GALATIANS 5

THE HOLY SPIRIT CULTIVATES RIGHTEOUS QUALITIES IN BELIEVERS

Because of Christ, believers have been set free from the burden of the law. Keeping the law is not morally wrong, but cannot lead to righteousness or salvation outside of Christ. Because of Jesus, tradition and circumcision does not count for anything, but all that matters is faith expressed through love.

Paul specifies that the freedom given through Christ is not an opportunity to serve oneself, but to serve and love one another. Encouraging the believers to follow the Holy Spirit instead of their flesh, Paul teaches that the Spirit and flesh are in opposition to one another.

Following the natural desires of the flesh will lead to sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, envy, drunkenness, anger, and other destructive habits. In contrast, following the Holy Spirit leads to a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Those who have allowed their selfish desires to die on the cross with Jesus are invited into a life accompanied by the Spirit.