Sermon Central
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The Battle Within.
Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 24, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: "But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law" (Galatians 5:18).
THE BATTLE WITHIN.
We must “walk in the (Holy) Spirit”: to which imperative is added a promise, “and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh” (GALATIANS 5:16). We need to be aware of the spiritual nature of the battle in which we are engaged (GALATIANS 5:17). If we are thus “led by the (Holy) Spirit” then neither our former sinful nature nor the externals of the Law have any further hold over us (GALATIANS 5:18).
Yet the battle is real, nevertheless. The “works” of the flesh (GALATIANS 5:19-21) are set over against the “fruit” of the Spirit (GALATIANS 5:22-23). “Works” is plural, as being divisive; “fruit” is singular, as being harmonious (cf. Matthew 6:22; Acts 2:46).
The list of vices is not exhaustive: Paul ends it with, “and things like these” (GALATIANS 5:21). “As I warned you before,” he concludes, “those who (habitually) do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” ‘Put them to death!’ he says elsewhere (cf. Colossians 3:5-6).
By contrast, the fruit which is cultivated in the life of the Spirit-led Christian needs no restraint: for “against such things there is no law” (GALATIANS 5:23). This fruit-bowl is not a lucky dip but is the very definition of Christian character.
1. Agape “love,” reflecting God’s love for us: love for Him, love of His, and love for others.
2. “Joy” in the Holy Spirit (cf. Romans 14:17).
3. “Peace” with God through the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Romans 5:1), peace within ourselves, peace with one another.
4. “Long-suffering” - including patience even towards those who aggravate or persecute us.
5. “Kindness” which brings an unselfish smile even out of the midst of pain.
6. “Goodness” which manifests itself in words and deeds.
7. “Faith” speaks of faithfulness, a trustworthy character.
8. “Meekness” is not weakness, but strength under control.
9. “Self-control” brings composure in the midst of the temptations of life.
In Galatians 2:20 Paul spoke in the passive voice of having been ‘crucified with Christ’ (cf. Romans 6:6). In GALATIANS 5:24, however, Paul speaks of those who are Christ’s having themselves “crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.” We may not passively await the Holy Spirit’s work but must also decisively act upon it ourselves (cf. Romans 8:13).
