Gal. 5:16-25
2 verses stand in odd in this passage: v.18 and 23b, why does Paul mentions the Law in the discussion about battle between the Holy Spirit and the flesh. Paul told us a model to like a life that is pleasing to God, which is not under the model of the OT, that is, following the Law. The new model is: live by the Spirit (v.16), led by the Spirit (v.18), keep in step with the Spirit (v.25). In other words, we do not follow a set of rules and try our best not to violate them. Instead, we have a personal relationship with God and put ourselves in a position of obedience to Him. It may sounds abstract to us. Therefore, Paul points out what will be the results of those who live by the Spirit (v. 22-23, this 9 characters are always referred as the fruit of the Holy Spirit) and live by the flesh (v.19-21). The good thing is we have already died to the flesh when we crucified with Christ (by faith we are) v.24. Let me explain. As our position, we have nothing to do with the flesh because we were died. We are no longer under its control. However, in practice we may not realize that and put ourselves under such control. Like the slave who are realized from the bondage but do not run away from the old master we put ourselves under the control of flesh. Therefore, Paul told us we are now live by the Spirit (v.25), therefore, live under the control of the Spirit (not under the flesh)! A friend of mine used to told me that I know how to be a good wife and obey my husband. I said no, I do have have my own desire and do not want to submit to him. She said, yes you do, it is only a matter of choice. I think she is right. The Holy Spirit inside me have the power to submit. The question is do I want to choose God?
2 verses stand in odd in this passage: v.18 and 23b, why does Paul mentions the Law in the discussion about battle between the Holy Spirit and the flesh. Paul told us a model to like a life that is pleasing to God, which is not under the model of the OT, that is, following the Law. The new model is: live by the Spirit (v.16), led by the Spirit (v.18), keep in step with the Spirit (v.25). In other words, we do not follow a set of rules and try our best not to violate them. Instead, we have a personal relationship with God and put ourselves in a position of obedience to Him. It may sounds abstract to us. Therefore, Paul points out what will be the results of those who live by the Spirit (v. 22-23, this 9 characters are always referred as the fruit of the Holy Spirit) and live by the flesh (v.19-21). The good thing is we have already died to the flesh when we crucified with Christ (by faith we are) v.24. Let me explain. As our position, we have nothing to do with the flesh because we were died. We are no longer under its control. However, in practice we may not realize that and put ourselves under such control. Like the slave who are realized from the bondage but do not run away from the old master we put ourselves under the control of flesh. Therefore, Paul told us we are now live by the Spirit (v.25), therefore, live under the control of the Spirit (not under the flesh)! A friend of mine used to told me that I know how to be a good wife and obey my husband. I said no, I do have have my own desire and do not want to submit to him. She said, yes you do, it is only a matter of choice. I think she is right. The Holy Spirit inside me have the power to submit. The question is do I want to choose God?
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