Galatians 5

OGC

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QUESTIONS ON GALATIANS, CHAPTER FIVE Completion:

For freedom did ___________ set us free.

I Paul say unto you, that if ye receive ___________ Christ will

profit you nothing.

Every man that accepts circumcision, is a ___________ to do the whole law.

Ye who are justified by the law are fallen away from ___________.

Walk by the ___________ and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

If ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the ___________.

The flesh lusteth against the ___________.

A little leaven leaventh the whole

___________.

If ye be circumcised Christ shall profit you ___________.

They that are Christ’s have ___________ the flesh with the affection and lusts.

The Galatians were told this ___________ cometh not of him that calleth you.

We through the ___________ wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Paul warned the Galatians about being entangled again in a yoke of ___________.

Paul names the fruit of the Spirit and says, against such there is no ___________.

Paul says ye were running well, who ___________ you that ye should not obey the truth.

True - False

According to Paul it is possible to be severed from Christ.

Paul warns that freedom must not be used as an occasion for the flesh.

Paul states that the fulfillment of the law is Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Paul enumerates the fruit of the Spirit and then follows it with a catalogue of the fruits of the flesh.

Factions and divisions are named as works of the flesh along with drunkenness and revellings.

SPECIAL STUDY ON THE SPIRIT FILLED LIFE MAN AND THE SPIRITTHREE ACTIONS OF THE SPIRIT

Walk in the Spirit

I say walk by the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

A person’s walk speaks a lot.

Walk of the timid, shy.

Walk of the arrogant.

Walk of the thief.

Walk of the kind.

Walk of the sorrowing.

Walk of the joyful.

Walk of the conquered, vanquished.

Walk of the Victorian.

Where a person walks, is an index to his character.

To sports.

To taverns.

To the needy.

To Church.

Walk in the Spirit and you will be kept away from the walk in sin.

II.

Be led of the SpiritIf ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Galatians 5:18

The majority of people are led, not leaders.

Led into sindrinkinggambling.

Led into crime.

The world is full of Judases who betray.

JudasGoat who leads sheep to slaughter.

Majority are led by lawsthey do not make them.

Illustration in national life.

Illustration in moral realm.

Bow to sinunder its powerits law.

Subject to a power beyond their own.

We have a leader who will help us to escape bondage.

He leadeth me beside still waters. Psalms 23:1-6

The Holy Spirit leads us into all truthThe Bible.

III.

Live in the SpiritIf we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk. Galatians 5:25

It is the right way. John 14:6

It is the eternal way.

Live any other wayand your experience is death.

Soweth to the flesh. reap corruption. Galatians 6:8

It is the satisfying way.

Sin brings regretbondagedeath.

The Spirit gives lifepeace.

Conclusion: Take Your Choice.

Walk by the leading of the Spirit and you will live.

Walk by the leading of Sin and you will die.

Galatians 5:1

PART THREE APPEAL TO STEADFASTNESS, FAITHFULNESS AND DUTY 5:1-6:18

LIBERTY OF THE GOSPEL Galatians 5:1-12

Freedom and Responsibility Galatians 5:1

**TEXT 5:1

(1) For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.

PARAPHRASE 5:1**

1 Because believers are the children of the free-woman, do ye Gentiles stand fast in the freedom from the law of Moses, wherewith Christ hath freed us in the gospel dispensation, and be not a second time held fast in the yoke of bondage, as if it were necessary to salvation.

**COMMENT 5:1

For freedom did Christ set us free**

How do we obtain freedom?

Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32

If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36

In what ways are we free?

Free from sin, … and being made free from sin. Romans 6:18

Free from death, made me free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:2

Free from religious oppression.

Paul emphasized that in this book.

to spy out our liberty. Galatians 2:4

I through the law died unto the law. Galatians 2:19

Jesus condemned religious oppression.

Yea, they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne. make broad their phylacteries (charms) and enlarge the borders of their garments. Matthew 23:4-5

Christ bought our freedom with a great price. 1 Corinthians 7:22-23

stand fast therefore

When we attain a position of freedom, it should be maintained.

The Galatians were being moved by a crafty Jewish force.

We have denominational forces seeking to move us out of freedom in the New Testament Church.

Stand fast is a common exhortation in the N.T.

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Stand fast in one spirit. Philippians 1:27

Stand fast in the Lord. Philippians 4:1

If ye stand fast in the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 3:8

Stand fast and hold the traditions. 2 Thessalonians 2:15

and be not entangled

Affairs of this life entangle one.

No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life. 2 Timothy 2:4

The world would have us so busy, that no time would be left to do the Lord’s will.

Preachers sometimes are so used by the Red Cross, Y.M.C.A. organizations, etc., that they have no time for soul winning.

The entanglements of the past life are frightful.

If they are again entangled. the last state is become worse than the first. 2 Peter 2:20

in a yoke

The yoke referred to here is the law that Jews were putting on the neck of free Gentile Christians.

Put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples. Acts 15:10

Sin is a yoke: Everyone that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin. John 8:34

The only yoke for us is that of Jesus. Take my yoke upon you. Matthew 11:29-30

of bondage

This is slaverythis is a condition in which there is no sonship and inheritance.

Christ liberated slaves but foolish people went back to bondage.

The Christian has freedom to be a slave in a new sense.

Servants of righteousness. Romans 6:18

Servants unto God. Romans 6:22

Serveth Christ. Romans 14:18

Serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:24

Service from the heart. Ephesians 6:6

SLAVERY AND FREEDOM 5:1-23

This chapter has two extremes. We are exhorted to be free of the yoke of slavery, which was a return to the law. Thirteen verses later Galatians 5:13, he is exhorting, Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be slaves of one another.

Paul condemns one kind of slavery, but commands another kind. Similarly, legalismin the sense of strong concern for obedience to Godis not wrong; the error comes in our understanding of what laws are really God’s laws, and in the attitudes with which we attempt to keep his laws. Paul, following his and our Lord, declares emphatically that the whole law is fulfilled in one word, -You shall love your neighbor as yourself,-’ Galatians 5:14.

The servant of God is free indeed. Not to do as he pleasesthat only leads to bondage. Rather, he is free to live in the freedom that comes in knowing he is God’s child and is held always by God’s love. According to the apostle James, there are two kinds of faiththe faith of demons and the faith of Christians. Surprisingly enough, devils and Christians both believe in God. The characteristic which distinguishes demonic faith from Christian faith is WORK. The devil believes in God, but he works against God. The Christian believes in God and works, but he works for God.

FALLEN FROM GRACE

Paul said that his converts had fallen from grace. Many wish that he had not written it. Those who believe that it is impossible have a difficult time with this verse and several in Hebrews. The old argument that if you get it you can-’t lose it, and if you lose it, you never had it, has no foundation in scripture. People who were once active as a church member, have been known to quit the church and to indulge in the worst kinds of sin until death.

Paul in Hebrews 10:38 says of Christians if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

The New Testament is literally full of exhortations to Christians, warning them not to fall away. Some believe a saved person cannot fall away from Christ and be lost. While we would perhaps like to believe that, in view of the teachings of the Word, it’s just impossible. Galatians 5:2-4, 2 Peter 2:20-22, Hebrews 3:12; Hebrews 6:4-9; Hebrews 10:23-39.

The Galatians fell away by accepting false teaching. This is a day of stronger temptations than they had. For what other reasons do Christians fall away? How does it happen? What causes it? Perhaps, the greatest cause of falling away is just simple negligence. No one plans or decides to fall away. However, a person might neglect his salvation and one day come to the realization that it HAS happened. Sometimes it begins as a change in one’s physical circumstancesa move from one city to another, a new baby, retirement, etc. Sometimes one allows himself to get so busily involved in his business that, without intending to, he neglects his spiritual life and falls away.

Sometimes people fall away from the Lord because, after becoming a Christian, they fail to grow. Paul rebuked the Corinthian brethren for remaining spiritual babes. (1 Corinthians 3:1-3) The Hebrews were warned of their dangerous state because they hadn-’t grown. (Hebrews 5:11-14) One cannot remain in a static state spiritually. If he doesn-’t make a positive effort to learn and grow, he will go backwards.

It can happen to you or me. Even Paul had to buffet his body and bring it into bondage lest he should be rejected. (1 Corinthians 9:27) Being a Christian requires some concern and efforts of a positive nature, not merely the negative aspects of not doing evil things.

The fall of a Christian is so very tragic. It’s even more tragic than the state of an alien sinner. The Christian has known, he has tasted the heavenly things, he has been a partaker of spiritual blessings. When he falls, he is worse off than the man who has never known. In fact he is worse than a dog eating vomit, says Peter in 2 Peter 2:20-22.

STUDY QUESTIONS 5:1

What is implied in Galatians 5:1entangled again in a yoke of bondage?

How do we obtain freedom?

In what ways are we free?

Are we free from religious oppression?

What do you understand by stand fast therefore?

Is it a common exhortation?

Were they to stand firm in freedom?

How does Christ set us free?

Were the Galatians entangled before they were Christians?

In what danger of entanglement were they?

Can a person be entangled in a good thing too, but to his detriment?

What is a yoke?

Describe the yoke involved here.

Were Jews able to yoke Gentile Christians?

Should the Christian wear a good yoke, and if so, what?

Galatians 5:2-6

Alternatives of Entanglement and Freedom Galatians 5:2-6

**TEXT 5:2-6

(2) Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. (3) Yea, I testify again to every man that receiveth circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. (4) Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace. (5) For we through the Spirit by faith wait for the hope of righteousness. (6) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.

PARAPHRASE 5:2-6**

2 Behold, I Paul say to you, that if ye be circumcised as a condition necessary to your salvation, the death of Christ will profit you nothing.

3 And, though ye have been taught otherwise by the Judaizers, I testify, moreover, to every circumcised person who seeks justification by the law, that he is bound to perform the whole law of Moses perfectly; and if he fails, he subjects himself to the curse. (Galatians 3:10)

4 Ye have renounced Christ as a Saviour, who seek to be justified by the law of Moses; consequently ye shall receive no benefit from his death: Ye have excluded yourselves from the free gift of justification offered to you in the gospel. 5 But we believers, the spiritual seed of Abraham, whom God hath promised to justify through the gifts of the Spirit, which are the evidence of our adoption, look for the hoped righteousness by faith to be bestowed on us as a free gift at the general judgment. 6 For in the gospel dispensation, neither circumcision availeth any thing towards our acceptance with God, nor uncircumcision, but faith strongly working by love to God and to man.

