Fickle and changeable people

Received Paul at first with joy and kindness but soon wavered in their allegiance to the Gospel and to him

Defend Paul’s apostolic authority (chs. 1&2)

Counteract the evil influences in Galatia (chs. 3&4)

Give exhortation for the strengthening of Galatian believers; in faith towards Christ, and in the fruit of the Spirit (chs. 5&6)

Begins with a general caution, or exhortation (v. 1)

v. 2-12 enforces this caution by several considerations

Paul presses serious practical godliness based on the caution in v. 1› Strive not one with another (v. 13-15)› Flesh and Spirit are in conflict and it is our

duty to side with the better part (v. 16-25)› Caution against vain glory and envy (v. 26)

v. 16 › “This I say then” looks back to v. 13› v. 13 states that we should not walk in the flesh› v. 16 explains how this is possible – “Walk in the

Spirit” v. 17

› Shows the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, they are “contrary the one to the other”

v.18› We are free from the condemnation of the law if

we are led by the Spirit

“flesh” = our sinful nature “works of the flesh” = the result of our

sinful nature “are manifest” = clearly apparent Examples listed, but the list is not

exhaustive “they which do such things shall not

inherit the kingdom of God.”

“But” – noting the contrast to the flesh “the fruit of the Spirit” - or, the result

of the leading of the Holy Spirit

“against such there is no law”

Love› Love to God especially, and to one another

for His sake Joy

› Constant delight in God, cheerfulness in conversation

Peace› With God and conscience, or a

peaceableness of temper and behaviour toward others

Longsuffering› Patience to defer anger and a

contentedness to bear injuries Gentleness

› Courteous, friendly and easily entreated when any have wronged us

Goodness› Kindness, doing good as we have

opportunity

Faith› Loyalty and honesty in what we profess

and promise Meekness

› So as to not be easily provoked, and when we are, to be soon pacified

Temperance› (self-restraint) in meat and drink and other

enjoyments of life, so as not to be excessive and immoderate in the use of them

Flesh wars against the Spirit Results of the flesh are not easily hidden If the works of the flesh are apparent then

questions must be asked about the state of the soul

Fruit of the Spirit proceeds from the Holy Spirit

Spirit will prevail against the flesh if nourished

Evidence good principles by good practices