Galatians Chapter 5

Stand Fast and Grow in the Spirit

Dr John C McEwan

Military Daily Orders

Verse 1 Stand fast! Do not give any ground! Do not get distracted or entangled in anything from the past; but rather live in the liberty that the Blood of Christ purchased for you. Verses 2 6 No external thing like circumcision can alter the internal reality of relationship. Focusing on the externals means you fall from the Grace Standard!

Legalism hinders spiritual power and ministry

Verses 5 12 Faith working by love is what produces spiritual work. Any trust in external things distracts us from the power we need to focus forward. Walk in the Spirit, not the flesh! Eph 3:17-19, 5:1-2, 1520. Paul notes that legalism is always popular, but if they think that a little cut helps them, maybe they should go all the way! (vs 12)

Ministry Objectives

Verses 13 14 The fruit of the Holy Spirits genuine presence is love for the brethren. Christian service is giving service, focused upon the needs of others. Matt 22:37-40, Jn 15:12-17 Verses 15 18 There is a daily battle within us all; carnal or spiritual? Will we walk in our own strengths/lusts, or the power of the Holy Spirit? Rom 8:1-13.

Fruit of the Spirit in Life

Verses 19 21 The fruits of the Old Sin Nature are clear for all to see. Verses 22 26 The fruits of the Holy Spirit are also clear to see in our interactions with others. Matt 7:13-23, 12:33, 13:23, Jn 15:2-16, Rom 6:2123, 7:4-6, 9: 16-23, Phil 1:9-11, Jas 3:17-18, 5:1-6.