNT Galatians 5:24 οἱ δὲ τοῦ Χριστοῦ [Ἰησοῦ] τὴν σάρκα ἐσταύρωσαν σὺν τοῖς παθήμασιν καὶ ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις. NLT Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. KJV Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. ESV Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ASV Galatians 5:24 And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. CSB Galatians 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. NIV Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. NKJ Galatians 5:24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. NRS Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. YLT Galatians 5:24 and those who are Christ's, the flesh did crucify with the affections, and the desires; NAB Galatians 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. NJB Galatians 5:24 All who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified self with all its passions and its desires. GWN Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their corrupt nature along with its passions and desires. BBE Galatians 5:24 And those who are Christ's have put to death on the cross the flesh with its passions and its evil desires. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus Ga 3:29 Ro 8:9 1Co 3:23 15:23 2Co 10:7 have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires: Ga 5:16-18,20 6:14 Ro 6:6 8:13 13:14 1Pe 2:11 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOTE: For in depth discussion of this verse click Galatians 5:24 Commentary Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires - Every believer has has crucified the flesh. What is the significance of that statement? Well, think about crucifixion. What was the result? Death. And so now as new creatures in Christ, our prior relationship to the flesh is dead. The verb have crucified is aorist tense meaning that it happened at a point in time. What was that point for believers? Obviously it was the moment we believed in Christ as our Savior. At that very moment we were justified, we were clothed in Christ's righteousness, we were placed into an unbreakable covenant with Christ and at that moment a definitive break with the past occurred. This is what Paul says in Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Spurgeon on crucified the flesh - Condemned it to die, nailed it up to the cross, and kept it in a dying, mortifying posture. A crucified Christ is the leader of a crucified people. Let it never be forgotten that the grand object for which we lay hold of Christ is the death of sin. If you believed in Christ so that you might escape the pangs of hell, you have a very poor idea of what Jesus Christ has come into the world to do. He is proclaimed to be a Savior who “shall save his people from their sins” (Matt 1:21). This is the object of His mission. True, He comes to give pardon, but He never gives pardon without giving repentance with it. He comes to justify, but He does not justify without also sanctifying. Oh, to have all the affections and lusts of the flesh nailed up! They may not be actually dead, for those who are crucified may still live on for some hours. But they are doomed to die; their life is a very painful one, and it is hastening to a close. A man who is crucified cannot get down from the cross to do what he wills. It is a great blessing to have our sinful self thus nailed up. It may struggle, but it cannot get down; it may strive and cry, but its hands and feet are nailed. You cannot go into active, actual sin. The Lord grant that the nails may hold very fast, that none of the struggles of our old nature may be able to pull out those nails that have fastened it up to the cross! And happy indeed shall that day be when it shall be wholly dead. Dan Duncan explains have crucified the flesh - "So the death of the old man and the power of the flesh, which Christ secured for us through His crucifixion. Because at the cross, salvation was settled. It was accomplished at the cross and all of the benefits of it were secured for us, not just our justification, but our death to sin and death to the old man and the power of sin was broken there at the cross. That's where it was accomplished. But that became our experience. It became a reality in our life at the moment of faith and conversion. As a result, we no longer belong to the flesh. We belong to Christ. Our desires are to be directed by Him alone, through the Holy Spirit. So the unexpressed command or instruction or exhortation that follows from this is the way that we find in Romans 6:11+, where Paul writes, "Reckon (present imperative) yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus." As you read through Paul's letters, you see a very definite and clear pattern. All through his writings he states doctrine and he explains that doctrine extensively. And only then, after he has explained his doctrine, does he draw from it an exhortation, does he give instruction. That statement of Romans 6:11 is the first command given in the book of Romans. That means we have five and a half chapters