**COMMENT 5:2

Behold, I Paul**

I, who have received the Gospel not from men.

I, called to preach the gospel with authority.

He is not stating this as a personal opinion but to give his statement credence.

if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing

Christ becomes worthless: if He is not everything, then He is nothing.

Circumcision in itself is nothing.

Yet the Galatians looked to it and the covenant it represented for justificationthey forfeited everything in Christ.

It is not so much one thingbut a principle.

If they seek justification by the works of the law, then they renounce justification through faith.

**COMMENT 5:3

every man that receiveth circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.**

If you submit to one, then you are obligated to all the law, for one commandment or phrase is no more binding than another.

Thus we have two things wrong.

It makes Christ unprofitable.

It obligates one to do all the law.

Circumcision was a seal of covenant relationship, and the covenant obligates one to do it all.

Why did Paul have Timothy to submit? See Acts 15:3.

It was not for Timothy’s salvation.

It was an expediency in preaching.

The law is indivisibleit is not to be observed partially.

**COMMENT 5:4

ye are severed from Christ**

Catholic Bibleye are estranged from Christ

King JamesChrist is become of no effect unto you

In seeking justification by works of the law, you go into apostasy.

This sounds like once saved, not always saved.

You must have the law and no Christor Christ and no law.

A person can be cut off, if Jesus meant what He said. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. John 15:6

who would be justified by the law

This was the choice of some.

They had the privilege to choose the law.

ye are fallen from grace

Yet some say, there is no falling after salvation has been received.

When you fall in the ocean, it matters not which side of the ship you fall fromyou are in the ocean and lost.

To fall from grace means to lose the atonement, the forgiveness of sins, righteousness, liberty and the life.

To lose the grace means to gain the wrath, and judgment of God, death, the bondage of the devil and condemnation.

WORD STUDY 5:4

To sever (katargeokaht ar GEH oh) is to make ineffective; to render idle or inactive. It is also used of a total release from someone. The woman whose husband has died, for instance, is totally released from the law binding her in marriage (Romans 7:2).

Those who rely on legal righteousness make the sacrifice of Christ void, and cut themselves off from him. To fall away (ekpiptoek PIP toe) was used of coins that fell out of use, or ships that had gone off course. So long as the Galatians were so badly off course, they were no longer on the way to Heaven.

This word is not, however, as strong as the word for fall away parapiptopar ah PIP toe) in Hebrews 6:6. The word used in Hebrews describes a ship that is not only off course, but completely lost. Here in Galatians 5:4, the possibility of return is present.

**COMMENT 5:5

we through the Spirit by faith wait**

How do we wait?

Through His instruction of divine revelation.

John 14:1-6

Every scripture inspired of God. 2 Timothy 3:16

them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven. 1 Peter 1:12

For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21

The Spirit himself beareth witness. Romans 8:16

We have to know God’s words else we would not know to wait for God’s blessings.

Hope makes our waiting worthwhile.

Through His indwelling presence we wait patiently.

How else could you wait? The faithless do not wait.

The Galatians were trusting in carnal ordinances.

Their faith was not on the proper source for inheritance.

for the hope of righteousness

What is the difference in faith and hope? (See Luther, p. 203)

They differ in their origin.

Faith originates in the understanding.

Hope arises in the will.

They differ in function.

Faith teaches, describes, directs.

Hope exhorts the mind to be strong, courageous.

They differ in their objectives.

Faith concentrates on the truth.

Hope looks to the goodness of God.

They differ in sequence.

Faith is the beginning of life before tribulation. Hebrews 11:1-40

Hope comes later and is born of tribulation. Romans 5:1-21

They differ in regard to their effect.

Faith is a judge; it judges error.

Hope is a soldier; it fights against tribulations, the cross, despondency, despair, and waits for better things.

By faith we begin; by hope we endure.

Hope without faith is blind arrogance because it lacks knowledge.

Faith, hope and love are the three greatest of Christian virtues, 1 Corinthians 13:13.

hope of righteousness

This may have the same meaning as Peter’s statement, receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:9

In this realm there will be no sin, but righteousness. Revelation 21:27; Revelation 22:15

**COMMENT 5:6

neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision**

A person’s physical condition in relationship to Abraham matters not.

The valuable thing is faith in Christ and circumcision is of no value.

faith working through love

The valuable faith is one that works through love.

Faith without works is dead. See James 2:17.

Idle faith is not justifying faith.

Faith without love is nothing. If I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2

If loving service is not manifested, the Christian is no better than a Galatian depending upon circumcision.

WORD STUDY 5:6

Working (energeoen er GEH oh) could be more literally translated being energized. Faith becomes effective when it is united with love and put to work. Although Martin Luther found an impassable gulf between salvation by faith in Galatians and salvation by works in James, this verse bridges that gap.

STUDY QUESTIONS 5:2-6

When Paul mentions self as in verse two, does he lessen the authority of his word?

If Christ is not worth everything, is He worth anything?

Why was circumcision an issue?

If Christ is our Saviour, do we need to depend upon observances, rituals, etc., to save us?

Why does obedience to one law demand obedience to all?

If circumcision is a seal, then would it demand that a person go all the way?

Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised?

Do we have a right to expediencies in order to win some to Christ?

What does the word severed mean?

Is it the same as apostasy?

Can we say that it is falling from grace?

Does this verse destroy the once in grace, always in grace theory?

What other ways is the word severed translated?

Did Jesus say that a person can be cut off? Cf. John 15:1-6.

What would do the severing?

Were they responsible for their own severing?

Does Paul say that a man can fall from grace?

What all is involved when a person falls?

Does he lose the atonement, the forgiveness, eternal life?

Will a person have punishment for severing himself?

How much false teaching may one accept to sever him from Christ?

How do we wait?

What is the Christian waiting for?

Is the waiting a time of indolence?

Two words are used that are similar. What is the difference between faith and hope?

What has the Spirit to do with our waiting?

Describe the hope of righteousness.

Is hope of righteousness different from hope of the righteous?

Will there be righteousness where the Christian is going?

Does Christ make void both circumcision and uncircumcision?

What is the one availing thing?

What does Paul connect with faith here?

Does the faith he describes do work?

What is the motive of the work?

If we work with any other motive, is it worthwhile? Cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.

Galatians 5:7-9

A Word of Protest Galatians 5:7-12

**TEXT 5:7-9

(7) Ye were running well; who hindered you that ye should not obey the truth? (8) This persuasion came not of him that calleth you. (9) A little leaven Ieaveneth the whole lump.

PARAPHRASE 5:7-9**

7 At first ye made great progress in the doctrine and practice of the gospel: Who hath interrupted you in that good course, so as to make you now reject the truth? 8 This persuasion concerning the law, and the efficacy of its expiation, is not wrought in you by him who first called you. 9 A little leaven, that is, the errors of one teacher, are sufficient to corrupt a whole church.

**COMMENT 5:7

Ye were running well**

The Christian life is like a race. Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain. 1 Corinthians 9:24

Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us; and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Faith is to advance one, not to retreat him to bondage.

who hindered you

A good question to ask backsliders. Hebrews 6:4-6

It should apply to many situations.

Friends in bad company: Evil companionships. 1 Corinthians 15:33

Loved ones: Loveth father or mother more. Matthew 10:37

Job: Five yoke of oxen. Luke 14:19

Possessions: It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye. Mark 10:24-25

False teachers: or an angel from heaven. Galatians 1:8-9

McGarvey says hindered is a military terman army embarrassed by destroyed bridges and roads.

Here are examples of those who ran but failed.

Lot’s wife. Genesis 19:26

Rich young ruler. Matthew 19:20

Ananias and Sapphira. Acts 5:1-11

that ye should not obey the truth

Obedience to the steps of salvation is not sufficient; you are disobedient if you backslide, just as though you had never done them.

To accept false teaching is the same as disobedience.

TROUBLEMAKERS WILL BE JUDGED 5:7-10

The Christians in Galatia were running a great Christian race; then they were hindered by false teachers. Running a hundred yard dash requires eyes straight ahead and concentration. The Christian race requires looking straight ahead to Jesus and concentration on truth. Men who try to take us back to the law are troublemakers. Romans and Galatians and Hebrews all agree on justification by faith.

Romans 10:1-21 is one of the great Chapter s that tell us that Christ ended the law as a means of attempting to arrive at justification. This brought to an end a futile struggle, for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Righteousness is now by faith in Christ Jesus. It requires no one to ascend into heaven or descend into the abyss to make Jesus available. We do not need to see Him. The word of faith, that is, the announcement of justification by faith has been declared.

The teachers who teach otherwise are to be considered troublemakers and to be judged and even accursed as seen in Galatians 1:8-9.

**COMMENT 5:8

This persuasion came not of him that calleth you**

The persuasion of obedience to Moses is referred to.

The devil is a cunning persuader.

He beguiled Eve with desire to know, as God knows good and evil. Genesis 3:6

She was tricked by food that was good to eat.

She was tricked by a delight to the eyes.

She was lured by the desire to be wise.

The devil persuaded Judas to betray Christ.

Him that called youmust refer to Christ.

Paul has made it plain that they have departed from Christ and no doubt He is the one Paul means here.

It would not be needful to say, the persuasion came not from Paul, but MacKnight holds that Paul is meant.

**COMMENT 5:9

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump**

Leaven is used of both good and evil in scripture.

Evil. Matthew 16:6; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8

Good. Matthew 13:33

Paul is trying to make them see the danger of a small deviation.

They might have first said. What if we deviate a little from Paul?

To tolerate a trifling error inevitably leads to heresy.

We have no right to trifle with the Bible.

Small faults grow to be big ones.

Hear James on the matter: For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is become guilty of all. James 2:10

STUDY QUESTIONS 5:7-9

Does Paul mean that the Christian life is like a race?

Is disobedience a failure to run?

How long had they been running well?

Does Paul know who hindered them?

What kind of thing does the devil use on us to hinder us?

What kind of term is the word hindered?

Give example of those who ran for God, but were hindered.

