Galatians 5
BSB1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. 2 Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love. 7 You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth? 8 Such persuasion does not come from the One who calls you. 9 A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough. 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be. 11 Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those who are agitating you, I wish they would proceed to emasculate themselves! 13 For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. 14 The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself." 15 But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20 idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.
Study Notes — Galatians 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Galatians 5
- Themes from Galatians 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Galatians 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Galatians chapter 5 begins by warning believers not to be entangled again in the yoke of bondage, which is the law (Galatians 5:1). Paul explains that if they become circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to them (Galatians 5:2). He then contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-23), and exhorts believers to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh (Galatians 5:16, 25). The chapter concludes with a discussion on the importance of serving one another in love, and bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 5:13-14, 26).
Context for the Chapter
Galatians chapter 5 is part of a larger discussion on the relationship between faith and works, and the role of the law in the life of the believer. The chapter is situated in the context of the early Christian church, where there was a debate about the necessity of circumcision and the observance of the law for Gentile believers. Paul is writing to the Galatian church to correct their understanding of the gospel and to remind them of the freedom that Christ has provided.
Heart Application
As believers, we should seek to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh, producing the fruit of the Spirit such as love, joy, and peace. We should also seek to serve one another in love, and bear one another's burdens, as a reflection of Christ's character and a demonstration of our freedom in Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about living in the freedom that Christ has provided, and not returning to the bondage of the law. Believers should walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh, and serve one another in love. As we do this, we will produce the fruit of the Spirit and demonstrate our freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1, 13-14).
Voices from the Church
“The freedom of the gospel is not a freedom to sin, but a freedom from sin. It is a freedom to serve God and to love one another, and to bear one another's burdens.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The law is not abolished, but it is fulfilled in Christ. We are not free to disobey the law, but we are free to obey it in the power of the Spirit.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1-12) — Paul introduces the concept of freedom in Christ, and warns believers against returning to the bondage of the law.
- The Contrast Between the Flesh and the Spirit (Galatians 5:13-26) — Paul presents a stark contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, and exhorts believers to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh.
- The Importance of Serving One Another (Galatians 5:13-14, 26) — Paul emphasizes the importance of serving one another in love, and bearing one another's burdens.
- The Warning Against Returning to the Law (Galatians 5:1-4) — Paul warns believers against returning to the bondage of the law, and exhorts them to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has provided.
- Conclusion (Galatians 5:25-26) — Paul concludes the chapter by reminding believers to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh, and to serve one another in love.
Core Doctrines
- Justification by Faith
- This chapter teaches that justification is by faith alone, and that the law is not a means of justification (Galatians 5:1-4).
- Sanctification by the Spirit
- This chapter teaches that sanctification is the work of the Spirit, and that believers should seek to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh (Galatians 5:16, 25).
- The Fruit of the Spirit
- This chapter teaches that the fruit of the Spirit is a reflection of Christ's character, and is produced in the lives of believers as they walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
- The Importance of Serving One Another
- This chapter teaches that serving one another in love is a key aspect of living in the freedom that Christ has provided (Galatians 5:13-14, 26).
Lessons from Galatians 5
- The Importance of Freedom in Christ — This chapter teaches that freedom in Christ is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God, and that believers should seek to stand firm in this freedom.
- The Danger of Returning to the Law — This chapter warns believers against returning to the bondage of the law, and exhorts them to seek to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh.
- The Importance of Serving One Another — This chapter emphasizes the importance of serving one another in love, and bearing one another's burdens, as a reflection of Christ's character and a demonstration of our freedom in Him.
- The Fruit of the Spirit — This chapter teaches that the fruit of the Spirit is a reflection of Christ's character, and is produced in the lives of believers as they walk in the Spirit.
- The Importance of Walking in the Spirit — This chapter exhorts believers to seek to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh, and to produce the fruit of the Spirit in their lives.
Themes from Galatians 5
- Freedom in Christ — This chapter teaches that freedom in Christ is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God, and that believers should seek to stand firm in this freedom.
- The Spirit and the Flesh — This chapter presents a stark contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, and exhorts believers to seek to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh.
