Verse of the Day (January 16, 2020)

Verse of the Day (January 16, 2020) #BMSeminary – Paul has mentioned the work of the Spirit several times in this letter (3:2, 3, 5, 14; 4:6, 29; 5:5, 16, 17, 18, 22, 25; 6:8) and he now exhorts the Galatians to walk “by the Spirit” (5:25). Unlike the requirements of the Mosaic law that were written on stone, God writes the requirements of the covenant of grace on the hearts of his people (Jer. 31:33) through the activity of the Spirit (Ezek. 36:26–27), transforming them to live according to God’s requirements of loving regard for his name and for his people. The moral requirements do not vary, but the motivation to obey and the power to obey are entirely different. Now we live the life of love (“keep in step with the Spirit”; see Gal. 5:25) as we are guided by the character and care of God as reflected in his law. We do this to please our Redeemer rather than to distinguish ourselves, striving to please him in the power of his might rather than in the strength of our own resolve or resources. The works of the flesh are evident (v. 19), for they do not prioritize others above self and God above all. Those who practice these works show that they have not encountered the transforming work of the Spirit. Paul has already taught that the Christian life begins when one receives the Spirit through hearing with faith (3:2; 4:6). The Spirit exercises a transforming work of grace in the life of the person who walks by the Spirit (5:25). This life produces fruit consistent with the character of the Spirit. Notice that Paul speaks of “fruit,” not “fruits,” of the Spirit—the fruit of the Spirit is not a checklist to work through but the unified blossoming of a heart liberated by the gospel of grace. (Gospel Transformation Study Bible)