GALATIANS -- Chapter V
Introduction:
1. The book is divided into 3 main divisions. We begin the last
with chapter 5.
(1) Personal -- proves apostleship - 1 & 2.
(2) Argumentative -- shows Law not binding - 3 & 4.
(3) Hortatory -- admonishes them to remain strong in Christ
and not go back to law - 5 & 6.
2. Remember false teachers were trying to get them to go back to
the old Law.
3. Outline of chapter 5:
1. Paul is persuading the Galatians to give up the doctrine
of the false teachers. (vs 1 - 12).
2. Paul pleads for love and unity among brethren (vs 13-15).
3. The difference between the Flesh and the Spirit (vs 16-
20).
BODY:
(vs 1) "For freedom did Christ set us free..."
A wonderful thought -- To have been freed by Christ.
No longer living under a fear of the wrath of God.
Freed from the Law, sin, death, hell, etc.
We could not think too much upon this wonderful thought.
Jn. 8:36 -- freed by His blood.
Acts 20:28
Gal. 3:13 -- already spoken of this freedom
Gal 4:3-5
We must hold to Him with steadfast faith to retain this
priceless gift. Thus Paul speaks:......
"Stand fast"
Be firm and unwavering.
Stay on solid rock foundation.
"And be not entangled again" --
Do not go back to old Law
Law was bondage -- Acts 15:10.
Sin in bondage to us
Cf. oxen hitched to a yoke -- toil and work, but someone
comes along -- pays price for oxen, and frees them.
Liberty of everlasting slavery.
NOTE: It is possible to be freed from bondage and then to go
back to it. Possible to be freed from sin and go back to
it.
(vs 2) "I Paul say...."
Having already proved his authority and apostleship.
Paul, one who likewise was circumcised.
One charged with preaching necessity of circumcision.
"if ye receive circumcision..." (in order to be saved)
To go back to law is to lose all that Christ means to us
Works of Law do not benefit, only nullifies Christ.
So today. -- If one goes back to that old way of life,
you are cut off and Christ is nothing to you.
(vs 3) "I testify again" Paul had made statement before, possibly
in person.
"He is a debtor...."
He binds himself to obey all the Law.
Circumcision was distinguishing mark; as Baptism is.
To do one part was to be responsible to do all of it.
(vs 4) "Ye are severed from Christ:
You are cut off from Him.
He cannot help you as long as you bind the Law.
"Ye who would be justified..."
Thinking part of the Law is necessary to salvation.
"Ye are fallen from grace"
Would be apostasy from Christ and God's grace.
Could it be any plainer?
2 Peter 2:18-22
Titus 2:11, 12.
(vs 5) True Christians have no other hope of salvation than by faith
in Christ.
"hope of righteousness" -- the righteousness that comes
through faith in Christ.
(vs 6) Makes no difference whether a man is circumcised or not as
far as salvation is concerned.
Faith is what counts; working through Love.
A working Faith -- not faith only.
Faith, Hope and Love -- 1 Cor. 13:13.
(vs 7) Christian life compared again to Race -- 1 Cor. 9:24.
False teachers had thrown (led) them off the track.
They had begun and were hindered.
Could a race be hindered if it had never begun???
(vs 8) Persuasion to obey Law of Moses.
Did not come from God or Christ.
(vs 9) Even though they were lead astray, Paul still had confidence
in them.
He believed they would accept his present teaching.
False teachers are to reap their sowing. They would dispel
of them.
Paul mentions no names.
(vs 11) Paul refutes idea that he had taught circumcision was
necessary.
Why would Jews oppose him if he taught circumcision?
If circumcision were preached, then the necessity of
depending on the sacrifice on the cross would be
removed.
Would remove the preaching of the cross for salvation.
1 Cor. 1:23.
(vs 12) Cut off from the church and fellowship.
Do not listen to them.
To accept circumcision is to accept all of the Law. Go
on back and get your animal sacrifice, feast days,
etc.
(vs 13) Freedom from Law and its rites.
Yet our freedom from bondage is not an excuse for doing
carnal things.
A difference between (1) freedom and (2) license.
Freed from sin, but not to do it again.
Romans 6:1,2.
They were not freed from all law and all restraints, but
were governed by the law of love.
We are to serve one another.
(vs 14) Our duty to our fellow man.
(vs 15) If there is division or strife then both will be destroyed.
The spirituality and growth of the church will be destroyed
by division or troubles. 1 Cor 1:10.
III. Takes up the 3rd section of chapter 5 --DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE
FLESH AND THE SPIRIT:
(vs 16) Live under the influence of the Spirit and the desires of
the flesh will not be done.
If we follow the guidance of the Spirit we will leave undone
the fleshly desires and acts.
(vs 16) There is no agreement between the flesh and the Spirit.
