Themes
Overarching Theme: Grace over legalism.
Chapter Five Theme: Living in Freedom
History & Context
In this chapter, Paul speaks about the flesh and the Spirit. Today when we talk about the flesh we just think about our bodies. For Paul, the flesh also included our minds, wills and emotions. Part of Paul’s argument over circumcision is that it is the flesh in this wider sense that needs cutting back to deal with our pride. This was what was on God’s heart when the symbol was introduced and was still on his heart at the giving of the law (Deuteronomy 30:6). Continuing to emphasise the symbol, especially since it has become associated with a dependence on the law to keep the flesh in check, is unnecessary now that we can live in the reality of having had our spirits made alive by the Holy Spirit.
Study Guide
Make sure to watch the video looking at Galatians Chapter 5 and have a Bible ready in front of you.
Verses 1-6
Paul starts this section by strongly arguing against circumcision for Gentiles as a way to try to make them live by the law, and spells out what the ramifications of this are.
Questions
Why is there a tendency among some people to seek salvation through the law whenever their faith in God’s grace is tested?
According to Paul, how does faith express itself?
Verses 7-12
Commending them on their running of the race well in the past, Paul warns them of those who would ‘cut’ in on them with false teaching.
Questions
Why would the penalty be placed on those who caused the confusion rather than those who have been confused?
Discuss what ‘a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough’ might mean in both a positive and negative light.
Verses 13-18
Turning his attention back to believers and now speaking pastorally, Paul lays out what it looks like to be a follower of Christ.
Questions
Paul talks of not using freedom to indulge the flesh. In what ways can the Church today abuse its freedom?
What are the practical differences between being led by the Spirit and being under the law?
Verses 19-26
Two long lists are laid out that are opposed to one another; the acts of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.
Questions
What are the main contrasts that stand out as you look at the two lists?
Living by the Spirit seems to be a state of being, whereas keeping in step with the Spirit is something Paul also encourages. In what ways should we strive to do both?
KEY TAKEAWAY
The freedom emphasised in this chapter is not just a ‘freedom from’ but a ‘freedom to be’, particularly the freedom to be a person who fulfils the law through love. This emphasis on fulfilling the law is to be welcomed as Paul is not encouraging lawlessness but is pointing out that it is through the work of the Holy Spirit that we can become what God wants us to be.
PRAYER & REFLECTION
End your time as a group, or individually, in a time of prayer.
If it is helpful, below is a written prayer you can use as a reflection on John and Mary’s encounters that we have looked at today.
Lord,
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to express our faith through love,
and thank you for pouring Your love into our hearts to make this possible.
Lord, we pray that in our relationships with one another, we may show the
fruit of Your Spirit as befits those who are called to inherit Your kingdom.
As we eagerly await the full revelation of your righteousness,
let us depend on Your grace and never cease to run the race you have set before us.
Amen
