Sunday, September 20, 2009

Gal 5 is about the freedom we have in Christ, no longer relying on obedience to the law in order to be made right with God. Our confidence is in the righteousness we have through faith in Christ, which allows us to live by the Spirit in eager anticipation of our inheritance promised by God. We have "been called to live in freedom--not freedom to satisfy our sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love". Paul advises to live according to our new life in the Holy Spirit, who gives us desires that are opposite from what our sinful nature desires. He says, "when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law". When the Spirit controls our lives, He produces in us love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As Paul says, "let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives" and rely on the Spirit's power to work through us, continually presenting ourselves and submitting ourselves for His purposes. Amen.