Is backsliding the same as disobedience in this verse?

Is acceptance of false teaching equivalent to falling from the truth and disobedience?

Who persuaded whom?

Is it a persuasion to Moses or Christ?

Is the devil a shrewd persuader?

Is the one who calledChrist or Paul?

Is leaven used to symbolize both good and evil?

Is leaven in this case evil?

Does Paul establish that a small heresy may be very serious?

Should we consider a small deviation to be very dangerous?

If small faults grow to be great ones, is it profitable for small untruths to do the same?

Galatians 5:10-12

**TEXT 5:10-12

(10) I have confidence to you-ward in the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. (11) But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then hath the stumblingblock of the cross been done away? (12) I would that they that unsettle you would even go beyond circumcision.

PARAPHRASE 5:10-12**

10 However, to comfort you, I am persuaded concerning you by the Lord, that on reading what I have written, ye will not think differently from me concerning the doctrine of justification by faith: But the teacher who, by his falsehoods, hath given you so much trouble, shall, when I come, be punished for it, whosoever he be.

11 My enemies tell you, that I preach circumcision. But I, brethren, if I now preach circumcision, why am I now persecuted by the Jews? Having left off preaching salvation through a crucified Messiah, certainly the offense of the cross is removed, (1 Corinthians 1:23), and they should no longer persecute me.

12 I wish they were even cut off by excommunication, who subvert your faith by their malicious calumnies and false doctrines.

**COMMENT 5:10

I have confidence to you-ward in the Lord**

This is a sincere hope that they take the safe view of the subject and avoid the trouble caused by false teachers.

If they accept the Lord’s sacrifice as sufficient for their salvation, Paul’s confidence is well grounded.

none otherwise minded

That you will have the mind of Christ (in the Lord).

Paul expresses confidence that they will take the same view of the situation that he does. See Philippians 2:5.

In this way they may avoid the contamination of the leaven.

Always the mind of Christ is needed in every problem.

If Church problems are not settled in the Lord, the Church stands as a reproach to the Lord in the commandments.

but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment

For having sown tares in the wheat, some person will pay in the judgment.

We are to have a specific attitude toward false teachers.

Let him be anathema. Galatians 1:8-9

Receive him not into your house. 2 John 1:9-10

God will punish them, it is not our business. See 2 Corinthians 10:6-8; 2 Corinthians 13:10.

**COMMENT 5:11

if I still preach circumcision**

Evidently Paul had been accused of preaching it.

Perhaps it was because of his having Timothy circumcised. Acts 16:3

why am I still persecuted

It was his antagonism to circumcision that brought persecution.

False teachers preached circumcision and thus retained the favor of the Jews.

David found that truth cost. I believe for I will speak: I was greatly afflicted. Psalms 116:10

Jesus prophesied persecution. Matthew 10:16-23

Jesus told us how to face it. Matthew 5:12

then hath the stumbling block of the Cross been done away

Is this a question or an affirmation?

It probably is affirmation. The cross was a stumbling block to the Jews because it removed the obligation of the law.

At this point I can not be most certainexcept that the cross is a stumbling block. Cf. 1 Corinthians 1:23

If Paul had preached the cross along with circumcision, it would not be such a stumbling block.

There would be no need for trouble if he preached both. It is the cancellation of the law by the cross that causes trouble.

**COMMENT 5:12

I would that they that unsettle you**

(I would they were even cut off which troubleth you, King James)

Paul had strong feelings against those who would run out on the course and disturb the Christian runners.

Hindering and unsettling are of the same idea.

Causing a stumbling is serious according to Christ. See Matthew 18:6.

The next phrase tells what Paul wishes in regard to the false teacher.

would even go beyond circumcision

Some think that Paul is referring to castration here.

Some Greek cults practiced this.

The priests of Attica and Cybele were castrated.

Castration was prohibited by the Law. Cf. Deuteronomy 23:1

Paul equated circumcision and the pagan practices as both foreign to Christ.

The purpose of both was to receive righteousness.

A heathen and a Judaizer therefore stood condemned, for the motive was evil.

WORD STUDY 5:12

Paul said literally that they should castrate themselves (apokoptoah poh KOP toe), as did the priests of Cybele in their religious frenzy. If God were to be pleased by the cutting of the flesh, why not go all the way? Actually, as Deuteronomy 23:1 points out (using the same word), their own Law would then pronounce them unfit to go before God’s presence.

If the language of Paul seems strong and shocking, please remember two things:

The Galatians were Paul’s own children in the faith.

The false teachers were leading them away from Christ, and they were losing their salvation.

GALATIANSEXPOSITORY OUTLINES Five views at the Cross

Crucified with Christ

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live. Galatians 2:20

Christ crucified for me

Galatians 3:1

Flesh crucified in me

They that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. Galatians 5:24

World crucified unto me

Far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me. Galatians 6:14

I, crucified unto the world

And I unto the world. Galatians 6:14

Cross of Christ a Stumblingblock

To the Moralistsbecause works cannot justify.

To the Philosopherbecause it appeals to faith, not reason.

To the Culturedbecause its truth is revealed to babes.

To the High Castebecause God chose the poor and humble.

To the willbecause it calls for unconditional surrender.

I would that they were even cut off which troubleth you

(King James)

This verse has several translations.

Notice the differences:

Cut off in King James version.

One whole phrase is missing: even go beyond circumcision.

The meaning is the same in both translations.

If these false teachers would be consistent, they would cut themselves off completely from the church.

Paul is saying: these troublers who mutilate the flesh, should go all the way and cut themselves off from the church.

STUDY QUESTIONS 5:10-12

Do we see an indication that Paul is hopeful?

Has his earlier pessimism been changed or strengthened?

Will the mind of Christ offset the leaven of false doctrine?

Does the word he seem to imply that there was only one false teacher?

Could it refer to the devil?

Will the false one be punished?

Will we make the false teacher anathema or will God do it? Cf. 2 Corinthians 10:6-8

Was Paul ever a preacher of circumcision?

Does this verse indicate that he had been falsely accused?

Could this be because he had Timothy circumcised?

How could false teachers preach circumcision and yet retain favor?

Are we to expect persecution when we preach truth?

How are we to face it?

Is the last part of the verse a question?

Does Paul teach elsewhere that the cross is a stumbling block?

If Paul preached both circumcision and the cross, would there have been less of a stumbling block?

Is Paul saying that the cancellation of the law by the cross is the stumbling block?

Compare translations on this verse. Do all of them mean the same?

Is Paul wishing that the false ones were dead?

How could they go beyond circumcision?

Does he imply that they ought to completely mutilate the flesh?

Does Paul mean that they ought to cut themselves off from the Church?

Galatians 5:13-15

LIMITATIONS AND POWER OF FREEDOM Galatians 5:13-26

No fleshly License Galatians 5:13-15

**TEXT 5:13-15

(13) For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another. (14) For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (15) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

PARAPHRASE 5:13-15**

13 Now ye, brethren, have been called by the gospel into freedom from the law of Moses as the rule of your justification. Nevertheless, use not this liberty as a pretext for gratifying those appetites, and exercising those passions, which have their seat in the flesh. But, agreeably to the law of Christ, assiduously serve one another in all things innocent. 14 They who stickle for the law ought to be zealous in the offices of love. For the whole law, as it respects our neighbour, is fulfilled by obeying one precept, even this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as sincerely as thou lovest thyself. 15 But, if, from your zeal for, or your zeal against the law of Moses, ye wound and destroy one another’s characters, have a care lest ye bring everlasting destruction on one another.

**COMMENT 5:13

For ye, brethren**

Paul called the Galatian Christian converts brethren even though he speaks strongly against their false teachers.

How long could they apostatize and be brethren?

Who among the sects, denominations, and division are our brethren?

How wrong must a Christian be to be out of the fellowship as a brother?

Is the follower of a false teacher a brother, while the false teacher is not to be considered so?

The problem of fellowship is not easily settled.

There are times when lines are to be drawn.

Anathema. Cf. Galatians 1:8-9

receive him not into your house. Cf. 2 John 1:10

were called for freedom

A freedom from the burdensome rites and ceremonies of the law. Galatians 5:1

Freedom from the captivity of sin. Romans 6:18

A Christian is the only free person.

God does not want us to be like Adam and Eve, hiding from him.

Freedom from death. Romans 8:2

only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh

The devil would turn freedom to licentiousness.

The flesh reasons If we are without the law, we may as well indulge.

For there are certain men crept in privily, even they who were of old written of beforehand unto this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness. Jude 1:4

Not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness. 1 Peter 2:16

Freedom is not given for a person to act without restraint.

but through love be servants one to another

Folks want to be important; here is the way.

Whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant. Matthew 20:27

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. Matthew 23:11

Good and faithful servant. enter thou into the joy. Matthew 25:21

This is a debt.

Owe no man anything, save to love one another.

Romans 13:8-10

**COMMENT 5:14

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, love **(Leviticus 19:18)

People get worked up over ceremoniesrituals, when one word carefully carried out, is worth all the ritual possible.

Leave off all this foolishness and get down to business.

One thing will fulfill all the lawlove.

This new commandment sounds short and easy.

It is never accomplishedamong men.

Loving wayward men is not easily accomplished.

Intolerance for sin is sometimes accompanied by intolerance for the sinner.

as thyself

You can-’t find a nearer example than yourself.

If you were in trouble you know how you would want to be treated.

**COMMENT 5:15

But if ye bite and devour one another**

When the one faith in Christ is overthrown, peace and unity come to an end in the church.

Instead of being motivated by love, jealousy and strife prevail.

Backbiters are condemned by the Word: Romans 1:30; Proverbs 25:23; 2 Corinthians 12:20

False teaching causes strife, etc. Cf. 2 Timothy 2:23, 1 Timothy 6:4

take heed that ye be not consumed one of another

Nothing is so destructive as religious disputes.

Both groups feel they are on God’s side and the other is possessed of the devil.

Both have invested time and money and they do not want to see it turned to the enemy’s advantage.

It consumes like a fire until Christians who are to give reasonable service become unreasonable.

The Church’s greatest enemy is itself.

BITING AND DEVOURING ONE ANOTHER 5:15

We Christian people must not be like dogs and wolves. Dogs bite and run away. Wolves devour and destroy.