of doctrine before there's every a command or an instruction on behavior given. Now the implied exhortation here in what Paul has said in Galatian 5:24 is to reckon this crucifixion to have taken place in our lives, realize that we are dead to the flesh, consider that to be true, and live like it. Don't be mastered by the flesh. It's defeated. That's the implication of Paul's statement in verse 24. (Galatians 5:16-26 The Flesh And The Spirit) Attitude Check Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. —Galatians 5:24 In a television interview, a Christian spoke of a certain well-known man as having “a solid relationship with Christ.” That statement raised a large question mark in my mind since the man’s life is marked by vulgar speech, alcohol abuse, and flagrant womanizing. I felt the need for evidence that he hates his lifestyle and wants to be different. The Bible clearly shows that the inner being of a Christian is a battlefield where sinful desires clash with the indwelling Holy Spirit. Sometimes sinful tendencies win, but it is in the attitude toward sin that the genuine believer and the pretender show their true colors. The counterfeit Christian is quite comfortable with his sin. But the child of God hates his sin, confesses it, and desires victory over it. This is because “those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal. 5:24). The Christian can find no peace until he confesses his sins and repudiates them. As he relies on the Holy Spirit, he enjoys a pattern of victory over sin. Thinking It Through What is the conflict Paul discusses in Romans 7:15-23? How can I gain victory over sin? (8:1-13). How can I know I am a child of God? (8:14-17). To love Christ is to hate sin. Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Phillips Paraphrase - If our lives are centred in the Spirit, let us be guided by the Spirit. Wuest - In view of the fact that we are being sustained in spiritual life by the Spirit, by means of the Spirit let us go on ordering our conduct. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] NET Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. GNT Galatians 5:25 εἰ ζῶμεν πνεύματι, πνεύματι καὶ στοιχῶμεν. NLT Galatians 5:25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. KJV Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ESV Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. ASV Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk. CSB Galatians 5:25 Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. NIV Galatians 5:25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. NKJ Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. NRS Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. YLT Galatians 5:25 if we may live in the Spirit, in the Spirit also we may walk; NAB Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. NJB Galatians 5:25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let our behaviour be guided by the Spirit GWN Galatians 5:25 If we live by our spiritual nature, then our lives need to conform to our spiritual nature. BBE Galatians 5:25 If we are living by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us be guided. If we live by the Spirit: Joh 6:63 Ro 8:2,10 1Co 15:45 2Co 3:6 1Pe 4:6 Rev 11:11 let us also walk by the Spirit. Ga 5:16 Ro 8:4,5 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOTE: For in depth discussion of this verse click Galatians 5:25 Commentary Dan Duncan on If we live by the Spirit - It is stated in the form of a condition ("If" clause). "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." But the sense of that is not questioning whether that's true or not. The idea is since this is a fact, since we do in fact live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. In other words, because the Holy Spirit gives us life and sustains us with His power, we are to be obedient to Him. We are to walk by the Spirit. Now we've noticed the word "walk" in Gal 5:16. This word (stoicheo) has the idea of walking in a line. It's a military term of marching in file to battle, of keeping in step behind the leader. The New International Version translates it, "Let us keep in step with the Spirit." He is our leader and we follow in His footsteps. So the idea is take steps. And as we do that, the Spirit leads us through this life. He knows the way to go far better than we do. He's omniscient. He knows this world. He knows time. He knows what's coming. He knows what's passed. He knows the future as well as the past. He knows everything. And if we can imagine ourselves walking through this world like a spiritual battlefield with pitfalls and minefields, He knows where all the mines are. He knows where all the pits are. He knows the way and so we're to follow Him, we're to trust Him, and He will lead us safely. We do that step by step, moment by moment. that's how we live the Christian life, by faith in this moment and in the next moment living by faith. That's the picture that Paul gives, and we do that the way a child learns to walk, by taking a first step and then a second