As much difference as night and day -- opposites.
God and Satan do not mix. (cf. oil and water)
A continual warfare between these two.
If led by the Spirit we will not do the things which we
would do if not led. Cannot do the flesh and still be
led by the Spirit.
(vs 18) If we allow the Spirit to lead us, we are under a different
dispensation. No longer under the Law of Moses.
NOTE: Present tense "are being led" -- a constant,
contiguous action.
(vs 19) Paul lists the works of the flesh:
K.J. List:
(1) First 4 are sensual passions.
(2) Next 2 are things dealing in religion.
(3) Next 9 are violations of love.
(4) Last 2 are intemperance.
Revised List:
(1) First 3 are sensual passions.
(2) Next 2 are things dealing in religion.
(3) Next 8 are violations of love
(4) Last 2 are intemperance.
"Fornication"--illicit sexual act of unmarried persons.
"Adultery" (K.J.)--Generally, violation of marriage vows.
Fornication was a way of life among the Gentiles. So
much is said in the scriptures about this sin.
(Mt 5:27,28; 1 Thess 4:1-8).
Almost true today. TV, newspapers, movies, novels,
etc. filled with immorality and violation of the
marriage vows. Even those in the public
spotlight no longer blush or feel embarrassed.
"Uncleanness" -- unnatural things, bestiality, sodomy,
homosexualism, lesbianism, etc. (Rom. 1:24-27)
"Lasciviousness"--any kind of uncleanness. (Matt. 15:19,20)
This sin includes many types of wrongs.
(vs 20) "Idolatry"-- Worship of idols, idolatrous feasts, etc.
Matt 6:24--cannot serve God and mammon.
"Sorcery"--use of magic, witchcraft. Acts 19:19-20.
Satan worship even today.
NOTE: cf vs 15. The problem over circumcision could
easily destroy the harmony of congregations. The
next 8 (KJ-9) violations reflect strife and
confusion between brethren.
"Enmities"--(K.J.) "Hatred," ill will, that which makes
enemies.
Sometime family squabbles run over into the church.
"Strife" -- Contentions, variances, internal confusion.
NOTE: "Enmity" is a state and attitude of mind towards
other people. "Strife" is the actual results in
the lives of those who harbor "enmity."
NOTE: The Corinthian brethren were troubled with
"strife." 1 Cor 1:10; 3:3; 2 Cor. 12:20.
Often seen in church problems, when sides are taken;
not over doctrinal differences, but personal
likes or dislikes. Sometimes positions taken to
justify one's opinion, or to expose an opponent.
"Jealousies" -- unfounded suspicions, ill feelings because
of someone else's success. Jealousy does not
allow one to "rejoice with them that rejoice"
(Rom. 12:15).
NOTE: Strife and jealousies are often mentioned
together. Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 3:3; 2 Cor. 12:20
NOTE: "Zeal" and "Jealousy" come from same root word,
and can be used in a good sense. 2 Cor 11:2.
"Wraths"-- eruption of anger, leading to ill feelings, even
perhaps injury to the other person; whether
bodily or mentally. Words can be very destructive
"Factions"-- Self interest; often connected with jealousy.
James 3:16.
NOTE: Phil. 2:3 - Paul urges them to do nothing through
"faction or through vain-glory," but through
humility. In Phil. 1:15, some were preaching Christ
to elevate themselves. Could it be possible that
there are those who preach in order to exalt their
own prominence and importance, and become "factious"
when they are not exalted? Christ no longer has the
first place in their life.
"Divisions"-- Results of the spirit of strife and wrath.
Rom. 16:17.
"Parties"--Results of self will; seeking those who will
agree with one's opinion. Brethren cannot have a
party spirit, divisive attitude, etc. God's word
demands a ONENESS, UNITY, among brethren.
1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:1-6; Jn. 17:20-21, etc.
NOTE: Some people are converted to their "party," or
"organization." (cf. Politics) If their church
practices "infant baptism," then they believe in it.
It their church believe a certain thing, then they
believe it. No real personal conviction. We MUST
guard again this type of thinking and action.
(vs 21) "Envying"-- Caused by a party spirit. Quarrels leave behind
ill will. One cannot harbor resentments and/or
grudges without creating problems; problems both
within the individual and the congregation.
Prov. 14:30--"Envy is the rottenness of the
bones." Cf. Abel, Joseph's brothers, the elder
brother in Jesus' parable.
1 Cor 13:4--Love never envies.
(KJ) "Murders"-- Not included in most manuscripts. Paul does
include "murder" in listing of Rom. 1:29. Human
life was not considered of much value by most of
the Romans.
"Drunkenness"-- Intoxication. Many ills are committed while
under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol blunts
the mind, causes loss of reasoning ability,
causes reflexes to be dulled, causes loss of
ability to function rationally, etc.
