Blog Crumbs

 

Blog Crumbs

During the last few months I have been emailing out some Bible Study notes called “ Crumbs”. I propose publishing then on my Blog. I have just started a series on “The fruit of the Spirit.” The first two studies are about the context of “The fruit of the Spirit.” You will find the first study of this series below.

Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 22

Two Ways

 

Galatians 5:16-18 NIV16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

 Crumbs

Paul lays out two ways of living; walking by the Spirit and gratifying the desires of the flesh. He is dealing with two problems in the Galatian church, indulgence of the sinful nature and destructive division ( verses 13 to 15). The fruit of the Spirit shows us what sort of people we will become if we submit to and live by the Spirit’s guidance. The fruit derives from God the Spirit and so shows us the qualities of God Himself. For these two reasons we will concentrate on these more than on the works of the flesh which are listed for our avoidance.

Verse 16 Instructs us in an important principle. The way to deal with sin in our lives is to pursue goodness. We must overcome evil with good. ( Romans 12;21)’

Verse 17 removes the middle ground. It’s either the Spirit or the flesh However much we want to do good we need the Spirit’s help.

Verse 18 discards a possible third way. Salvation through adherence to regulation. Historically the Jews had tried this path. Saved through the cross and led by the Spirit we do not have to go it under our own steam.  

Queries ( for private thought or joint discussion)

 1. What is meant by “ live by the Spirit”?

2. What is the relationship between indulgence of the sinful nature and destructive division within the church?

3. Why is salvation through works of the law a nonstarter?