Galatians 5: 16-25

The letter to Galatians plays a significant role in the theology of Paul among the Pauline’s
corpus. All of his epistles serve a specific and individual purpose. Likewise, Paul’s letter to
the Galatians is considered the “Magna Carta of Christian liberty” (more popularly known
as Magna Carta) by the Swiss Reformer Ulrich Zwingli. And, Martin Luther said,
“Galatians was his favourite epistle in the Bible”. (1. Magna Carta pic)
The book Introduction:
The book of Galatians addresses issues related to the themes such as justification by faith, the
role of the Law, and the freedom that believers have in Christ. Paul passionately defends the
gospel of grace and emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of
believers. The central theme revolves around the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ
which was to oppose the claim of relying on human efforts or legalistic observances like
circumcision.
Authorship:
Genuine authorship of Paul to the letter to Galatians, is widely accepted by the scholars such
as Findlay, Lightfoot, and Baur. Both internal and external evidences support the Pauline
authorship. Paul, as author, is mentioned by name not only at the beginning (1:1) but also
toward the end of the letter (5:2) as well.
Date & Churches of Galatia:
The establishment of churches in both South Galatia and North Galatia is attributed to the
missionary efforts of the apostle Paul. Paul undertook several missionary journeys, spreading
the Christian message and establishing communities of believers. In the case of the Galatian
churches, whether in the North or South, Paul played a key role in their foundation. Many
scholars researched to answer a question- From where the letter was written? to whom? and
when? Why because! The issue of date is also interconnected with the issue of the audience.
Many scholars believed- it was written on date 48-49 A.D and written from Antioch to South
Churches of Galatia.
Situation and Purpose:
Paul’s letter to Galatians addressed a pastoral emergency in the Galatian Churches. They
believed in Jesus as the lord, and received the Spirit and witnessed miracles (3:5). But some
Judaizers might came from Jerusalem and told that gentile believers that, in order to become
the true heirs of Abraham, they must be circumcised (5:3), observe food laws (Ch 2), and also
keep days and seasons (4:10). These Judaizers imposed the works of Law as a means of
Salvation along with faith in Christ. Judaizers opposed Paul and undermined Paul’s identity
as an apostle in order that they promote their Gospel (1:6). Paul wrote Galatians to counter
these heretical teachings, to defends Paul against personal attacks, and to reaffirm that
salvation through faith in Christ not by legalistic norms.
Community background:
The community of believers are most of them Gentile Christians and some few of Jewish
Christians. Now some of the Jewish Christians came from Jerusalem and entered in to
Galatian churches create problems against Paul’s Gospel, they are called as Judaizers.
Religious context: This epistle’s predominant goal is to convince the audience to stick on
Paul’s gospel and reject the false teachings circulating among them.
Structure of text: Galatians 5:16-25
1. Instruction (Galatians 5:16a): Walk by the Spirit
2. Exposition (Galatians 5:16b-18): Spirit and the flesh are in conflict with each other.
3. Distinction (Galatians 5:19-25): Works of flesh and Fruits of Spirit.
Theological theme: “Pneumatology”- Holy Spirit
Pneumatology is derived from the Greek word “pneuma,” which means “spirit” or “breath.”
Jesus and the Spirit:
The Holy Spirit’s connection with Jesus began at his virginal conception, announced by an
Angel to Mary (Luke 1:35). Jesus, baptized by John, was anointed by the Father with the
Spirit (Matt. 3:16). Full of the Spirit, he endured testing in the wilderness and returned to
Galilee in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:14). Jesus declared a Spirit-anointed ministry,
fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy (Luke 4:16–21). Accused of demonic power, he affirmed casting
out demons by the Spirit (Matt. 12:28). In death, Jesus atoned through the Holy Spirit (Heb.
9:14) and was declared the Son of God in power through the Spirit in his resurrection (Rom.
1:4). After rising, he breathed the Holy Spirit on his disciples (John 20:22), leading to
Pentecost and the Spirit’s outpouring on the church.
Another one whose name is Simeon, was righteous and devout to God and Holy Spirit rested
him and Christ Jesus was revealed by Holy Spirit to him. We can see this from Luke 2: 25,26.
So, we have to understand that before Jesus’ birth, Simeon led by Spirit.
Now we will observe the life of Saul, who is Paul
Saul: We have to notice, Saul under the Law of Moses, he showed his enmity on Christians,
he showed anger, quarrel, Jealousy, licentiousness and dissension etc and became like a
Murderer, these are placed in works of flesh. Saul life led by works of flesh.
Paul: Saul well known the situation of Christians in Jerusalem and everything will be
happening to Christians, in the context of persecution, but he received Gospel through Jesus
at Damascus Road, he converted as Christian named Paul. After conversion of Paul, led by
Holy Spirit or walk by Holy Spirit, he showed love, patience, forgiveness, faithfulness etc,
which are the fruits of Spirit and became a teacher like a Jesus. Even though he was a scholar
of the Law, he never preached before. But his encounter with Jesus leads him a one of the
apostle and major writings we had in NT of the Bible from Paul. Paul life led by Spirit. See
how Paul’s life changed from earthly manner to spiritual manner.
There is no Law against those who act like this. For those who belong to Christ Jesus have
put their flesh to death, along with all its passionate desires. We can see this, verses 23,24.
And in verse 25th from NIV, since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3: 16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit
dwells in you? Are we allowing God’s Spirit in us? If we allowed “Let us Keep in Step
with the Spirit”, I entitle my sermon- “Keep in Step with Spirit”
Reflection: I would like to bring few points from this passage
This passage begins with an instruction to walk by the Spirit, followed by a distinction
between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, and concludes with a call to live by
the Spirit and exhibit its fruit in one’s life.
1. Live by Spirit:
In living by the Spirit, Paul emphasizes that our actions should flow from understanding
God’s truth before engaging in practical Christian living. The command to “walk by the
Spirit” implies the Spirit as the means or instrument for righteous living, not driven by fleshly
desires. The Greek word for “fulfilling” in the negative sense highlights the strong denial of
yielding to the flesh. The word “lusts” signifies desires, specifically those of fallen humanity.
Ultimately, Paul asserts that through the Spirit’s power, believers can walk in a manner
worthy of the Lord, avoiding the fulfillment of sinful desires. So, keep-in step with spirit, live
by spirit.