NOTE: Strong drink has been condemned by Jehovah from
the beginning. Isa. 28:7; Prov. 20:1; 23:20;
Prov. 23:29-32, etc.
NOTE: Alcoholism is a SIN, not merely a disease. The
drunkard will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.
Does it not follow, the alcoholic will not enter the
kingdom of heaven. 1 Cor. 6:10.
"Revellings" -- Excessive feasts, without restraint,
carousals, etc. Rom. 13:13; 1 Pet. 4:3
"And such like" -- All things close to these things listed.
If "revelling" does not include dancing (as some
contend), "such like" surely does.
(K.J.)--"Variance" -- contentions
"Emulations"-- jealousy
"Seditions" -- factions, divisions
"Heresies" -- sects, false teachings,
"I forewarn you" -- The inspired writer. He had previously
warned them of these dangers.
"practice" -- This suggest a continuation in these sins.
This is not to say that one can engage in them in an
occasional manner. But, it is possible for one
to make a mistake, then to repent thereof.
"inherit the kingdom..."-- One cannot engage in any of these
sins, and expect heaven when this life is over.
These sins make one unfit to enter God's
presence. To follow these sins puts one in the
service of Satan, rather that Christ Jesus.
KINGDOM: The rule of Christ Jesus.
(1) Those who comprise the saved of God's people.
Those who recognize Christ as our King. Those
who accept His authority, His sovereign rule.
Matt. 16:18-19. In this sense the terms "church"
and "kingdom" are interchangeable. Col. 1:13; 1
Thess. 2:12; Mt. 26:29; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts
1:3; 1 Cor. 15:24; 2 Thess. 1:5; Rev. 1:5, etc.
(2) The eternal abode of those who are saved.
Mt. 25:34,46; 2 Tim. 4:1, 18; 2 Pet. 1:11.
NOTE: These are not separate or distinct from each
other. Each proclaims the sovereign rule of
Christ Jesus.
NOTE: These works of the flesh are all perversions of
something which is in itself good:
(1) Fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness are a
misuse and abuse of the sexual desire, which within
itself is meant to be a loving and God approved act.
Heb. 13:4
(2) Idolatry and sorcery are a perversion of worship.
(3) Envy, jealousy and strife are perversions of those
instincts that motivate us to greatness; the desire
to do well; to succeed.
(4) Enmity and anger are perversions of righteousness
indignation; a characteristic which Jehovah
manifests. Romans 11:22.
(5) Divisions and a party spirit are perversions of a
devotion to principles. Eph. 6:13.
(6) Drunkenness and carousings are perversions of the
desire to be happy and joyous.
("Flesh and Spirit," Barclay, pg 39)
(7) Satan takes those things which are good and
wholesome and turns them into ugliness. He will take
the noblest attitudes and make them gruesome. Sin
changes man, who is made in the image of God, into a
monster of the flesh. Sin turns a beautiful child
into a rebellious adult.
And this is all without the help or assistance of
God. Thus, the "works of the flesh."
(vs 22) "But" --contrasts.
"Fruit" -- The Spirit produces something different in our
life. "Works (of flesh)" are things done. "Fruit (of
Spirit" are things produced. Works can be done
without assistance, Fruits must have guidance and
input of the Spirit.
"Love"-- The foundation of all; Love begins with God. 1 John
4:7,8; 1 Cor 13:13. John 3:16. One who has not love
cannot begin his service unto Jehovah. But, love
obeys the commandments of God.
Love in one's heart will never seek anything but
the good of our fellow man. God's love for man did
not wait for man to do right. Rom. 5:8. Christ did
not die for those who were lovely people, nor for
those who did something good for Him. Eph. 2:4-7.
Love is based on faith. Gal. 5:7. How else do we
learn of the love of God? Faith and love often tied
together: Eph. 6:23; 1 Cor. 13:13; Eph. 1:15;
Col. 1:4; 1 Thess. 1:3; 3:6; 2 Thess. 1:3.
"Joy" -- The exaltation of service to God. The realization
that one is right with God. Heb. 12:2-3.
NOTE: "To rejoice" occurs 72 times in the N.T.
"Joy" occurs 60 times in the N.T.
Thus, the N.T. is the book of "joy."
NOTE: Joy and Happiness are not the same:
(1) Happiness is connected with that which "happens"
to us. If things go well with us, we are happy.
If circumstances go bad then we are unhappy.
(2) Joy comes by serving God. Joy is not dependent
upon circumstances, does not depend upon what
others do or do not do.
(3) A person may experience happiness because of
financial success, good health, or a successful
career. But, these may all be lost.
(4) Whereas, a person with "joy" in their heart will
never be disappointed in their service to God.
