The acts of the flesh are obvious: … jealousy …
Summary: Jealousy is an emotion that is akin to zeal. Like fire, this emotion can be used for good or for evil.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:20c – The Acts of the Flesh Part IV: Holy Zeal”Galatians 5:20b – The Acts of the Flesh Part III: An End to Discord
The acts of the flesh are obvious: … hatred, discord …
Summary: Paul points us to two ends of the same stick. On one end is a match and on the other a raging fire. If we can put out the match, the raging fire an be avoided.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:20b – The Acts of the Flesh Part III: An End to Discord”Galatians 5:20a – The Acts of the Flesh Part II: A Walk in the Dark
The acts of the flesh are … idolatry and witchcraft
Summary: Idolatry and witchcraft are related. They both lead people into dark places reminding us that our hope is in Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:20a – The Acts of the Flesh Part II: A Walk in the Dark”Galatians 5:19b – Acts of the Flesh, Part 1
The acts of the flesh are … sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
Summary: Diving into Paul’s list of “acts of the flesh” is intimidating. It is tempting to fall into judgment; either judging others or judging ourselves. But this is not why he is making the list. Paul wants us to understand the difference between Good and Evil.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:19b – Acts of the Flesh, Part 1”Galatians 5:19a – Clear Vision
The acts of the flesh are obvious …
Summary: Paul writes from his point of view. Sometimes it feels like he forgets we don’t have his knowledge. He can be hard to keep up with.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:19a – Clear Vision”Happy 4th of July!
We hold these truths to be self-evident …
Summary: The history of the United States is both fascinating and instructive.
Continue reading “Happy 4th of July!”Galatians 5:18 – Defined by Love
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Summary: Digging into Paul’s words is like unearthing buried treasure. In this simple passage, we find keys to better understanding the law and our life in the Spirit.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:18 – Defined by Love”Galatians 5:17b – Who Is “You”?
They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
Summary: Sorting out who Paul is referring to helps us to understand the challenge of the flesh and the hope that comes with God’s Holy Spirit.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:17b – Who Is “You”?”Galatians 5:17a – Learning To Drive
For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.
Summary: Teaching someone about things we can see is hard enough. Teaching people about invisible things is immensely more difficult.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:17a – Learning To Drive”Galatians 5:16 – Holding Hands
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Summary: Walking by the Spirit is easier than it sounds. We just need to make sure we are hanging onto God’s hand.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:16 – Holding Hands”