02/03/2024: Galatians 5:16 – Walking by the Spirit is the answer to legalism.

 

Thought for today – Walking by the Spirit is the answer to legalism.

In order to understand what Paul means by the phrase, “walk by (in) the Spirit,” I need to examine the essential dichotomy of legalism and Spiritual freedom.  The legalist teaches that we must have the Law in order to control the lust and sinfulness of men.  Believing that somehow faith is not enough to keep us living right, they teach that we need law to make grace work.  “The fear of the legalist — that walking in the Spirit gives license to sin, and that only legalism can keep us holy — is just plain wrong ."  ( David Guzik, Study Guide for Galatians 5).  The answer to legalism is to walk by the Spirit. 

That’s what the Bible says!

01/23/2024: Galatians 4:6-7 – By the Spirit of Christ, we can call on God as our Father.

Thought for today – By the Spirit of Christ, we can call on God as our Father.

The fact that we can address the God of the creation, the holy and righteous Lord God Almighty, as “Abba, Father!” is one of the most remarkable statements in this epistle.  How can it be that one who was born a slave to sin under the Law has been adopted into the family of God and made an heir of God through Christ?  As God’s sons and daughters, we have been granted the indwelling presence of the Spirit of Christ by which we call God, “Abba, Father!”  Paul used that specific term, “Abba,” to emphasize the informal, familial relationship with God the Father that is ours in Christ.  Through faith in Christ, we have passed beyond slavery to the freedom of the children of God.  As His children, we can freely call on God our Father for help in every need and crisis.  Glory to God!

That’s what the Book says!