When we read the warning in Galatians 5:15 against biting and devouring one another, we must realize that it is in the area of conversation that we bite. We are being warned with a flashing light that there is danger when we depart from talking with love, kindness, longsuffering, concern, compassion, and a desire to help rather than to hinder others.

Harm can take place in an evening’s careless conversation as doubts and bitterness, gossip and criticism poison people against brethren. We are responsible for our use of our time, and perhaps doubly so for our use of other people’s time. If we start a rumor, or continue one, we have taken unfair advantage of time that should have been given to exhortation to love and to good works. One of the greatest faults of false teaching is what it does to brethren. Men fight over words and opinions and when the church is divided, it is a disgrace to God and in the community. It is foolish to say, it doesn-’t make any difference what you believe, just as long as you are sincere. Division is sinful. Human doctrines divide people.

Paul says to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:14, Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. I think Paul is talking about conversation and peripheral questions that use up time during which the hearers need some positive help. He is warning all of us who are children of the living God to show forth our love and compassion for one another and for the lost ones of the world when we sit conversing, and asking questions. He goes on to urge and command in Galatians 5:23-24; Galatians 5:26 :

Foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves. that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

There is to be a positive result in conversation and in question-and-answer times, as well as in teaching and preaching times.

STUDY QUESTIONS 5:13-15

Paul again emphasized freedom. Does he mean freedom from burdensome rites?

Were they in danger of misunderstanding freedom?

Do people tend to lawlessness if you free them from law?

Compare 1 Peter 2:16 on this subject.

Is freedom for people with restraint or without it?

What influence should restrain us?

If love is our motive what will a man do?

If a person breaks fellowship in acceptance of false teaching, is he serving his brethren in love?

What one law is worth more than all the rituals and ceremonies combined?

What one word fulfills all the law?

Did Christ fulfill the law?

Are you able to do it? Do you love your neighbors, friends, relatives, enemies?

Is intolerance for sin often accompanied by intolerance for sinners too?

Do you consider yourself a good example of how all men would like to be treated?

Is this commandment one of the ten commandments?

Is this commandment as easy as it is short?

Was Peter demonstrating the commandment when he severed fellowship?

Was Paul showing love when he withstood Peter face to face?

Does love require sternness as well as warmth?

How do people bite and devour without being cannibals?

Where is this spirit condemned?

Will the motive of love destroy this sin?

How consuming is a church fight?

Is the innocent party to be careful too?

Do you feel that a church may be its own worst enemy?

Galatians 5:16-18

Victory over the flesh Galatians 5:16-26

**TEXT 5:16-18

(16) But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. (18) But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

PARAPHRASE 5:16-18**

16 I command then, Walk according to the dictates of your spiritual part, and so you will not gratify the lust of your animal nature; particularly, ye will not gratify the sinful passions of envy, malice, anger, revenge.

17 Ye have great need to subdue the lusts of the flesh: For the flesh strongly inclines men to act contrary to reason and conscience; and these principles are often contrary to one another, so that he cannot always do the things which your better part inclines you to do. See Romans 7:18.

18 But, to encourage you to subdue the flesh, know, that if ye habitually follow the dictates of your better part, ye are not under the curse of any law, so as to be punished.

**COMMENT 5:16

But I say, Walk by the Spirit**

MacKnight uses spirit to indicate man’s spiritual partthe mind and conscience enlightened by the doctrines and precepts of the gospel revealed by the Spirit.

Walking in the Spirit places one above carnal ordinances.

ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh

Fulfill means to satisfy.

Satisfaction is the desire of the carnal man.

the mind of the flesh is enmity against God. Romans 8:7

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may spend it in your pleasures. James 4:3

**COMMENT 5:17

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit**

The definition of lust.

Unholy desire.

Unlawful desire.

The working of lust.

It burns. Burned in their lusts one toward another. Romans 1:27

It draws away. Each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. James 1:14

It brings forth sin. Then the lust when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is full-grown bringeth forth death.

It is defilement. But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement and despise dominion. 2 Peter 2:10

It allures. entice in the lusts. 2 Peter 2:18

The end of lust.

Passes away with the world. 1 John 2:17

Brings death. James 1:15

and the Spirit against the flesh

These beastly traits God is against.

The Spirit seeks to constrain the flesh.

these are contrary the one to the other

They do not attract, but repel.

Man’s being is always locked in mortal combat.

A saint is not a piece of wood that has no feeling but is a combination that is in constant struggle.

that ye may not do the things that ye would

Paul expresses it in Romans completely. See Romans 7:15.

The spiritual person is aware of the conflict within, while fleshly people do not care.

**COMMENT 5:18

But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law**

A wise person would select the Spirit in place of the lust.

No doubt law here refers to law of sin, not the Mosaic law.

It is used in connection with a discussion of sin.

Now if you make this wise choice, your choice frees you.

STUDY QUESTIONS 5:16-18

Is this exhortation to produce fruit of the Spirit?

How can a person walk in the Spirit when he walks in a world of flesh?

Can a person be so full of goodness that there is no room or time for evil?

Can you walk in the Spirit and walk with the devil’s crowd?

What does the word fulfill mean? Will a man get ulcers frustrating the flesh?

How can a person have the mind of Christ instead of a carnal mind?

What does Paul mean by flesh?

Define the word lust.

How do we know lawful desires and unlawful ones?

What is the end of lust?

Does he mean that the Spirit lusts too?

Define contrary.

Are men aware of this awful combat within them constantly?

Is the saint more conscious of the warfare than the worldly person?

Describe a life led by the Spirit.

If we are led by God’s Spirit, are we leading our own lives?

What law is meantlaw of Moses or of sin?

Galatians 5:19-20

**TEXT 5:19, 20

(19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (20) idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties.

PARAPHRASE 5:19, 20**

19 Now, the works produced by the lust of the flesh are manifest: namely, adultery, fornication, and all kinds of uncleanness; such as incest, sodomy, bestiality, the indulging lascivious thoughts, and the reading of lascivious books; 20 The worshipping of idols, sorcery, or a pretended communication with the invisible malignant powers; enmities long kept up; quarrels issuing in unreasonable law-suits; ambitious emulations; violent anger; brawling; causeless separations; the forming of sects in religion, for the sake of gain, in opposition to conscience;

COMMENT 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest (order and expression differs in King James)

adultery

Illicit relationships with a married personit ruins families, alienates children from parents and causes parents to neglect children.

This word is missing in some manuscripts: It is not in the American Standard.

In the Old Testament such a person was to be stoned to death. Leviticus 20:10

Adultery will keep one out of heaven. 1 Corinthians 6:9; Hebrews 13:4

In Hollywood it seems to add to one’s box office appeal.

fornication

Illicit relationship of single or unmarried persons.

Fornicators will not be in heaven. Revelation 22:15

If adultery is not included in all Greek manuscripts, we may consider it included under fornication. See Matthew 5:32.

uncleanness

This word covers a wider range of sensual sin than fornication.

Ephesians 4:19 speaks of all uncleanness.

In Romans 1:24 it refers to unnatural practices.

In 2 Corinthians 12:21 it is connected with sexual perversion.

There are other sensual sins that must be included.

Tobacco is unclean.

It leaves a stain upon fingers that handle it.

It leaves a deposit in the lungs of the smokers.

It makes the breath smell unclean.

Wrappers, ashes, butts, litter streets and public houses.

It makes the clothes, the house, the car smell foul to the non-smoker.

Homes, cars, buses, banquet halls, and even some churches are made to smell from the smoke exhaled from the lungs.

Liquor is unclean.

Wherever men indulge there is vomit, men in gutters, automobile wrecks, blood and death.

It brings men to poverty and cheap, dirty hotels.

lasciviousness

This word is also translated wantonness.

It comes from the Greek.

The Pulpit Commentary: It is scarcely an adequate translation in this connection. It appears to point to reckless shamelessness in unclean indulgences.

The Pulpit Commentary: In classical Greek the adjective form describes a man insolently and wantonly reckless in his treatment of others, but in the N.T. it generally appears to point more specifically to unabashed open indulgences in impurity.

There are other uses of the word.

Used with uncleanness and fornication in 2 Corinthians 12:21.

Used with uncleanness in Ephesians 4:19.

Is used with men of Sodom in 2 Peter 2:7.

Compare 2 Peter 2:18; 1 Peter 4:3 and Jude 1:4.

In Mark 7:22 it may appear in its classical sense.

WORKS OF THE FLESH 5:19-21

What is the flesh? What is it to walk after the flesh? We must be very careful here. There is ever the danger that we will equate flesh with the material body, and like modern gnostics, assume that matter is evil. That the flesh cannot always refer to the physical body, its natural cravings and desires, is evident from Romans 8:9, which says, You are not in the flesh. All of us are in the physical body even when we walk in the Spirit.

The word flesh stands for the human nature weakened, vitiated, tainted by sin. The flesh is man as he is apart from Jesus Christ and the Spirit.

Flesh as used here is not limited to sexual perversion for many other things not directly related to sexual passion are also a part of the flesh, as one may learn by reading the works of the flesh as listed in Galatians 5:19-21.

Flesh is unsanctified human nature and represents all of us that is not given over to godliness. The word flesh refers to the human nature corrupted by sin and selfishly concerned only with its gratification. The fleshly man is under a power whose control manages his existence and possesses the man’s soul and body into a perverted activity. Paul refers to man’s behavior as works because it reveals in society as an unbridled self-indulgence, greediness. It creates insecurity, cruelty, terror and at last heartaches of the bitterest kind.

**COMMENT 5:20

idolatry**

The worshipping of idols could be considered a fruit of the flesh for pagan religions are lustful.

Temples have had their male and female prostitutes.

The most shameful practices have been done in the name of religion.

Paul warns about idolatry in 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 and also 1 Corinthians 8:10.

Idolatry is not limited to pagan worship, but church members may be guilty.

Put to death. covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5

Stubbornness is as idolatry. 1 Samuel 15:22-23

sorcery

This word is translated witchcraft in the King James version.

It is from the Greek word denoting the use of drugs, but this sense is not used here.

The word in some forms was often used in reference to the employment of drugs in charms and incantations.

