living in the Spirit

Paul is writing here to the Christians in Galatia. He talks about freedom, & living in the power given us by the Holy Spirit.

Just read all of it. It's great stuff.

I'm curious... is this the 1st time you've read this passage? Comment below if it is. What did you think?



Galatians 4

13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters.

But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.

Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.


14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command:

      "Love your neighbor as yourself."

15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out!

      Beware of destroying one another.



16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives.

        Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.

17 The sinful nature wants to do evil,

        which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants.

And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires.

These two forces are constantly fighting each other,

        so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.


18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.


  19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear:

     sexual immorality,

     impurity,

     lustful pleasures,

     20 idolatry,

     sorcery,

     hostility,

     quarreling,

     jealousy,

     outbursts of anger,

     selfish ambition,

     dissension,

     division,
  
     21 envy,

     drunkenness,

     wild parties,

     and other sins like these.

Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.


  22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:

     love,

     joy,

     peace,

     patience,

     kindness,

     goodness,

     faithfulness,

     23 gentleness,

     and self-control.

There is no law against these things!


  24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.

25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.

26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.