In Galatians chapter 5, the apostle Paul is discussing how the Galatian Christians ought understand the implications of their freedom in Christ–especially in the face of pressure to return to works of law as insisted by the Judaizers.  To help ensure that the Galatians stand firm against the legalistic error spreading quickly throughout the churches of the region, Paul makes appeal to the doctrine of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, on account of Christ alone, as the basis for the Christian life, which Paul describes as “walking in the Spirit.”  Here, we see the sharp contrast between the flesh (the impulses and desires of the fallen nature) and the Spirit (who now indwells the people God securing their union w/Christ).  Walking in the Spirit–which is tied to the fruit of the Spirit in the balance of chapter–also entails an intense struggle against the flesh (what we were before coming to faith in Jesus Christ).  Now free from the condemnation of the law, the Spirit gives us both the desire and ability to obey God’s commands (especially the love of neighbor).  But the indwelling Spirit is opposed by the sinful habits of the flesh which is the desire to seek self interest–in Galatia, manifest in the biting and devouring of each other then going on– and this after the flesh no longer dominates and characterizes us.  In Galatians 5:13-18, Paul discusses what it means to walk in the Spirit, even as we struggle against the flesh.

"The Blessed Hope Podcast with Dr. Kim Riddlebarger"

For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/