Text: Galatians 5: 16-26
Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolotry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before, those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolotry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before, those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.
I love the simple line: "There is no law against such things." It comes after the list of character traits (fruits) of the Spirit. It would make for a good comedy routine if there were such laws. "Stone her, she's being patient!" And yet, this life that is filled with the fruits of the Spirit is indeed life that is not readily accepted and appreciated. Oh, it is on paper...but take another look at the vision of this list. It is depicting a radical life. Radical here means root...a life rooted in the one we say we follow - Jesus. It is a well documented fact that the list of self-indulgent ways of life -though we don't promote them- will bring us much...stuff...power...prestige. The list of the fruits of the Spirit, may place us at odds with the world and the ways of self-centered concern...therefore, pray that we be guided by this Spirit that will stand with us as we love one another - and share in the life we have inherited as God's beloved.
Connection: Each day we rise at the foot of the cross. Each day we ris7 e with Jesus to new life. Each day we have before us the invitation to walk within God's Reign. It means dying and rising.
Great God of the new day, break in on us and give us your life. Amen
I love the simple line: "There is no law against such things." It comes after the list of character traits (fruits) of the Spirit. It would make for a good comedy routine if there were such laws. "Stone her, she's being patient!" And yet, this life that is filled with the fruits of the Spirit is indeed life that is not readily accepted and appreciated. Oh, it is on paper...but take another look at the vision of this list. It is depicting a radical life. Radical here means root...a life rooted in the one we say we follow - Jesus. It is a well documented fact that the list of self-indulgent ways of life -though we don't promote them- will bring us much...stuff...power...prestige. The list of the fruits of the Spirit, may place us at odds with the world and the ways of self-centered concern...therefore, pray that we be guided by this Spirit that will stand with us as we love one another - and share in the life we have inherited as God's beloved.
Connection: Each day we rise at the foot of the cross. Each day we ris7 e with Jesus to new life. Each day we have before us the invitation to walk within God's Reign. It means dying and rising.
Great God of the new day, break in on us and give us your life. Amen
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