Galatians 5:25-26 Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.
I love how the MSG translation brings to life scriptures that we have known all along. Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians to address the hot debate between the Christian Jews and the Gentiles. The Jews had believed that righteousness could only be achieved through the laws of Moses. Paul debunked this by saying that it is through faith and not works which is now a new dispensation. Paul argued that the circumcision that the Jews were insisting on was now being fulfilled in the heart. Righteousness was to be achieved only through the help of the Holy Spirit. He who was given to us freely as a helper John 14:26 to enable us achieve the righteousness that God required of us. Paul goes on further to urge the Galatians to walk in the Spirit in order not to gratify the desires of the flesh. Gal 5:16. He then demonstrates the conflict that exists between the flesh and the Spirit. This constant struggle that the law of Moses was not able to free you from. Paul asserts that the new dispensation now that is about faith through Jesus leverages on the fruits of the Spirit that we must possess within us. These fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control when they grow within you will help you overcome the desires of the flesh. In order to keep the fruit growing, Paul reminds the believers that it is only possible by crucifying the flesh and living in the Spirit.
Friends, in order to enjoy this freedom from the law, freedom from condemnation we must keep in step with the Spirit. We must allow the Spirit of God full access to every aspect of our lives (MSG). He is either Lord of all or not Lord at all. We cannot have it both ways. We must live our lives as Prov 3:5-6 requests us i.e. trusting and submitting to God wholeheartedly and letting Him direct our paths. Your desires and wants must take a backseat and the Lord’s will must be at the forefront of our minds. We must intentionally seek His will to know which way He is leading us, every step. The analogy as depicted in the NIV translation (Gal 5:25-26) is step by step. He leads, we follow. We keep up with Him. If someone must keep in step with you they must be close enough. This is a fellowship. A communion. In order to fellowship with Him then we must then cultivate those habits that shall develop the fruits of the Spirit. Get rid of old habits i.e. the works of the flesh that are obvious, in other words, resist the devil and he will flee away from you. (James 4:7)
Today, I encourage you to concern yourself with the things that concern Him. The Bible encourages us to set our minds on those things that are above (Col 3:2). For us to keep in step with the Spirit, then we must fix our eyes on Him. (Heb 12:2). We cannot lose focus. We must forget those things which are behind us and press toward the calling. (Phil 3:13-14). Brethren, true freedom is found in the Spirit. The freedom that we desperately crave, freedom from the war within will only be found where the Spirit is. (2 Cor 3:17). If we are close enough, we shall keep in step with Him and experience this freedom.
“The world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to Him. By God’s help, I aim to be that man.” This quote is attributed to Dwight L. Moody.
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