Galatians 5:19-26

Summary retelling of Galatians 5:19-26

NOTE: In the following summary there are two lists.  Words in parenthesis are given to explain specifically what the Greek word used in Paul’s letter means because sometimes these words are hard to understand exactly in English.

Paul gives us a list of things that are “of the flesh:” sexual immorality (any and all sex outside of marriage), impurity (spiritual/ritual uncleanliness), sensuality (behavior lacking moral restraint), idolatry (worshipping anything besides God), sorcery (use of and enjoyment of magic and/or spells), enmity, strife (conflict), jealousy, fits of anger (passionate uncontrolled outbursts), rivalries (selfish ambition), dissentions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, and orgies (parties where drunkenness is encouraged, often resulting in sexual sin).  Paul warns people that those who participate in such activities will not inherit the Kingdom of God.  On the other hand, the fruit of the Holy Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, joy, goodness (spiritual relationships with one another), faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh and its desires.  Those who are spiritual will live spiritually.  We should be able to live together in community, not provoking one another.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul gives a pretty good list of bad behavior.  What is scary is just how much of our culture falls onto that list.  How much of our culture (TV, music, advertisements, clothing, time spent together) is all about sexuality?  How much emphasis is put on behavior that is lacking moral restraint?  How much does this life focus on conflict and selfish ambition?  How often do we speak about dissentions and divisions?  How much emphasis do we put on alcohol?  Is there any doubt that with a world that enjoys so much that is on this list of bad behavior that we also have a world that is growing to more and more reject God?

How much are you pulled into desiring to do things on this list?  How hard is that struggle?  What can you do in this life to make sure that you have support in this struggle so that you can be successful?

Second Thought:

Paul also gives a great list of behavior.  We should love one another.  Each other’s company should bring us joy.  We should be able to live in peace with one another.  We should be able to be spiritual with each other.  We should be able to live lives that demonstrate self-control.  We should be able to be faithful to God and one another.

How easy are these things?  What can we do in life to make them easier and help us be more successful in the pursuit of these things?

Third Thought:

Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh and its desires (See Galatians2:19-20 for a review).  Paul really wants the Galatians to focus on how they live and making sure that they are willing to give up the ways of this world.  It is not a case of making easy sacrifices.  God calls us to give up the ways of the world entirely.  Following God requires a no-compromises kind of sacrifice.  It is difficult, because so few people want to do it.

Do you think it is intentional that Paul talks about following God in terms of “crucifying ourselves?”  Why do you think Paul would use a hard and difficult word like “crucify.”  Who might Paul be getting us to follow?

Fourth Thought:

Paul really slams those who provoke one another in the conclusion of this chapter.  Christians should not enjoy provoking one another into anger.  We should not relish the times when our words reduce one another to tears.  That is not a sign of spiritual behavior at all.  Rather, we should love and find people who can help us live in love.

Why do you think human beings have a tendency to speak malicious words?

Passage for Tomorrow: Galatians 6:1-5