Christians can often fail to realise that salvation in Christ brings about a revolution with life-changing and lifelong consequences. Conversion is the necessary starting point, but it must be followed by transformation of every aspect of life. Too often the lives of Christians seem to be little different from those of others. When we are saved, nothing remains the same. We now consider Galatians 5:19-26 Keep in step with the Spirit
1. Rejecting fleshly works
Paul expands on the contrast between the influence of the Spirit and of the flesh. We need to understand that the ‘flesh’ is our old sinful nature, not just its bodily element. It is the corruption of the soul/spirit that issues in sinful actions. The list of sins that Paul provides includes some that are not necessarily visible outwardly in bodily actions. Although the old nature has been put to death (‘crucified’, v24), and is no longer our master, old ways, habits and desires can be deeply ingrained and still exercise a damaging influence. Paul provides a wide-ranging list that includes sexual sins (such as ‘impurity’), corruptions of true religion (‘idolatry’), corruption of relationships (‘hatred’) and the indulgence of our appetites (‘drunkenness’). His conclusion: ‘I warn you…that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God’. We all fall from time to time, but a lifestyle like this discredits any profession of faith.
2. Bearing godly fruit
It is not sufficient to get rid of sinful conduct. It must be replaced by godly fruit – ‘the fruit of the Spirit’ (v22). Note ‘fruit’ is singular – the parts are interrelated and form a unity. Fundamental to understanding the fruit is the fact that it is the fruit ‘of the Spirit’ – the result of his ministry. His power enables fruit-bearing (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). It is vital to see that the fruit of the Spirit is the character of Christ. It is into his image that we are being transformed. He exemplifies love, joy and all the other elements of the fruit. He provides the goal and standard of our living. None of this denies our responsibility to seek godly fruit, using the means of grace that the Lord provides. Note Hebrews 12:14 ‘Make every effort…to be holy’. There is no excuse for laziness or carelessness.
3. Pursuing transformed living
(i). Definitive change: ‘Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh’ (v24). The old nature is dead and, united to Christ, we have a new nature, imperfect, but undergoing sanctification. Romans 6:11 shows how we are to view ourselves as both alive and dead.
(ii). Consistent walking: ‘Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit’ (v25). Here is the responsibility of believers to live consistently by the power of the Spirit. Paul uses military language – maintaining the ranks on a march. We live out what we are in union with Christ by the power of the Spirit (Philippians 2:12).
(iii). Healthy relationships: The fruit of the Spirit is to be seen in relationships within the covenant community: ‘Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other’ (v26). Instead love (v22) should govern believers’ relationships, a witness to the world.