I’m going to go out on a limb here and talk about Galatians 5 and the fruit of the Spirit.
Let’s begin by taking a look at Galatians 5:19-21, “5:19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, 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!”
It sounds like a lot of fun. Sounds like good times, nothing bad here, been there and done that years ago? We good so far?
Now take a look at Galatians 5:22-23 and tell me what you think.
“5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
This list is a lot more pleasing to the eye, isn’t it? Love, joy, patience, peace…..
Did you notice what Paul said in verse 23? There’s no law against these things.
When you think about the laws in our society, what is their main purpose? What were they designed to do? Who are they protecting?
The laws were implemented to control the bad stuff listed in verses 19 through 21. They are designed to protect us; they are designed to prevent injury, death, hurt, chaos, pain, anger, retaliation, and the like. Notice there is no law against being kind or peaceful, or gentle.
Why?
Because these are the things, we should already be doing. These are the things that promote goodness among the people. These are the things people should be practicing. But why is it people seem to practice the other things more? What is the attraction?
Tomorrow, we’ll dive deeper into the subject and keep reading what Paul has to say on the subject. In the meantime, let’s pray about the above lists, shall we.
Father, may we all implement a little more peace, gentleness, joy, patience, kindness, and the like. May we shed the other qualities that are not Christ-like. It’s hard to do sometimes, but Lord, we know if we determine to do so, we can. Thanks, Lord, for giving us a great example in your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name, I pray all these things, Amen.
In His Service
The Teaching Lady
Prophecies of the Messiah – Heir To The Throne
Prophecies Of The Messiah – Born Of A Virgin
Recent Comments