Walk by the Spirit – Galatians 6:1-10

Having detailed the distinct differences between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, Paul proceeds to offer real time scenarios in the typical church context where the fruit of the Spirit is begging to be lived out. The circumstances and relationships among the believers in Galatia are no doubt Paul's first audience and this congregation provides a list of pressing needs as he writes. As providence would have it, however, the shortcomings and issues of the Galatian church provide a classic “for instance” opportunity for the church of every age. In this way, Paul rounds out his instruction from the ideal in the abstract (a list of Christian virtues) to include practical examples of applied godliness. This passage continues along the theme of the effects of the transformative experience of regeneration. Though works are not the cause or a contributor to our salvation, they certainly follow from a legitimate born-again life. In this way, they mark the believer's allegiance to a new King, a new moral authority governs their actions and affections. Walking by the Spirit, the true believer fulfills -or- obeys the law of Christ. Paul's works provide precise exposition of the life a Christian ought to and will, by grace, grow to exhibit. Paul refutes the legalism of the Judaizers even as he draws from the kingdom language of Jesus' own Gospel proclamation (Mat 4-5). In our passage today, (depending on how you isolate them), there are roughly 9 directives corresponding to the 9 exemplary fruits of the Spirit the apostle lists under three priciples in chapter 5.