Paul admonished the Galatians that they were cursed preaching a different gospel (Gal 1:8-9), then reviews how they came to Christ (Gal 3:1-5), then shows them how they've relapsed (Gal 5:1-9). One of the charges against Paul was that he taught circumcision — he had Timothy circumcised (Gal 5:2, Gal 5:10-12) to not be a stumbling block to others (Timothy's mother was Jewish). Paul reminds the Galatians of the highest goal in the spiritual life, namely love (Gal 5:5-6, Gal 5:13-14); he typically reminds his readers (1Co 13:13, 1Th 1:3, 1Th 5:8, Rom 5:1-5) as the Lord did (Joh 13:34-35). Faith looks to the past — What God has done; Hope looks to the future — What God will do; Love looks in the present — what He's doing now and can doing in and through our lives. Love summarizes the whole Law (Gal 5:14). There's only two options: walk in the flesh (Gal 5:15), or walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16-17). If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law (Gal 5:18, Rom 8:4). The question is whether you will follow the Spirit. The works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21). Paul is talking to believers that chose to live a carnal or spiritual life. Those who chose a spiritual life "inherit the Kingdom" (Gal 5:21b, 1Pe 1:4), that is have rewards in eternity (Col 2:8, Rev 3:10, Col 3:23-25). Rewards in heaven are eternal trophies of honor and credit to Jesus Christ for those who live for Him (2Co 5:14-15, Gal 2:20). As well in time, life, joy and peace are forfeited now if we don't walk in the Spirit (Rom 14:14-17). Fruit of the Spirit: the first three — love, joy, peace — have to do with relationship to the Father (Gal 5:22-23). 2nd three reflect relationship to others — longsuffering, kindness, goodness. 3rd three have to do with ourselves — faithfulnes, gentleness, and self-control. Our life has an impact (Gal 5:24-26).

Scripture References: Galatians 5:2, Galatians 5:1-9, Galatians 5:22-23, John 13:34-35, Galatians 5:19-21, Galatians 3:1-5, Romans 14:14-17, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:4, Galatians 1:8-9, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:13-14, Galatians 5:18, Colossians 3:23-25, Galatians 5:5-6, Galatians 5:16-17, Revelation 3:10, Galatians 5:10-12, Galatians 5:15, Colossians 2:8, Galatians 5:2, Galatians 5:24-26, Galatians 5:14

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From Series: "Galatians - The Truth and Power of the Gospel - Hot Spring AR - 2009"

This series was given at Grace Bible Church of Hot Springs Arkansas in November 2009.