Wednesday, July 14
Read Galatians 5
Think About It:
- Christ died to set us free from sin and from a long list of laws and regulations. Christ came to set us free – not free to do whatever we want because that would lead us back into slavery to our selfish desires. Rather, because of Christ, we are now free and able to do what was impossible before – to live unselfishly. Paul distinguishes between freedom to sin and freedom to serve. Freedom or license to sin is no freedom at all because it enslaves you to Satan, others, or your own sinful nature. In Christ we are not slaves to sin, because we are free to do what is right and to glorify God through loving service to others. What reminder and what warning does Paul give in verses 14 and 15?
- Galatians 5:19-21 gives us a list of vices, works of the flesh that must be identified and dealt with decisively; verse 24 tells us that they must be crucified. We must daily commit our sinful tendencies to God’s control, daily crucify them, and moment by moment draw on the Spirit’s power to overcome them. Are there areas of your life that you need to deal with today? Allow the Spirit to help you identify and crucify any sinful desires that the enemy uses against you.
- Galatians 5:22-23 lists the familiar virtues that are the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Christ. They are byproducts of Christ’s control – we can’t obtain them by trying to get them without His help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our lives to His. We must know Him, love Him, remember Him, and imitate Him. As a result, we will fulfill the intended purpose of the law – to love God and our neighbors. Which of these qualities do you most need the Holy Spirit to produce in you?
Family Time:
- Who should you love as yourself? (verse 14)
- Live each day controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit. Then the words of Christ will be in your mind, the love of Christ will be behind your actions and the power of Christ will help you control your selfish desires. (verses 16-18)