Cf. Acts 16:25. Rom. 14:17. The joy of knowing
God and realizing His love. John 15:8-11. The
joy of knowing God.
"Peace"-- Peace with God. Matt. 5:9. To know that one is
right with God brings peace, serenity. Phil 4:7.
NOTE: This is not a peace that comes from the absence
of tribulation, but a peace that results in
forgiveness from Jehovah. A peace that comes from
within; tranquillity; contentment of life. Phil.
4:11, 12. Cf. John 14:27.
NOTE: By following Divine instructions, we have peace:
(1) in our homes; (2) in our dealing with our fellow
man; (3) in the church; (4) with God.
"Longsuffering"-- Able to bear the trials and
disappointments, the tribulations of serving God.
The ability to endure injuries and wrongs without
being provoked to anger or resentment.
NOTE: Longsuffering (Patience) is the foundation to
forgiveness. Prov. 19:11. The control of our anger
will lead to forgiveness.
Eph 4:2 -- characteristics of a Christian.
Col. 3:12, 13 --
1 Cor 13:4 --
"Kindness" -- Gentle to all, in spite of the way one is
treated. Returning good for evil.
Rom. 2:4 -- the "goodness" or "kindness" of God.
Titus 3:4 -- God's kindness offers salvation.
Col. 3:12 -- Listed as that which should be "put
on." Must become a part of our nature.
"Goodness" -- A true concern for the welfare of others. Does
not suggest compromise. Cf. Jesus, Matt 21:12,13.
The gentle quality of a child of God. Not one who
runs roughshod over his fellow man.
Word found in only three other places: Romans
15:14; Eph. 5:9; 2 Thess. 2:17.
"Faithfulness"-- Always true to God, never doubting His
desires in our lives. Reliability, trustworthiness,
one upon whom you can rely, whose words can be
trusted. "His word is his bond." How few today can
be trusted in that which they say.
One who can be trusted with another's
possessions. Matt. 25:21, 23; Luke 19:17; 16:10-12.
This is a quality that all men look for.
How urgent it is that we are trustworthy in God's
service. Look at some who were so characterized:
Timothy, Onesimus, Titus, Philemon, etc.
So needful in our homes. In the church.
(vs 23) "Meekness" -- a quiet spirit, suffering wrongs if necessary
in one's desire to obey God. Meekness includes
firmness in doing God's will. Cf. Moses, before
Pharoah. (Num. 12:3). Jesus was "as a lamb"
submitting to the Father's will. Yet, we cannot
think of Christ as a weakling,
Titus 3:2 -- show meekness to all men; not one
who shows a belligerent spirit.
Jas. 1:21 -- humble enough to see the need of
God's Word in our life, receptive and open to truth.
Gal. 6:1 -- Correction must be applied in the
spirit of meekness. cf. Eph. 6:4, fathers are not
to provoke their children. Chastisement should lead
to correction, not to despair.
2 Tim. 2:25 -- surely, this is not compromise. A
spirit of concern and love for the guilty, showing
them the error of their way.
"Self-control"-- The master of every situation. Keeping
oneself under control in every situation. The victor
over our wrong desires.
Acts 24:25 -- Paul reasoned about righteousness
and self-control.
2 Pet. 1:6 -- one of the virtues to be added.
Titus 1:8 -- Elders are to have self-control.
NOTE: The ability to walk "in the world," yet, keep
one's garments "Unspotted from the world." Jn. 17:15
"against...."-- Neither God nor man speaks out against these
qualities. No law condemns the principles of
Christianity. What a wonderful place if all people
would abide by these precepts.
(vs 24) "Of Christ" -- belonging to Christ, obedient to Him.
"Crucified...." -- put away the flesh. Gal. 2:20. Paul had
laid aside the desires of the fleshly world. We just
cannot live like the world lives: act like they act.
We have been cleansed, washed, etc.
(vs 25) "Live by the Spirit..." -- conduct ourselves as the Spirit
directs us; under the guidance of the Spirit. This
is the results of following the instructions of the
Spirit. To "walk in the Light" 1 John 1:7.
If we claim to be guided by "the Spirit" we will
all "walk" together.
(vs 26) "vainglorious" -- No place for egotism, pride, or such like.
No place to vaunt oneself in service to God.
One's situation in life should not lead to the
elevation of one over another.
"provoke one another" -- A vainglorious person will look
down on others as inferior, thus leading them to
look upon others with contempt; as beneath them.
Thus, causing resentment and hatred. Agitating.
"envying one another" -- There is no place for envy in the
child of God.
NOTE: Some are filled with vainglory; while others are
filled with envy. The vainglory because of their
self imposed importance, wealth, ancestry, etc. The
envious because of their inferiority.
Rom. 8:1, 4b. -- "No condemnation.....who walk not after
the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Return to Index
Home