Digging Deeper into Galatians Part 5

Galatians Chapter 5 – Christian Liberty and Life in the Spirit.

Christian Liberty

Opening Prayer

Gracious Father, We thank You for this new day. We come in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, asking that Your Holy Spirit would guide us as we open the Bread of Life. Speak to our hearts, establish us in truth, and enable us to live out Your Word faithfully each day. We commit this teaching to You, for Your glory and our growth in grace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen.

Introduction

The Epistle to the Galatians stands as one of the clearest declarations of Christian liberty in all of Scripture. Written by the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, it confronts the danger of adding human works to the gospel of grace.

The letter may be divided into three main sections:

1. Chapters 1–2: Paul’s apostolic authority and testimony

2. Chapters 3–4: Justification by faith alone

3. Chapters 5–6: Practical Christian living

Galatians chapter 5 marks a decisive transition from doctrine to application. Having established that salvation is by grace through faith, Paul now teaches how believers are to live in that freedom—by walking in the Spirit.

Galatians Chapter 5 (KJV)

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased .I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Teaching Exposition

1. The Call to Stand Firm in Liberty (Galatians 5:1–6)

Paul commands believers to “stand fast” in the freedom Christ has secured. This liberty is not political or personal autonomy, but freedom from the Law as a means of justification. To return to law-keeping for righteousness is to return to bondage.

Circumcision, though once commanded under the Mosaic Covenant, cannot add to Christ’s finished work. To accept it as a requirement obliges a person to keep the entire Law, an impossible burden.

True righteousness is received by faith and sustained by the Spirit. What God values is “faith which worketh by love.”

2. The Danger of False Teaching (Galatians 5:7–12)

The Galatians had begun well but were hindered by persuasive false teaching. Paul warns that error spreads like leaven through dough. Doctrinal compromise never remains contained.

The offence of the cross lies in its exclusivity. Salvation by grace alone leaves no room for human boasting, and this truth will always provoke opposition.

3. Liberty Expressed Through Love (Galatians 5:13–15)

Christian liberty is not permission to indulge the flesh. Rather, it is freedom to serve others in love. Love fulfils the Law because it reflects God’s own character.

Where love is absent, division and destruction follow. The church must guard against relational strife that undermines its witness.

4. Walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16–18)

To walk in the Spirit is to live under the Spirit’s control and guidance. This is the key to victory over sinful desires. The conflict between flesh and Spirit is ongoing, but believers are no longer slaves.

Those led by the Spirit are not under the Law, because Christ has fulfilled the Law on their behalf.

5. The Works of the Flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19–26)

Paul contrasts the visible works of the flesh with the beautiful fruit produced by the Spirit. The works of the flesh reflect self-centred living, while the fruit of the Spirit reflects Christ-like character.

Believers who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh. Walking in the Spirit requires humility, self-denial, and continual dependence on God.

Conclusion

Galatians chapter 5 calls the believer to steadfast freedom, Spirit-led living, and love-filled service. This is not self-directed liberty, but joyful obedience empowered by grace. As we live in the Spirit, may we also walk in the Spirit, bringing glory to God and bearing fruit that remains.

Amen

Personal Prayer

Links to teachings on how to walk in the Spirit are found below this post