February 15, 2010 Lesson 6 of Galatians 5:2-24

Spiritual freedom may be lost in tow ways: a)by false teaching, in this case the teaching of the necessity of circumcision (v 2-12); and b) by living to please self (v13-15). The secret of victory is to give the Holy Spirit full sway within us by obeying his promptings. He will subdue the flesh, and bring forth in us the fruit of Christ-like living (v16-25). V2-12. To be circumcised meant taking the way of the law. What four results would follow if the Galatians did so? What is the way of the gospel? Answer: The way of the gospel is faith in Christ who gives us love to show to others. Alienation and obliged to live by the law (when done under the law) are two that I see. V 13-15. How should the Christian use his freedom? Answer: To serve and love one another as Christ did. V16-24. Seek to grasp the antithesis between ‘flesh’ and ‘spirit’. What should be the attitude of the Christian towards each? Note that the right attitude demands expression in positive action. Answer: I think that the attitude of the Christian toward things of sin should be the same as God’s, hate for sin. At the same time Christ showed love for the sinner, and so should we as Christians. Notes: V5-6. ‘The righteous for which we hope’: i.e. the hope of the future glory that springs from justification through believing on Jesus Chris. Cf. Rom 5:1-2; 1 Pet 1:3. Notice also the collocation here of faith, hope, and love. V18. The Christian is free from the law as a rule to be obeyed in order to obtain life (cf.3:12), yet, when led ‘by the Spirit’ he does all that the law demands (see verses 24-25; cf Rom 8:4). V24. Cf. 2:20; Rom 6:6