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!

02/02/2024: Galatians 5:13-14 – I now have liberty to serve others through love.

Thought for today – I now have liberty to serve others through love.

Having been set free from the bondage and futility of legalism and liberated from the guilt of sin and failure, I now have liberty to serve others through love.  One of the reasons that the efforts of the legalists fail is because the law of love for their neighbor is not central to their ritual.  Having been set free from the rituals of empty religion, I am free by faith to serve others in the love that flows from the Spirit of Christ in me.  That love and service in liberty fulfill the law as I love my neighbor as myself.

That’s what the Bible says!