step. And just as a child's first step is unsteady and the second step unsteady, you know that as a parent you have helped your children learn to walk and you remember how the first step was probably taken as he or she held onto a chair and then ventured out and took a step and then fell down. And what did you do? You helped him up, helped her up. You didn't scold him for not making that first step well. No, we're patient with our children. We help them along. And in the same way, the Spirit of God works with us. He is patient with us, helping as a parent helps his or her child along. He takes our hand, just like we would have done with our children, and led them along. And He helps us along and encourages us to follow. He is not a hard master. He is gentle and wants us to learn to walk and to follow Him. But we must do that. The child learns to walk by taking that first dangerous step and then recovering from that first fall and making that next step and recovering from the next fall, and so it is from us. We must follow. We must step. We must keep in step, as Paul says. We will never learn to walk by the Spirit if we don't take those initial steps, meaning if we don't act in obedience. We do that. We take those steps of faith by following the path of love, joy, peace, patience, and avoiding impurity, idolatry, anger, envy, all of the others. (Galatians 5:16-26 The Flesh And The Spirit) Walk (keep in step) (4748)(stoicheo from stoichos = row, line, rank) is literally to walk in line, walk in a straight line, proceed in a row, to follow in someone’s footsteps. To keep in rank and file. To march in in file or in battle order.BDAG writes that stoicheo means "to be in line with a person or thing considered as standard for one’s conduct." Walking In Step If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. —Galatians 5:25 When my daughter Ann was in the high school marching band, I loved to watch the young musicians march in step. Whether they were performing before a panel of judges at a district competition, at halftime during a football game, or on tour in Austria, they moved as one to the cadence of the drums and the lead of the drum major. Galatians 5:25 states, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” That last phrase can also be translated, “Keep in step with the Spirit.” It means that as we walk along in our Christian lives, we are to follow the Spirit’s lead. We are to be in harmony with Him. If we get out of step, follow a wrong cadence, or stray off the correct pathway, the results will be obvious (vv.19-21). How can we tell if we are walking in step with the Spirit? Paul spelled it out clearly in Galatians 5. We will not be guilty of the practices mentioned in verses 19 through 21. Rather, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—will be clearly evident in our lives (vv.22-23). Oh, may the life of the Savior flow through us, Bearing rich fruit by the Spirit within, And may each longing for selfish enjoyment Be overcome lest it lead us to sin. —DJD If you keep in step with God, you'll be out of step with the world. Galatians 5:26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. Phillips Paraphrase - Let us not be ambitious for our own reputations, for that only means making each other jealous. Wuest - Let us stop becoming vain-glorious, provoking one another, envying one another. (Eerdmans Publishing) Amplified - Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another. NET Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, being jealous of one another. GNT Galatians 5:26 μὴ γινώμεθα κενόδοξοι, ἀλλήλους προκαλούμενοι, ἀλλήλοις φθονοῦντες. NLT Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. KJV Galatians 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. ESV Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. ASV Galatians 5:26 Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, envying one another. CSB Galatians 5:26 We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. NIV Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. NKJ Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. NRS Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another. YLT Galatians 5:26 let us not become vain-glorious -- one another provoking, one another envying! NAB Galatians 5:26 Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another. NJB Galatians 5:26 and let us not be conceited or provocative and envious of one another. GWN Galatians 5:26 We can't allow ourselves to act arrogantly and to provoke or envy each other. BBE Galatians 5:26 Let us not be full of self-glory, making one another angry, having envy of one another. Let us not become boastful: Lu 14:10 1Co 3:7 Php 2:1-3 Jas 4:16 challenging one another: Ga 5:15 Jas 3:14-16 1Pe 5:5 Galatians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOTE: For in depth discussion of this verse click Galatians 5:26 Commentary Paul's point with these negative attitudes and actions is to point out that the Galatians were struggling in their first steps. The only way to overcome such problems and