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Sermon Introduction

Paul, the apostle, warned that freedom in Christ should not be used as
an opportunity for the flesh. And that if the Galatians bit or devoured one another, they would end up destroying each other. Paul encouraged them
to love one another instead, citing the teaching of Christ and Leviticus 19:18.

Although he cited part of the moral law, justification is not through love but faith. And, if one is justified by faith, the Spirit works through them. Again, loving our neighbor as ourselves does not justify anyone. But if one is justified, one will manifest love according to the Scriptures.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Galatians 5:16-18 ESV

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit
are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing
the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Notes

Paul, the apostle, warned that freedom in Christ should not be used as an opportunity for the flesh. And that if the Galatians bit or devoured one another, they would end up destroying each other. Paul encouraged them to love one another instead, citing the teaching of Christ and Leviticus 19:18. Although he cited part of the moral law, justification is not through love but faith. And, if one is justified by faith, the Spirit works through them. Again, loving our neighbor as ourselves does not justify anyone. But if one is justified, one will manifest love according to the Scriptures.

1. Walk by the Spirit

   Paul made it clear that by walking by the Spirit, one would not give in to the cravings of the flesh. The statement implies that if one does not walk by the Spirit, one will satisfy the desires of the flesh (5:16).
   
   16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
   
   

2. Flesh vs. Spirit

   Paul explained that the desires of the flesh, the inclination to sin, are against the desires of the Spirit. And the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh. The flesh
   will try to stop the believer from doing what should be done (5:17).
   
   17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
   
   

3. Spirit Led

   Paul then reverted to the Spirit and the law, that if one is led by the Spirit, they are not under the law. Same as those who are justified by faith are not under the law (5:18).
   
   18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
   
   
   

Application

1. Walk by the Spirit

   If we walk by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. What does walking by the Spirit mean? In a previous statement, Paul described the relationship between the Spirit and faith. Thus, it means walking by faith.
   
   

2. Awareness of Opposing Forces

   We must understand that the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh. Although through faith we are justified, there remains a battle within us.
   
   

3. Led by the Spirit

   The Spirit leads and guides those justified by faith. As those who are justified by faith are not under the law, those led by the Spirit are also not under the law. We should not allow the law to lead us but the Spirit.
   
   
   

Reflection & Discussion

1. How will we not gratify the desires of the flesh?

2. What is the relationship between faith and the Spirit and the law?

3. What keeps us from doing what we must do?