In the Book of Galatians, Paul presents to the people of Galatia a message of grace and love, a message that commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves and walk in the newness of life.
Paul urges his brothers and sisters in Christ with this simple message. True freedom came with a cost, the cost of the life of Jesus. And, true freedom will require us to also lose a life(not physically, but spiritually). When you hear the phrase, "die to the flesh," it may be difficult to understand exactly what that means. In Galatians 5, Paul makes it clear to us what this phrase means. When we are water baptized in Jesus name and receive the Holy Spirit, we die to the flesh and become a new person in Christ. Our flesh includes many different things: jealousy, hatred, selfishness, among others sins. We all know that we would be here all day if we tried to make such a list. However, Paul's message is a message of grace and love! When the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, these old things(sins) will pass away. It does not mean that we will no longer struggle, but it does mean that we have been given a new life, and from that new life, the fruits of the Spirit will will shine into all the earth. And, then, that fruit will multiply. Our memory verse this week comes from Galatians 5:13. "It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows." (MSG) With the freedom that God has given us, it does not mean that we can then go about our days and do whatever we want, whispering under our breath that God can forgive us later. No, instead, it means that with this freedom and new life, we are to love our neighbors and live differently, a life that portrays Jesus living on the inside. In Galatians 5:22-23, it states, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (NKJV) As we live in the freedom that is found in Christ, may we continually pray that the fruits of the Spirit be exhibited in our life. The fruits of the Spirit are not forced. Instead, they will come through the relationship that you have with Jesus Christ. As you continue to grow in Him, you will experience His freedom more and more with each passing day, no matter what comes your way.
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AuthorWeekly blog posts are written by our very own Jen Malech. Check out the blog for special features from our Bridge staff and friends! Archives
November 2016
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