- Serving One Another — This chapter emphasizes the importance of serving one another in love, and bearing one another's burdens, as a reflection of Christ's character and a demonstration of our freedom in Him.
- The Law and the Gospel — This chapter teaches that the law is not a means of justification, but rather a reflection of God's character and a guide for living a life that is pleasing to Him.
- The Fruit of the Spirit — This chapter teaches that the fruit of the Spirit is a reflection of Christ's character, and is produced in the lives of believers as they walk in the Spirit.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to be free in Christ, and how does this freedom relate to the law?
- How can believers walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh, and what are the consequences of failing to do so?
- What is the importance of serving one another in love, and how can believers demonstrate this in their daily lives?
- How can believers stand firm in the freedom that Christ has provided, and not return to the bondage of the law?
- What are the works of the flesh, and how can believers avoid them in their lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1-12)
| Galatians 5:1 | Paul introduces the concept of freedom in Christ, and warns believers against returning to the bondage of the law. |
| Galatians 5:2 | Paul explains that if believers become circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to them. |
| Galatians 5:3 | Paul warns believers that if they become circumcised, they will be obligated to keep the entire law. |
| Galatians 5:4 | Paul explains that believers who seek to be justified by the law have fallen away from grace. |
| Galatians 5:5 | Paul explains that believers wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. |
| Galatians 5:6 | Paul explains that in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value, but only faith working through love. |
| Galatians 5:7 | Paul asks believers who has hindered them from obeying the truth. |
| Galatians 5:8 | Paul explains that the persuasion does not come from Him who calls them. |
| Galatians 5:9 | Paul warns believers that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. |
| Galatians 5:10 | Paul is confident in the Lord that believers will take no other view. |
| Galatians 5:11 | Paul explains that if he is still preaching circumcision, why is he still being persecuted? |
| Galatians 5:12 | Paul wishes that those who are troubling believers would castrate themselves. |
2. The Contrast Between the Flesh and the Spirit (Galatians 5:13-26)
| Galatians 5:13 | Paul explains that believers were called to be free, but not to use their freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. |
| Galatians 5:14 | Paul explains that the entire law is fulfilled in one command: Love your neighbor as yourself. |
| Galatians 5:15 | Paul warns believers that if they bite and devour each other, they will be destroyed by each other. |
| Galatians 5:16 | Paul exhorts believers to walk in the Spirit, and not to gratify the desires of the flesh. |
| Galatians 5:17 | Paul explains that the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. |
| Galatians 5:18 | Paul explains that if believers are led by the Spirit, they are not under the law. |
| Galatians 5:19 | Paul explains that the works of the flesh are obvious, such as immorality, strife, and envy. |
| Galatians 5:20 | Paul explains that the works of the flesh also include idolatry and witchcraft. |
| Galatians 5:21 | Paul explains that the works of the flesh also include hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy. |
| Galatians 5:22 | Paul explains that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. |
| Galatians 5:23 | Paul explains that against such things there is no law. |
| Galatians 5:24 | Paul explains that those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. |
| Galatians 5:25 | Paul exhorts believers to keep in step with the Spirit. |
| Galatians 5:26 | Paul warns believers against becoming conceited, provoking, and envying each other. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be free in Christ?
To be free in Christ means to be free from the bondage of the law and to be able to live a life that is pleasing to God, as explained in Galatians 5:1-4.
How can believers walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh?
Believers can walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh by seeking to be led by the Spirit, and by producing the fruit of the Spirit in their lives, as explained in Galatians 5:16-25.
What is the importance of serving one another in love?
