Well, I am happy to say that I'm pretty normal! I haven't got the "pull an all-nighter" stamina back yet, but I'm able to eat normal things and not have my stomach cramp up in pain. I'm so happy and grateful, because being sick stinks, and being sick during deadline is horrible! I'm jumping back in with both feet -- this morning having orange juice and coffee. We'll see how the ole stomach does with a belly full of acidic liquid.
Back to the text.
Paul covers a ton of ground in Galatians 5. First he warns about adding on to the grace of Jesus by asking others to observe the law. He makes a case that, if you do go this route, then Christ is of no value to you. Paul saw through the argument and the insinuations. He knew that these people were not just trying to get people to live a more holy life. He knew that their philosophy was in opposition to the freedom and full pardon from the penalty of the Law. Following the Law was relying on one's self and following Jesus was relying on Him and His fulfillment of the Law. Later on Paul lays into these people and says something so rude and extreme that it's funny:
"I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!"
Wow. Tell us how you really feel, Paul! Next he goes back to the underlying principle -- that the Holy Spirit living in us changes us and empowers us to live the way God wants us to live. Yielding to Him, not observing the Law, is the way to walk in righteousness. The end of the chapter yields the results of this kind of life. The list is famous and good to meditate on:
"...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Fruit is the natural by-product of a healthy plant. It goes to say that if we walk with God and commune with Him, "abiding in the vine," then our life will change and we will yield those kinds of attitudes, traits, and character. He concludes with an admonition:
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."
Isn't it interesting how destructive pride and conceit can have? It's good to remember this, for sure.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at January 25, 2006 08:22 AM