Setting – Paul states that we were called to freedom and to follow the Spirit rather than the law
Content – We were called to freedom in Christ (v. 13) “only {do} not {turn} your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh”. Instead, (v. 13b-14) “through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the {statement,} "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF” We are to walk by the Spirit and in doing so (v. 16b) “you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” But we know that our flesh and Spirit wage war against either other (v. 17) “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please”, more about this is in Romans 7. In regards to following the Spirit and the law (v. 18-NLT) “But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law.”
Application – We are free from the law, but we follow the Spirit. We don’t take advantage of this new freedom by serving the flesh, but instead serve one another “Love your neighbor as yourself”. As an ambassador has extended rights in a different country, we have heavenly rights while here on earth.
In addition, if we live by the Spirit we no longer follow the flesh. In order to live by the Spirit we need to listen to what the Spirit has to say, that is, reading and learning God word (the Bible).
Content – We were called to freedom in Christ (v. 13) “only {do} not {turn} your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh”. Instead, (v. 13b-14) “through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the {statement,} "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF” We are to walk by the Spirit and in doing so (v. 16b) “you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” But we know that our flesh and Spirit wage war against either other (v. 17) “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please”, more about this is in Romans 7. In regards to following the Spirit and the law (v. 18-NLT) “But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law.”
Application – We are free from the law, but we follow the Spirit. We don’t take advantage of this new freedom by serving the flesh, but instead serve one another “Love your neighbor as yourself”. As an ambassador has extended rights in a different country, we have heavenly rights while here on earth.
In addition, if we live by the Spirit we no longer follow the flesh. In order to live by the Spirit we need to listen to what the Spirit has to say, that is, reading and learning God word (the Bible).
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