Serving one another in love is a key aspect of living in the freedom that Christ has provided, and is a reflection of Christ's character and a demonstration of our freedom in Him, as explained in Galatians 5:13-14, 26.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galatians 5:1 → John 8:36 | In John 8:36, Jesus says that if the Son sets us free, we will be free indeed. This is similar to Galatians 5:1, where Paul says that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. |
| 2 | Galatians 5:14 → Leviticus 19:18 | In Leviticus 19:18, God commands believers to love their neighbors as themselves. This is similar to Galatians 5:14, where Paul says that the entire law is fulfilled in one command: Love your neighbor as yourself. |
| 3 | Galatians 5:16 → Romans 8:13 | In Romans 8:13, Paul says that if believers live according to the flesh, they will die, but if they live according to the Spirit, they will live. This is similar to Galatians 5:16, where Paul exhorts believers to walk in the Spirit and not to gratify the desires of the flesh. |
| 4 | Galatians 5:22 → Matthew 5:3-12 | In Matthew 5:3-12, Jesus teaches the Beatitudes, which are similar to the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. |
| 5 | Galatians 5:24 → Romans 6:6 | In Galatians 5:24, Paul says that those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. This is similar to Romans 6:6, where Paul says that our old self was crucified with Christ. |
| 6 | Galatians 5:25 → Romans 8:4 | In Romans 8:4, Paul says that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. This is similar to Galatians 5:25, where Paul exhorts believers to keep in step with the Spirit. |
| 7 | Galatians 5:1 → 2 Corinthians 3:17 | In 2 Corinthians 3:17, Paul says that the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. This is similar to Galatians 5:1, where Paul says that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. |
| 8 | Galatians 5:14 → James 2:8 | In James 2:8, James says that if believers really keep the royal law found in Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, they will be doing right. This is similar to Galatians 5:14, where Paul says that the entire law is fulfilled in one command: Love your neighbor as yourself. |
| 9 | Galatians 5:16 → Ephesians 5:18 | In Ephesians 5:18, Paul says that believers should not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery, but instead should be filled with the Spirit. This is similar to Galatians 5:16, where Paul exhorts believers to walk in the Spirit and not to gratify the desires of the flesh. |
| 10 | Galatians 5:22 → 2 Peter 1:5-8 | In 2 Peter 1:5-8, Peter says that believers should add to their faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. This is similar to Galatians 5:22-23, where Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit. |
Sermons on Galatians 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Peter - Part 15): The Precious Blood, Our Only Hope by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about two men who are stranded in a cold and dangerous mountainous area. They realize that their only hope of survival is to start a fire. |
|
Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 2 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the limitations of our physical bodies in experiencing the power of God. He explains that no man can look upon the face of God and live becau |
|
|
An Hour With Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of their upbringing in a small Methodist church and the tragic loss of their father at a young age. They emphasize the importanc |
|
A Divided Heart by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of a divided heart, emphasizing that such a condition leads to spiritual faultiness both individually and within the church. He warns that a divid |
|
(The Mission and Ministry of the Holy Spirit) Walking in the Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience to invite the Holy Spirit into their lives and to be filled with His presence. He leads them in a prayer of repentance and surr |
|
|
(The Mission and Ministry of the Holy Spirit) the Power of the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with Jes |
|
|
An Hour With Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 2 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of surrendering everything to God and receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit. They admit to not knowing much about the H |
|
The Spirit Filled Life by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a Spirit-filled life for Christian workers, ministers, and missionaries. The command to "be filled with the Spirit" |
|
Four Loves by C.S. Lewis | C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic lo |
|
Christian Freedom: Grow Up and Be Free by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon on Galatians 4:1-18, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity in experiencing freedom in Christ. He distinguishes between age and maturity, statin |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Galatians 5
In this chapter, Paul warns believers against returning to the bondage of the law, and exhorts them to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has provided. He presents a stark contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, and exhorts believers to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. The freedom that Christ has provided is not a freedom to sin, but a freedom to serve God and to love one another. As believers walk in the Spirit, they will produce the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace, and will demonstrate their freedom in Christ. This chapter teaches that justification is by faith alone, and that the law is not a means of justification, but rather a reflection of God's character and a guide for living a life that is pleasing to Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Contrast Between the Flesh and the Spirit
The chapter presents a stark contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. The works of the flesh are characterized by immorality, strife, and envy, while the fruit of the Spirit is characterized by love, joy, and peace.
The Importance of Serving One Another
The chapter emphasizes the importance of serving one another in love, and bearing one another's burdens. This is presented as a key aspect of living in the freedom that Christ has provided.
The Warning Against Returning to the Law
The chapter warns believers against returning to the bondage of the law, and exhorts them to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has provided.