This sin is in bad company.

murders. sorceries. fornication. Revelation 9:21; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 22:15

The sorcerers and magicians of Egypt. Exodus 7:11

Magical books. Acts 19:19

Imposters. 2 Timothy 3:13

Art Baker on a television program in February, 1951, had a spiritualist expose the work of mediums and announce that Americans pay $125,000,000 annually for this deceit.

enmities

This is translated* hatred* in the King James.

Differences over issues and differences in the churches sometimes make enemies out of brethren.

Brethren should have love rather than hatred in their hearts.

How can the church member condemn Russia if he has enmity within his heart for those in the church?

strife

This is translated* variance* in the King James.

This is the outward conflict of persons.

When hatred goes to work and appears in the open it is strife.

Hatred stirreth up strifes. Proverbs 10:12

A wrathful man stirreth up contention. Proverbs 15:18

Strife comes from other sources than hatred.

A proud heart stirreth up strife. Proverbs 28:25

Strife gendered between herdsmen. Genesis 13:7

Strife arose among disciples over greatness. Luke 22:24

Carnality causes strife. 1 Corinthians 3:3

False teaching causes strife. 1 Timothy 6:4

Foolish questions gender strife. 2 Timothy 2:23

jealousies

Emulations is the translation of the King James.

The meaning is ambitious or envious rivalry.

In this case it has the idea of resentment.

In the original Greek it has the idea of zeal.

Zeal is good until corrupted.

Most vices are corrupted virtues.

The word is often connected with strife.

Not in strife and jealousy. Romans 13:13

Among you jealousy and strife. 1 Corinthians 3:3

I fear. I should find. strife, jealousy. 2 Corinthians 12:20

wrath

Wrath here is uncontrolled angerpassionateprobably with physical harm in mind.

Self-control is a requirement for an elder.

The bishop must be. no brawler. 1 Timothy 3:3

Not to be contentious. Titus 3:2

Wrath or anger has its place if controlled.

Be ye angry, and sin not. Ephesians 4:26

O ye that love Jehovah, hate evil. Psalms 97:10

This does not mean that we should be hateful to those who are sinful.

See Matthew 5:44-48.

factions

The Pulpit Commentary challenges this word being translated strife as it appears in the King James.

The verb from which it is derived means to act the part of a day-labourer, then scheming or intriguing for a post of employment.

Next, it means party actionthe contentious spirit of faction.

There are six other passages where the word appears.

Unto them that are factious. Romans 2:8

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife. Philippians 1:15

Doing nothing through faction. Philippians 2:3

See also 2 Corinthians 12:20 and James 3:14-16.

In writing to Titus, Paul gives a warning about such people. Titus 3:10

A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse. Titus 3:10

This word here is translated heretic in the King James, but appears as* factious* in the American Standard.

divisions

Seditions is the King James translation.

Sedition means going aside.

It carries the idea of insurrection, tending to excite, arousing to the point of going aside.

This is, distinctly formed parties standing apart from each other.

Division is the result of carnality. 1 Corinthians 3:3-5

Divisions indicate a lack of perfection. 1 Corinthians 1:10

The Lord’s way is oneness, for that is the content of His prayer in John 17:1-26.

parties

The King James translates this word heresies.

The word in the original had the idea of choice of views.

The Pulpit Commentary has a thorough discussion of this word.

The gospel is a revelation, it is not an opinion.

Opinions about the gospel makes heresies or parties.

STUDY QUESTIONS 5:19, 20

Why does he use the word works in connection with the flesh?

Is this the word used when he speaks of the spiritual life?

What is the difference in works and fruit?

Define adultery.

What was the penalty for it in the Old Testament?

What is the penalty for it in Hollywood?

Can we get to heaven and be guilty of adultery?

Define fornication.

Are guilty ones to be included in heaven?

Can we be guilty even though we do not commit it in the flesh, according to Jesus?

If filthy literature is read and suggestive shows are seen, are we guilty?

Define uncleanness.

Is this limited to a failure to bathe?

What common sins could be classed as sensual?

Is it limited to sexual perversion?

Are dirty habits to be included in the category of uncleanness?

Define lasciviousness.

What kind of company does it keep?

Are people proud of their impurity?

Do night club entertainers capitalize on this sin?

Can you be guilty and be saved?

Should Christians today be warned against idolatry?

Did Paul warn us against it?

What was Paul’s definition of it?

Could church members be guilty of it?

Is a stingy church an idolatrous one?

Define sorcery.

What other terms are used in various translations?

Is it in bad company, according to other scriptures?

Is its use limited to heathen witch-doctors?

Define enmities.

Can the church condemn politics in Russia if it is guilty of enmity?

Does your congregation have any enmity in it?

Define strife.

What are its sources?

Could false teaching be guilty?

Are denominations striving against one another?

Is it better to have silent enmity than outward conflict?

Define jealousy.

Is it a corrupted zeal?

Were Christ’s apostles guilty?

Are musicians, teachers, etc., in the church guilty of this sin?

Define wrath.

Is it wrong to have anger?

How can we have anger, and sin not?

Find verses that condemn angry outburst.

Define wrath.

Is God a God of wrath?

Can a person have controlled anger?

Is this sin sufficient to disqualify an elder?

What does wrath lead to?

Explain the value of anger.

Define factions.

Is it a common sin?

How many times does the Bible condemn it?

Are we to be patient and longsuffering with the factious man?

How do we know when we are dealing with such a person?

Define divisions as used in the New Testament.

Did the Corinthian church have this problem?

What was Paul’s condemnation for it?

If it was wrong to name the church and thus divide it then, how about naming the church after men today?

Is denominationalism the same as divisions?

Is it against Christ’s prayer for oneness?

What does the New Testament mean by oneness?

What does the New Testament mean by parties?

Do we have the right to a choice of views?

Is modernism a choice between God’s view and man’s views?

Do opinions versus revelation make parties?

Galatians 5:19-23

**SPECIAL STUDY THE WORKS OF THE FLESH AND THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Galatians 5:19**

Adultery is found only in the KJV, since it is missing in the oldest and best Greek manuscripts. The sin itself is prohibited by the more general word fornication. Fornication (porneiapor NY ah) includes all forms of unlawful sexual activities, from adultery to homosexuality to prostitution. In New Testament times sexual standards among the Greeks and Romans were quite low. The Roman author Seneca noted that Chastity is simply proof of ugliness, and that innocence is not rare, it is non-existent. Gibbons has recorded that of the first fifteen Emperors, Claudius was the only one whose taste in love was entirely correct. Among the Greeks, especially the philosophers, homosexuality was the great national disease.

Uncleanness (akatharsiaah kah thar SEE ah) means general filth or defilement of one’s moral being. It points to a dirty mind, dirty actions, a dirty life.

Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used this word of the ugly accumulation around a festering sore or wound. The Greek Old Testament used the word in connection with the defilement that makes a man or woman unfit to come before the presence of God. In the New Testament it refers to a foul indecency of mind, a spirit soiled and stained by the world. Lasciviousness (aselgeiaah SEL guy ah) is the strongest and most inclusive term for moral indecency. Also translated licentiousness or indecency, it names a reckless abandonment of what is decent and right.

Josephus (Antiquities, XX, 5, 3) tells of a Roman soldier standing guard at a Temple ceremony in Jerusalem about 45 or 46 A.D. As if his very presence were not defiling enough, he publicly dropped his clothes and relieved himself, outraging public decency and recklessly defiling the sacred grounds.

When a person is so corrupt that he neither cares about public respect, nor fears divine wrath, he has aselgeia.

Galatians 5:20

Idolatry (eidololatriaeye doh loh Iah TREE ah) is literally the worship of what can be seen. William Barclay says that to the ancients the idol had two functions: To localize and to visualize the god it represented. While some superstitious reverence was attached to the stone of wooden image, the people recognized that it was only a representation of an unseen force. What they wanted was to tap the power of that god for their own benefit. In order to gain good crops and fertile herds, one should worship the idol which represented the goddess of fertility.

Their worship, then, was actually a selfish greed to gain things for themselves. In this sense, Colossians 3:5 says idolatry and covetousness are the same sin. The Lord of God despises the sin of idolatry for two reasons:

It is a rejection of the true God, Romans 1:23.

It is a worship prompted by greed, Colossians 3:5.

Sorcery (pharmakeiafar mah KY ah) began as the use of drugs, whether good or bad. Our modern pharmacy traces back to this word in its better sense. The word was always used in its evil sense in the Greek Old Testament, being closely associated with witchcraft (Cf. Exodus 7:11; Exodus 7:22; Isaiah 47:9; Isaiah 47:12.) Sorcery is an attempt to gain mastery over another person’s life by occult means, especially the ues of incantations and drugs.

Enmity (echthraiEK thry) is the exact opposite of agape love. In another form (echthros) this same word is the common term for enemy. It refers to an attitude of automatic hostility, such as Jews felt toward all non-Jews, and Greeks felt toward non-Greeks. While love ignores the faults and reaches out, enmity ignores the virtues and shrinks back.

Strife (erisAIR iss) is the outward result of inner hostility or enmity. It involves quarreling, squabbling, and general conflict. This word was very aptly used to describe the situation of the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 Corinthians 3:3).

In Greek mythology, Eris was the goddess of discord and strife. Enraged because she was the only deity not invited to a certain marriage feast, she threw into the midst of the guests a golden apple inscribed to the fairest. The resulting jealousy and self-seeking of the gods was the initial cause of the famous Trojan war. Jealousy (zelosZAY loss) was a word with both a good and a bad sense. In the good sense it was zeal, a passionate desire or devotion to a noble end. However, this fervor is easily perverted into selfish desire. A competitive spirit may produce excellence, but it may also produce jealousy toward the success of someone else. Then the competitor no longer wants to achieve his own glories, but wants to take those achieved by another.

Wraths (thumoithoo MOY) once meant such noble virtues as courage and spirit. By the time of the New Testament, however, the meaning had focused on the passionate side of man’s spirit. Here it refers to anger and wrath in a sudden outburst of bad temper. The fact that this wrath explodes quickly and then may be over in no way makes it a virtue.

