Gal 5 | MHM | STEP | Freedom in Christ In this section, Paul urges the Galatians to hold on to the freedom Christ has given them and not to return to the bondage of the law. He warns against the teachings of those who insist on obeying the Jewish law, especially circumcision, as necessary for salvation. Paul explains that faith in Christ is the only way to be justified before God, and that Christians are called to live by the Spirit, not by the old law. v. 1 : Paul tells the Galatians to stand firm in their freedom. Christ has set believers free from the law’s requirements, so they should not let themselves be tied up again in a "yoke of bondage"—that is, the burden of the old Jewish law ( Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage ; Galatians 5:1 ).

‏ Galatians 5

Freedom in Christ

In this section, Paul urges the Galatians to hold on to the freedom Christ has given them and not to return to the bondage of the law. He warns against the teachings of those who insist on obeying the Jewish law, especially circumcision, as necessary for salvation. Paul explains that faith in Christ is the only way to be justified before God, and that Christians are called to live by the Spirit, not by the old law.

v. 1: Paul tells the Galatians to stand firm in their freedom. Christ has set believers free from the law’s requirements, so they should not let themselves be tied up again in a "yoke of bondage"—that is, the burden of the old Jewish law (Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage; Galatians 5:1 ^a).

v. 2: Paul warns them that if they accept circumcision as necessary for salvation, then Christ will be of no benefit to them. Depending on the law means they are not truly trusting in Jesus (Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing; Galatians 5:2 ^b).

v. 3: He explains that anyone who chooses to be circumcised is then responsible to keep the entire law. You cannot pick and choose parts of the law; you must obey it all if you rely on it for righteousness (For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law; Galatians 5:3 ^c).

v. 4: Paul states that those who try to be justified by the law have separated themselves from Christ and have fallen away from grace (Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace; Galatians 5:4 ^d).

v. 5: He reminds them that Christians wait for the hope of righteousness by faith, through the Spirit, not by the works of the law (For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith; Galatians 5:5 ^e).

v. 6: In Christ, what matters is not being circumcised or uncircumcised, but faith expressing itself through love (For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love; Galatians 5:6 ^f).

v. 7–12: Paul points out that the Galatians started out well in their faith, but someone has confused them. He says that a little false teaching can harm the whole group. Paul expresses his confidence that the Galatians will return to the truth and warns that those causing trouble will face judgment. He also denies the accusation that he preaches circumcision, and says if he did, he would not be persecuted. He wishes that those who are troubling the church would stop completely (Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?; Galatians 5:7-12 ^g).

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v. 13: Paul tells them that they were called to freedom, but that this freedom is not an excuse to do whatever they want. Instead, they should serve one another in love (For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another; Galatians 5:13 ^h). Paul reminds the Galatians that they are called to be free in Christ, but they should not use this freedom as an excuse to do wrong or satisfy sinful desires. Instead, they should use their freedom to serve one another in love. Christian liberty is not for selfishness or quarreling, but for helping and caring for each other.

Practical Godliness and the Fruits of the Spirit

In this section, Paul teaches the Galatians how to live out their Christian freedom. He warns them not to misuse their liberty, but instead to serve one another in love. Paul explains the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit, lists the works of the flesh that must be avoided, and describes the fruit of the Spirit that should grow in believers’ lives. He encourages the believers to walk in the Spirit and warns against pride and envy, calling them to true Christian living.

v. 14: Paul explains that the whole law is summed up in one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; Galatians 5:14 ⁱ). Loving others fulfills what God requires in the law.

v. 15: He warns them that if they keep fighting, arguing, and hurting each other, they will end up destroying their community. Quarrels and divisions are dangerous for the church (But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another; Galatians 5:15 ^j).

v. 16: Paul tells them to walk by the Spirit so they will not give in to sinful desires. If they live according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they will not do what the flesh wants (This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh; Galatians 5:16 ^k).

v. 17: He explains that there is a conflict inside every Christian between the flesh (the old sinful nature) and the Spirit (the new nature given by God). These two are always fighting against each other, so believers sometimes struggle to do what is right (For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would; Galatians 5:17 ^l).

v. 18: Paul encourages them that if they are led by the Spirit, they are not under the law’s condemnation. The Spirit leads them away from the rule of sin and into a new way of life in Christ (But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law; Galatians 5:18 ^m).

v. 19–21: Paul lists the works of the flesh, which are obvious sins and attitudes that are against God, such as sexual immorality, impurity, hatred, jealousy, anger, selfishness, divisions, envy, drunkenness, and wild parties. He warns that people who live like this will not inherit God’s kingdom (Now the works of the flesh are manifest... they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God; Galatians 5:19-21 ⁿ).

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v. 22–23: In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is what the Holy Spirit produces in believers’ lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things, because they are good and right (But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law; Galatians 5:22-23 ^o).

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v. 24: Paul says that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. This means true Christians are putting to death their old sinful ways (And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts; Galatians 5:24 ^p).

v. 25: He encourages believers to live by the Spirit in daily life. If they have received new life by the Spirit, they should let the Spirit guide their actions (If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit; Galatians 5:25 ^q).

v. 26: Finally, Paul warns against pride and envy. They should not seek glory for themselves or be envious of each other, because this ruins unity and love in the church (Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another; Galatians 5:26 ^r).