all of the deeds of the flesh is by following the Spirit, keeping in step with Him daily, moment by moment. Duncan - We are living in a spiritual war zone and we are each engaged in great personal spiritual battles. Every one of you have issues that you're dealing with. We're all going through battles. I don't know what's going on in your life. We don't know what's going on in each other's lives, but there is a battle going on. We do that, because Paul sets that forth very clearly. The flesh and the Spirit are locked in a mortal struggle. All around there are temptations and dangers. But the struggle is not a stalemate. It is not pitted against two equal opponents. The Spirit is stronger than the flesh and as we follow Him, He will lead us through and give us victory. Back during the second World War, during the dark days of the German blitz, when London was being bombed night and day, King George VI gave the Christmas broadcast. In it he quoted a poem that began, "I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, 'Give me a light that I may go safely into the unknown.' And he said to me, 'Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God and it shall be safer to you than any known way.'" Well, that's what we are to do. Trust the Lord. Follow the Spirit's lead. Walk by Him and He will give us guidance and we will live well, and it will be confirmed that we are children of God and heirs of the kingdom of God. Well, may God help us all to do that. And if you are here without Christ, if you've not trusted in Him, we invite you to do that. Believe in God's Son who became a man and died for sinners. All who do that are saved. They are sealed with a Holy Spirit and they began at that moment a life in which they're led by Him, guided by Him. Now that life is a life of struggle, but it's also a life of victory. It is a clean life and the good life. It is the very best life. It's eternal life and it's in Christ Jesus, so look to Him. May God help us all to do that. (Galatians 5:16-26 The Flesh And The Spirit) Spurgeon on boastful (or become conceited) - A very common sin—wishing to shine. We call it glory, but it is vain glory; it is marred by vanity if it arises from anything done by us. Glory for you or for me because of anything that we can do is too absurd an idea to be entertained for a moment. Do not let us want to be accounted as somebody; for, if we do, we prove that we are really nobody. Nobody is anybody till he is willing to be nobody. As long as he wants to be somebody, he is nobody and nothing. Spurgeon on envying one another If each would strive who should do the greatest deeds of love, and each were willing to take the lowest place, then this evil would never be known again. Do Christian people need to be talked to like this? Indeed they do, for the best of men are but men at their best, and the godliest saint is liable to fall into the foulest sin unless the grace of God prevents it. Oh, that we could expel from the Church of Christ all vain glorying, all provoking of one another, and all envying of one another! How often, if one Christian brother does a little more than his fellow workers, they begin to find fault with him. If one is blessed with greater success than others are, how frequently that success is disparaged and spoken of slightingly! This spirit of envy is, more or less, in us all. Though perhaps we are not exhibiting it just now, it only needs a suitable opportunity for its display, and it would be manifested. No man has any idea how bad he really is. You do not know how good the grace of God can make you, or how bad you are by nature, or how bad you might become if that nature were left to itself. Standard Equipment? Let us not become conceited, . . . envying one another. —Galatians 5:26 An intriguing 3-page automobile ad in the Wall Street Journal reminded me how the secular world capitalizes on our tendency to envy. Page 1 shows a 1960 Mark II Jaguar. The caption reads: “Just as this was the envy of the automotive world . . .” Then on pages 2 and 3 is a picture of a brand-new Jaguar, and the caption continues, “Once again envy will be standard equipment.” Now, I know it’s not a sin to want a Jaguar. But if I become discontented and resentful toward my neighbor because he owns one and I don’t, I have a serious envy problem. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul ranked envy with the sins of adultery, murder, and drunkenness. This may surprise us until we consider the destructive power of this sinful attitude. Envy drove Joseph’s brothers to sell him into Egypt (Acts 7:9). Envy fueled Paul’s opponents in Thessalonica to start a riot to thwart the gospel (17:5). Envy motivated the chief priests to hand over Jesus to be crucified (Mk. 15:10). Even when it doesn’t lead to such cruel actions, envy takes the place of love and hurts relationships (1 Cor. 13:4). From seeds of envy in the heart Spring bitter weeds of hate; If they take root and get a start, Much strife they'll generate. —DJD When you turn green with envy, you are ripe for trouble.