The person who has vomited up all his rage on everyone around him will usually feel better for getting it out of his system. But how do those feel upon whom he has spewed his wrath? Neither is the solution to try to bottle up the anger. In this case the pent-up rage will eat like an acid. The only solution is to let Jesus drink that bitter cup for us. He alone can convert our bitter wrath into better love. Factions (eritheiaier i THIGH eye) would be better understood as selfish ambition. The word originally meant to work for pay. It soon came to mean the willingness to do practically anything, solely for what one could get out of it for himself. Aristotle used the word in reference to politicians who sought power and prestige, rather than true service. The KJV also uses the translation factions, which points to the element of party pride, in addition to personal pride.

Divisions (dichostasiaidi koh stah SEE eye) means literally to stand apart. This is the opposite of the Christian ideals of peace (eirene) and fellowship (koinonia). Division is directly contrary to God’s plan and purpose for mankind. In fact, the final plan for the end of the ages calls for the reconciliation of all things in Heaven and on earth (Colossians 1:20; Ephesians 1:10). When all things are put right with God, they will necessarily be put right with one another.

Today the church of Christ is racked with divisions, which cannot be justified. When God’s children divide from one another, they are exercising the will of their former nature, which we know as the flesh. Parties (haireseisHY reh siss) comes from the verb meaning I choose. When someone chooses a viewpoint different from what is accepted as true, he is called a heretic and his belief is heresy. However, in the New Testament, the primary meaning has to do with choosing up sides and forming a distinctive sect.

Forming an exclusive party around a pet doctrine is sinful even if that doctrine is true!

Galatians 5:21

Envyings (phthonoiFTHOH noy) is always used in a bad sense. It means a genuine feeling of malice toward another, even stronger than the sin of jealousy. The jealous man wants the gain that another man got; the envious man just wants to see the other man deprived.

The old dog in the manger fable well describes this feeling of malice. The dog does not want and cannot use the hay in that manger, but it is determined to keep away those who could use it. When a man is unhappy so long as his neighbor is happy, he is guilty of malice. Jealousy says, I want what you have. Malice says, I just don-’t want you to have. Murder (phonoiFOH noy) is found only in the King James Version, since it is lacking in the oldest and best Greek manuscripts. Note the similarity in Greek between murder (phonoi) and envying (phthonoi). Both murder and adultery were probably added in the margin of an early manuscript by a scribe who wanted the list to include more specific acts of sin, in addition to the general sins of mind and attitude.

Drunkenness (methaiMETH eye) appears as a plural word in the Greek, apparently referring to repeated instances of becoming intoxicated. Although wine was a universal drink throughout the Mediterranean world, drunkenness was widely recognized as wrong. Jews, Greeks, Romansall diluted their natural wine with water to avoid intoxication. If someone actually wanted to get drunk, he would deliberately leave out part or all of the water.

Revellings (komoiKO moi) are orgies. They are shameful celebrations of the perversion of man’s natural appetites for food and drink, and for sexual fulfillment.

In II Maccabees is related the attempt of the Syrian ruler Antiochus Epiphanes to bring an end to Judaism. He made it punishable by death to observe the Sabbath or possess a copy of the Torah. He made a burnt offering of swine on the sacred altar. Then he made the Temple a house of prostitution. In 2Ma. 6:4 it says that the Temple was filled with riot and revellings.

In summary of these works of the flesh, consider this possible grouping:

Fornication

)

Uncleanness

) Sex Abuses

Lasciviousness

)

Idolatry

)

Sorcery

) Seeking Supernatural Power

Enmity

)

Strife

)

Jealousies

)

Wrath

) SELF-ishness

Factions

) (The sin of the Big I)

Divisions

)

Parties

)

Envying

)

Drunkenness

) Sensuality

Revellings

)

Note that over half the sins can be grouped into the Big I category. These all point to egotistical pride and hostile selfishness. These all destroy the unity which God designed and desires for mankind. One sure sign that a man is not right with God is that he is at odds with his fellow man.

Galatians 5:22

Love (agapeah GAH pay) is the first and greatest of all Christian virtues. Over 100 times this noble word appears in the New Testament, giving us the description of God and the essence of the commandments. It comes as quite a shock, then, to find this word totally absent in early secular Greek literature. While the verb form for this kind of love was used occasionally, the very first use of agape we have found was in the Scriptures of the old covenant.

The Greeks actually had four separate concepts of love. They may be briefly described as follows:

Eros (EH roce)Passionate sexual love

Storge (stor GAY)Family love and devotion

Philia (fih LEE ah)Friendship and affection

Agape (ah GAH pay)(Used only as a verb) To show concern for.

The main school of philosophy in New Testament times was the Stoics. They taught that it is dangerous to love. Epictetus said a man should teach himself not to care if he lost a pottery cup, or a dog, or even a piece of land. Eventually he could lose his health, his children, his wifeand not care! This would be the totally unshakable happiness that men sought.

Aristotle taught that love is diluted when widely shared. One must draw a tight circle about himself and a chosen few to know real love. Jesus totally reversed these concepts. He demonstrated that real love is willing to risk everything, and that real love cannot be restricted. The highest kind of love draws the most inclusive circle. An interesting contrast can be drawn between the three major concepts of love. Whether ancient or modern, these forms of love can be found:

Eros says, I love you if you make me happy.

Philia says, I love you because you are so lovable.

Agape says, I love you in spite of your doing nothing for me, even if you are very unlovely.

Thus a very neglected and colorless Greek word became the vehicle for the grandest concept of all. The kind of love depicted in the New Testament has these characteristics:

Agape loves even when love is not deserved (Romans 5:8).

Agape loves without restrictions. It reaches out to meet the need wherever a need arises.

Agape loves by choice and by will, not just by feeling and emotion. It is the only kind of love that can be commanded.

Agape loves without counting the cost, and without calculating the profit.

Joy (charakah RAH) is at the heart of the Gospel message. In the beginning, the angels at Bethlehem heralded the good news of great joy. At the end, the risen Lord appeared to his disciples, who disbelieved for joy. The Gospel is such joyful good news that it really is hard to believe!

Joy is a happiness that is spontaneous, radiant, and most of all, clean. The shrill, jaded laughter of the world cannot compare with the exuberant joy of the Spirit. Real joy is not prompted by happy circumstances, but triumphs over any circumstances. Always rejoice! (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:16; Philippians 4:4)

Peace (eireneeye RAY nay) comes into the New Testament with a rich background. The Greek word refers to an absence of alienation, a state of reconciliation and oneness. The philosophers were constantly seeking peace, but always saw it in a negative light. For them peace meant removing pain, eliminating desire, and killing emotion. The resulting vacuum did not, however, produce peace.

It is the Hebrew use of the word, though, that gives it a distinct and productive sense. The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, is much more than the absence of conflict. It is the presence of all that is needed for man’s highest good. For instance, when Joseph asked about the well-being of his father back in Palestine, he actually said, Is it shalom with him? (Genesis 43:27).

Peace is an inner sense of well-being. While joy is the mountaintop of happiness, peace is the plateau of contentment. Even if the Christian comes down at times from the highest peaks, he need not go into the valley of despair, for he can stay on the plateau of peace. Longsuffering (makrothumiamah kro thoo ME ah) means literally long-tempered. It refers to the quality of patience which does not quickly flare up and explode. The Apocalypse of Baruch says, wrath is restrained by long-suffering, as if by a rein.

Two different words are often translated patience in the New Testament. Our word here means especially patience to put up with people. The other word, hypomone (hoo poh moh NAY), means endurance to outlast unpleasant circumstances (Romans 5:3).

Our perfect example of longsuffering is God, Himself. In the days of Noah, God restrained His wrath while the ark was being prepared (1 Peter 3:20). In these present days, God is again restraining the wrath and punishment which the world deserves. The only reason He has not already destroyed this world is that He is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9).

Kindness (chrestoteskray STOT ace) comes from a word meaning virtuous, excellent, and gracious. It is an inner beauty of spirit which blooms into sweet and loving Christian character. This kindness, however, is not only a sweet dispositionit is an active benevolence. It is not just the gentle voice briefly stopping by the bedside, it is the tender hand that stays to feed, to wash, to heal.

Goodness (agathosuneah gah tho SOO nay) means moral uprightness. It is concerned with measuring up to the standards of right and wrong. The distinction between kindness and goodness can be found in Christian writers all the way back to Jerome (4th Century). Goodness is Jesus cleansing the Temple and rebuking the Pharisees; kindness is Jesus reaching out to the woman at the well and to the little children.

Just think, though, how rarely these virtues are combined! One man is morally and doctrinally straight, but is harsh and cold in his faith. Another man is full of understanding and kindness, but finds no deviation from morality or truth ever serious enough to be rebuked. We should find in Jesus our perfect example of the perfect blenda generous goodness and a wholesome kindness. Faithfulness (pistisPISS tiss) was a common word among the ancients. One papyrus fragment describes a slave as faithful and not given to running away. A good synonym for the word would be loyalty, or trustworthiness.

The KJV has simply faith, which to many people means merely the exercise of the mind in believing a certain fact. However, the word faith itself must include the element of loyalty. This can be seen even in English. To be faithful equals to be full of faith. Just think, though, how many people claim to be full of faith and yet are admittedly not faithful! What they are full of is not faith (loyal commitment based on trust and belief), but simply ideas about whether God probably exists or not.

Galatians 5:23

Meekness (prautesprah OOH tace) is one of the least understood words in the Bible. Meekness is not weakness or lack of couragein fact, it is just the opposite. Meekness is great strength or strong spirit held under control.

Two uses of prautes in classical Greek illuminate its meaning. Xenophon said that horses which had been wild, but were then trained to obey the reins, were meek. Aristotle said that meekness was the golden mean between excessive anger and excessive apathy or spinelessness.

In the Bible only two men are called meek. In the Old Testament, it is Moses who is very meek, more than all men who are upon the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3). Yet this same Moses had marched in before the most powerful man on earth and demanded, Thus says the Lord, let my people go! The man who led perhaps two million slaves to freedom was no weakling, no coward.

In the New Testament it is Jesus himself who is called meek (Matthew 11:29; Matthew 21:5). Yet Jesus was strong in every way. One need only see him cleansing the temple, confronting the Pharisees, or setting his face toward Jerusalem, to know his strength.