2. Internal Conflict Between Desires of the Flesh and Spirit: (2. flesh vs spirit)
The 17th verse introduces the ongoing conflict between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit.
The translation of ἐπιθυμεῖ as “desire” rather than the negative implication of “lust” is
emphasized. This choice highlights the diametrical opposition between the desires of the
flesh and the Spirit, portraying them as two opposing forces in the believer’s life. Which
Force work on you and me? Flesh is temporary, but Spirit is eternal.
Paul’s main point is in 17th verse: you do not do what you want because “The Flesh and the
Spirit are in conflict with each other.” The struggle between the desires of the Flesh and the
desires of the Spirit lead to an internal war in a person who desires to do good. According to
Romans 8:6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and
peace. and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. So, keep-in step with spirit, live by
spirit.

3. Led by Spirit or Law: (4. Christ redeemed us)

18th Verse, “If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” This is a powerful
statement that Paul makes here, then, stating that those who are truly led by the Spirit are no
longer under the forced leading of the Law. In the previous chapters, Paul expounded greatly
upon the idea that the law brings only a curse to those who are under it; and under such a
curse that Christ became the curse for us that we might be freed from the Law. Those who
are led by the Spirit of God are children of God (Ro 8:14) and are freed from the law and its
curse. So, in our freedom, keep-in step with spirit, live by spirit.
4. The Works of the Flesh: (3. Flesh or Spirit)

Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit in verses 19-25. The emphasis
is not on a catalog of dos and don’ts but on the outcomes of operating by the flesh or the
Spirit. The works of the flesh, despite appearing virtuous, produce negative results, as
demonstrated by a list of evils. “Those who practice such things means works of flesh, will
not inherit the kingdom of God.” Paul directs the Galatians toward an alternate lifestyle of
operating by the power of the Spirit. if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by
the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live (Rom 8: 13). we have to keep-
in step with spirit, live by spirit.

5. Order and Significance of fruits of Spirit: (5. Fruits of Spirit)

Various interpretations exist regarding the order of the fruit. Some suggest a triple triad with
different emphases, such as love, joy, and peace relating to God, the second set (Patience,
Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness) dealing with human action, and the third (Gentleness,
Self-Control) with virtues from Hellenistic ethics. Regardless of the interpretation, love is
consistently considered primary and the greatest virtue. If we want to receive the fruits, we
should keep-in step with Spirit, live by Spirit.

6. Living by the Spirit and Guiding by the Spirit: (6. since we live by spirit)

The culmination of Paul’s exhortation is found in verse 25: If we live by the Spirit, let us also
be guided by the Spirit. The modern translations capture the depth behind this term by
translating it as “let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Paul first exhorts the Galatian church
to “walk” or “live” by the Spirit (5:16), then to be led by the Spirit (18) and finally to live in
conformity with the Spirit (25). We must always remember Jesus’ life with Spirit, Simeon led
by Holy Spirit, Paul also guided by Spirit. Finally, Paul urging the Galatians and to us, keep-
in step with the Spirit and unite in living by the Spirit.
7. Conclusion with Application: (7. “Living a Spirit-led Life”)
The theological principles in Galatians 5:16-25 hold profound implications for us, in our
daily life and theological journey. We should embrace the Holy Spirit’s guidance, as we are
students can cultivate virtues like love, patience, and faithfulness, essential for academic and
personal growth. The internal conflict between fleshly desires and spiritual aspirations
resonates us, with the challenges of balancing academic care and personal integrity.
Understanding that true liberation from legalistic norms comes through Spirit-led living
empowers us to approach theological studies with a sense of freedom and joy. Ultimately,
applying these teachings to our day-to-day life fosters a holistic transformation, shaping us
into compassionate, discerning, and Spirit-led individuals in our academic pursuits and
interpersonal relationships.
Love your neighbor in your physical way of life and live by Spirit in your spiritual way of
life. Amen.