In many ways meekness is like our yield right-of-way signs. Even when we have superior force and could bully our way through, we often yield our rights to our fellow man. He who is meek has yielded his reins to God and his rights to the well-being of others. He is gentle, teachable, and submissive. Self-control (enkrateiaen krah TY ah) is the last of the fruit of the Spirit. The word temperance used in the KJV gives the erroneous idea that this is merely to abstain from alcohol.

The root of this word means to hold, to grip, to have power over. In this form it means mastery over the body’s appetites, especially in the area of sex. The human body has appetites which are totally ignorant of right and wrong. One’s stomach may crave food, regardless of whose food it is, what his diet may require, or whether the time is appropriate. The stomach is simply hungry; the reasoning mind must control. When a man is able to deny wrong desires and satisfy right desires, he has self-control. The Christian ought not to expect desires to go away; he ought simply to gain mastery over them through the Spirit.

Fruit of The Spirit Christians Are Different

In faith, he is a believer.

In heart, he is obedient.

In character, he is a saint.

In relation, he is a son.

In conflict, he is a soldier.

In the world, he is a pilgrim.

In a vine, he is a branch.

In life, he is a servant.

In his walk, he is a living epistle.

In expectation, he is an heir. At all times, out and out for Christ.

Fruit of The Spirit Christians Behave Differently

Obedience instead of disobedience Hope instead of hopelessness Giving instead of getting Purity instead of profanity Forgiveness instead of vengeance Trust rather than terror Tithing rather than tipping Faith rather than fear Prayer instead of passion Kindness instead of cruelty Love rather than hate Nurtures rather than neglects Witnesses rather than wasting Kneeling rather than knocking Undergirding instead of undermining

Galatians 5:21

**TEXT 5:21

(21) envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

PARAPHRASE 5:21**

21 Inward grievings at the happiness of others; the taking of men’s lives unjustly, and the maiming of their members; drinkings to intoxication; lewd frolics, and running through the streets in the night-time; and such like evil practices: concerning which I foretell you now, as I have often done formerly, that they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Awful declaration!

**COMMENT 5:21

envyings**

When you feel a pain at the sight or sound of excellence or happiness you are envious.

Are you able to enjoy the success, the victories, and joys of other people?

There is no room for envy in a Christian’s life, nor in the church.

What is the difference between envy and jealousy?

EnvyOne who discontentedly desires or covets the good fortunes or attainments of others is envious.

JealousyOne is jealous who suspects and resents the diversion to another (especially to one regarded as a rival) of what one loves or prizes as his own.

The scriptures speak on the subject.

Examples of envy.

Jews, were filled with jealousy. Acts 13:45

Jews being moved with jealousy. Acts 17:5

The Philistines envied Isaac. Genesis 26:14

Rachel envied her sister. Genesis 30:1

Joseph’s brothers envied him. Genesis 37:11

Condemnation of it.

Putting away. envies. 1 Peter 2:1

… Love envieth not. 1 Corinthians 13:4

Galatians 5:22-23

**TEXT 5:22, 23

(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.

PARAPHRASE 5:22, 23**

22 But the fruit which reason enlightened by the Spirit of God produceth, is love to God and man; joy, occasioned by that excellent affection; peace with all men; the patient bearing of injuries; a soft and sweet manner of speaking; a beneficent disposition; fidelity in engagements, promises, and trust; 23 Calmness under provocations; temperance in the use of meats and drinks. In praise of these virtues I observe, that there never was any law or religion by which they were prohibited, or the persons punished who practiced them.

**COMMENT 5:22

fruit**

The word fruit here takes the place of works in Galatians 5:19.

Trees that produce fruit are cultivated on the account of the fruit.

Glorious things in our lives will be produced as fruit, if we choose to be spiritual.

Fruit is a proof of the tree.

For the tree is known by its fruit. Matthew 12:33

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit. Matthew 7:18

The source of good fruit is described.

Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22

The gospel. is bearing. fruit in you. Colossians 1:6

He that abideth in me. beareth much fruit. John 15:5

The ways that we bear fruit are listed.

let us offer fruit of lips that make confession to his name.

Hebrews 13:15

this shall bring fruit from my work. Philippians 1:22

The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace. James 3:18

Bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:15

By being cleansed. John 15:2

Abiding in Christ. John 15:5

of the Spirit

Is the word spirit here, the spirit of man or the Holy Spirit?

Commentators do not seem anxious to deal with the question.

The word is capitalized in the Scripture which expresses the viewpoint of the majority of scholars involved in translation.

MacKnight says, It is not possible to give a higher praise to any temper of mind or course of life than to say it is the fruit of the Spirit; whether by the spirit we understand the Spirit of God, or the spirit of man.

The Pulpit Commentary says: The relation expressed here by the genitive case of the noun, -of the Spirit-’ is probably much the same as is expressed by the corresponding genitive, -of the flesh,-’ in each case meaning -belonging to-’ or -due to the operation of-’; for the agent who in the one case does the works is not the flesh, but the person acting under the influence of the flesh; so here the fruitbearer is not -the Spirit, but the person controlled by the Spirit.-'

An examination of life, of history, and of scripture reveals that man is sinful, so these fruits are not the fruits of man’s spirit. The fruits of Gal 5:22-23 are Divine attributes.

However, these fruits do not appear in our lives without strenuous endeavor on our part.

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12-13

love

Much has been said on the subject but none is so eloquent as 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.

Jesus must be heard, for He says that love is in three directions: toward God, toward man, and toward self.

Matthew 22:37

Love toward men is in two directions: toward those that love us, and toward our enemies.

Love your enemies. Matthew 5:44

There is no honor in loving those that love you. Matthew 5:46

Love will prove our discipleship.

By this shall all men know. John 13:35

John should be heardfor he speaks so pointedly.

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, cannot love God whom he hath not seen. 1 John 4:20

God is love; and he that abideth in love, abideth in God. 1 John 4:16

joy

This is radiance, a bubbling forth, like a mountain spring that has an eternal source.

There is no room for complaint of one’s portion.

Listen to Paul in prisonin need of cloak, and parchments.

Finally my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. Philippians 3:1

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound. Philippians 4:12

Hear Paul in writing to Romans: for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17

The contrast would be the coldness and severity of feeling which many people have.

The Christian can not testify of the blessedness of Christ if his face is long, and his stories of hardship are endless.

Let us radiate joy and happiness until the world will desire the Christ.

peace

Two things definitely will be absent from the heart that has peace.

Worry will be absent: Be not anxious for your life. Matthew 6:25

Hatred and strife will be absent.

Abraham said, Let there be no strife. Genesis 13:8

on earth, peace, among men. Luke 2:14

the mind of the Spirit is peace. Romans 8:6

He is our peace. Ephesians 2:14

Peace proves our wisdom: The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable. James 3:17

This virtue practiced would end all war: That we may lead a quiet and peaceful (tranquil A.S.) life. 1 Timothy 2:2

longsuffering

Paul expresses this is as a result of love: love suffereth long. 1 Corinthians 13:4

What is wrong, but a lack of love, when marriages do not last a year?

Love is not present when some churches have folks sitting on opposite sides of the building to keep from speaking to each other.

Men are quick to cease their efforts for good.

God is longsuffering; without this grace there would be no salvation.

Longsufferingnot wishing that any should perish. 2 Peter 3:9

Longsuffering. in the days of Noah. 1 Peter 3:20

Men would blow the universe up in disgust, but God waits.

kindness

This, in the King James, is gentleness.

The etymology of the word means usableness and seems to suggest sweetness of disposition, a willingness to comply, a willingness to be of service to others.

This word in the Greek appears in 2 Corinthians 6:6; Ephesians 2:7; Colossians 3:1; Titus 3:4, and is translated as kindness.

In Romans 2:4The same word is translated goodness.

Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4 speaks of love being kind; so if we will love, many good things will result.

Courtesy, sympathy, and understanding are in the word* kind.*

Consideration will be an attribute of one who is kind.

One who is kind will watch his speech, for words can cut deeply and wound severely the sensitive soul.

goodness

This term seems to be a wide art of benevolence. See Romans 5:14, also Ephesians 5:9.

The Christian is to be more than good; his life is to be exceedingly good, as Jesus expressed in Matthew 5:20.

It is to be exercised especially toward the Christian. Galatians 6:10

faithfulness

There seems to be some dispute as to what shade of meaning the apostle hadfaith or faithfulness.

The Pulpit Commentary insists that the idea of fidelity, which the word bears in Titus 2:10, seems out of place when we consider the particular evils which are now in his eye as existing or in danger of arising in the Galatian Church.

The Pulpit Commentary says belief in the gospel fits the occasion perfectly.

It would be a rare case that a lesson on faithfulness would not be needed.

If Christ is unchanging (Hebrews 13:8), then faithfulness must be included in the list of the fruit of the Spirit.

It is essential to salvation.

Be thou faithful unto death. Revelation 2:10

Except ye believed in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:2

Endureth to the end. Matthew 10:22

No man. looking back. is fit. Luke 9:62

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT 5:22, 23

Types of Fruit found in the New Testament

Consumptive fruit, i.e., literal fruit. (Matthew 21:19, Luke 22:18)

Conception is used figuratively as fruit. Luke 1:42the fruit of the womb. Genesis 1:28Be fruitful and multiply.

Confession is referred to as fruit. Hebrews 13:15The fruit of our lips that give thanks to His name.

Contributions are called fruit. Romans 15:28I put my seal on this fruit of theirs. Philippians 4:16-17.

Conversions are also regarded as fruit. John 4:31-36, 1 Corinthians 16:15first-fruits of Achaia.

Conduct in general is alluded to as fruit. Colossians 1:10bearing fruit in every good work.

Character is the primary understanding of fruit in the N.T. Galatians 5:22-23 lists character qualities. Ephesians 5:9

II.

Principles of Fruit

The Spirit of God produces the fruit, we just bear it. Hosea 14:2 From Me comes your fruit. John 15:4As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

Spiritual fruit always comes in a cluster. Fruit is singular in Galatians 5:22. We can-’t have one aspect of Christ’s character without the rest.

Spiritual fruit is the NORM for the Christian life. Every Christian is to manifest all of these character qualities.

Spiritual fruit constitutes the character of Christ-likeness. Christ was the perfect personification of this fruit.

Spiritual fruit is the visible criteria of a genuine Christian. Matthew 7:20by their fruits, ye shall know them.

Spiritual fruit implies a quiet, steady growth. It is not a bombastic, spectacular display, but more often a quiet evidence of abundant life.

Mature fruit-bearing takes TIME. Fruit doesn-’t grow overnight. We must not expect a perfect expression of these habitudes immediately.

There is a personal responsibility in fruit-bearing.

There is a yieldedness and dying to Self required.

We must walk in the Spirit, i.e., maintain the fullness of the Spirit. Galatians 5:16

We must abide in Christ. John 15:1-27

Conclusion

To walk after the flesh is the fate of once-born men; to walk after the Spirit is the feat of twice-born men.

**COMMENT 5:23

meekness**

This is quite often thought of as weakness, but the two words resemble each other only in sound.

It does not mean spiritless but does mean the opposite of domineering and blustering.

It means mild of temper, patient under injuries.

There is strength in humility.

Moses was meek. Numbers 12:3

Jesus was meek. Matthew 11:29

Now, name two men who had a greater influence for human society than those two persons.

Examine the words of Jesus in the light of history: The meek shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5, Cf. Psalms 37:11

Hitler with his goose step and brag of a superior race, went down to defeat, to poverty, to ashes, and destruction.

Those nations that allow the meek and lowly Jesus to be preached, are the leading nations of the world.

If our riches destroy our meekness then pride goeth before destruction. Proverbs 16:18

There are some very fine instructions on the subject.

In meekness correcting. 2 Timothy 2:25

Walk. with lowliness and meekness. Ephesians 4:2

Showing all meekness. Titus 3:2

Receive with meekness. James 1:21

Give a reason. concerning hope. with meekness. 1 Peter 3:15

self control

Temperance is the King James translation.

This word stands in opposition to such words as fornication, drunkenness, and revellings, named in this chapter.

Control of mind and body is an essential for an elder. See 1 Timothy 3:2-4; also Titus 2:2.

Alexander the Great controlled the world at age 33, but died at that age because he failed to control his own lusts.

against such there is no law

These attributes are generally recognized as beneficial, hence men do not legislate against them.

Who would want a law against being kind? Humane societies are formed to encourage men to extend kindness to animals.

These are opposed by the law of lust, but no legislation of man or God is against the fruit of the Spirit.

The law of Moses is not against these.

The law could not produce righteousness. Galatians 3:21

We walk not after the flesh. See Romans 8:4.

The law pointed out these sins, so the law would not be against these.

STUDY QUESTIONS 5:22, 23

What does the Spirit producefruit or works?

Is fruit a proof of the kind of a tree?

Is the Spirit the source of good fruit?

Find as many places in God’s Word as you can where the word fruit is used.

Is the word Spirit capitalized?

Does this indicate man’s fruit or God’s fruit?

Are they divine attributes even though you should conclude that the word* spirit* is used here to be opposite flesh?

Why does he put love first here, when he places it last in 1 Corinthians 13:13?

Should love be first, last, and always?

What love is meant in this verse?

Does he mean love for God or love for man, or both?

What if we do not have love in our heart?

Describe joy.

Can one be sour, disgruntled, and a chronic complainer and be joyful?

When should a person be joyful?

Where may we exhibit joy as a testimony of our faith?

If Christians were joyful, would it be a contrast to the fun-loving world?

Describe peace.

If one has worry and anxiety, does he have peace?

Is the peace described here only the absence of war?

How are peace and wisdom connected?

What will be absent from the heart of the man who is peaceful?

Define longsuffering.

In what relationship should longsuffering work?

Is God longsuffering toward us?

Define kindness.

What does Paul say about it in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13?

Can you hate and be kind?

Can you love and be unkind?

Do people in love sometimes treat others with more kindness than they do each other?

Do we take advantage of the longsuffering of others?

How can unkindness manifest itself?

Are you able to define goodness?

Is it easier to define than it is to practice?

Are we to be as good as the Pharisees?

Define faithfulness.

Are faith and faithfulness the same?

Is God faithful? What is the evidence?

Is faithfulness essential to salvation?

When a person lacks it, has he fallen from grace?

If your answer to the two former questions is yes, then is it possible for a person to fall from grace and to be lost?

Define meekness in the Word of God.

Is it weakness or does it have strength?

Jesus said that the meek would inherit the earth: in the light of the Communistic power does He seem to be right?

Give examples of great people who were meek.

Name some other scriptures that teach on the subject of meekness.

Explain the meaning of self-control.

How do other translations speak of it?

What appetites destroy control?

Is a failure at this point enough to disqualify a man for the eldership?

Have you heard of laws against these virtues?

Why do men not legislate against kindness, love, patience, etc.?

What kind of a world would we have if all our society produced the fruit of the Spirit?

Galatians 5:24-26

**TEXT 5:24-26

(24) And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. (25) If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk. (26) Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, envying one another.

PARAPHRASE 5:24-26**

24 Besides, they who are Christ’s brethren, have from love to him, and admiration of his character, crucified the body with the passions and lusts proper to it. 25 Since we live in the spiritual dispensation of the gospel, and enjoy the spiritual gifts, let us also walk by the spirit; that is, by the rules prescribed in this spiritual dispensation. 26 In particular, let us who enjoy the spiritual gifts, beware of being puffed up with pride, lest we provoke one another to anger; and let us who want these gifts, abstain from envying those who possess them.

**COMMENT 5:24

they that are of Christ Jesus**

Christ Jesus is not a common expression.

It occurs in Ephesians 3:1 and Colossians 2:6.

The title Christ means the Anointed one, so it is The Anointed Jesus.

It is questioned whether the expression is descriptive or a proper name.

The expression is one of possession: are of Christ Jesus.

We, as Christians, are Christ’S; we belong to Him.

Ye are Christ’S. 1 Corinthians 3:23

We are the Lord’S. Romans 14:8

God’s own possession. Ephesians 1:14

How do we become possessed of God and Christ?

By faith we recognize Him as Lord.

By repentance we will to become like Him.

By baptism we die to the past and rise to walk in the kingdom of Christ.

Our life is then a confession, accompanied by the words of our lips, that we are His.

Romans 8:15 tells us that we may know that we are His.

The Spirit’s testimony says believe, confess, repent, be baptized, be faithful.

My spirit says I have done these; therefore, the Spirit’s testimony and my testimony are in accord.

We are none of His if we have not been obedient.

As many as are led by the Spirit. these are sons of God. Romans 8:14

have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof

This crucifixion is best described by Romans 6:1-6.

Crucifixion is accomplished at baptism when one has willed to die to sin.

There is nothing magical about water, that can conquer sin.

Baptism crucifies only when mentally and spiritually there is a death to sin and a birth of the Spirit.

Our old man is crucified with Him.

We hang the flesh on the cross of Jesus.

The flesh must not be taken down to ourselves again.

What is the difference between passions and lusts?

Passion appears as affections in the King James version.

The Pulpit Commentary says:

Passions (affections) denotes the disordered states of the soul viewed as in a condition of a disease.

Lusts points to the goings forth of the soul towards objects which it is wrong to pursue.

MacKnight says passions are malice, anger, revenge, envy, and pride.

**COMMENT 5:25

If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk**

This suggests the sphere in which we should walk.

Ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. Romans 8:9

It is a spiritual realm rather than a physical one.

At least three things will manifest themselves in a Spirit Walk.

In the production of the fruit of the Spirit.

In soul winning.

… they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

… turned world upside down. Acts 17:6

In worship. Acts 2:42

**COMMENT 5:26

Let us not**

This is a communicative form of exhortation in which the exhorter joins himself with the ones being exhorted.

Why? Perhaps to soften the tone of superiority implied in exhorting them.

A second viewpoint is to imply that they as yet were not vainglorious but were in danger of becoming so.

A third definitely should be stated, for this was a temptation that could befall anyone including Paul.

become vainglorious

Vainglorious means empty glory; perhaps a vain thinking respecting one’s self.

Galatians 6:3 probably throws light on what Paul means: If a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

Boasting of one’s attainment or even puffing up one’s own self to oneself would be destructive of spiritual life.

provoking one another

This word is found nowhere else in the N.T.

Provoking, says The Pulpit Commentary, is perhaps not meant in the sense in which this English verb is now commonly used, as making angry, but challenging to legal controversy, or to battle, or to mutual comparative estimation in any way.

There is a good provocation. Provoke. unto love and good works. Hebrews 10:24

envying one another

There is a definite correlation of these two words, both of which appear only here in the N.T. (Pulpit Commentary).

One group who thought they were strong, would challenge; another group who found themselves weaker, would envy.

Both faults are traced to one rootthe excessive wish to be thought much of.

STUDY QUESTIONS 5:24-26

Is the order of Jesus-’ names unusual here?

What does each title mean?

Does this indicate that some belong to Christ?

How do we become possessed by Christ?

How do we know when we are?

When does one crucify the flesh?

When flesh is crucified, what goes with it?

Does the water crucify the flesh?

What is the difference between passions and lusts?

Where in Romans is this subject discussed?

With whom are we crucified?

Is the Christian to consider himself fleshly or spiritual?

What characterizes a spiritual walk?

How can we allow the Spirit to lead our walk?

If we live by the Spirit, would our walk naturally be a spiritual walk?

Did Paul include himself in this exhortation?

Does this imply that the Galatians were not yet guilty of vanity?

Define vainglories.

Is the proud person an empty person?

What is meant by provoking one another?

Is provocation good or bad, or both?

What right have Christian people to envy one another?

What is basically wrong with the individual who is envious?

Old Green Commentaries

The College Press Bible Study Textbook Series — 59 volumes by 25 authors, published between 1961 and 1992 and affectionately known as the 'old green' commentaries for their green hardback bindings. Each volume is a commentary, workbook and teaching manual in one, written by Restoration Movement …

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Old Testament

GEN EXO LEV NUM DEU JOS JDG RUT 1SA 2SA 1KI 2KI 1CH 2CH EZR NEH EST JOB PSA PRO ECC SOS ISA JER LAM EZK DAN HOS JOL AMO OBA JON MIC NAH HAB ZEP HAG ZEC MAL

New Testament

MAT MRK LUK JHN ACT ROM 1CO 2CO GAL EPH PHP COL 1TH 2TH 1TI 2TI TIT PHM HEB JAS 1PE 2PE 1JN 2JN 3JN JUD REV

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