Freedom or permissiveness?

You have been called to freedom, brethren, so that your freedom may not be an occasion to please the flesh, but serve one another with love (Gal. 5:13).

Freedom does not mean permissiveness. Its true realization is the work of enabling the Holy Spirit to act. Spirit.

For the whole Law is contained in one word: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself (Gal. 5:14).

Again the Law! Up. Pavel seems to be ready to do everything to close this topic once and for all, and in the end he recalls a number of additional arguments, including such a well-known one as the golden rule of ethics. It was also known in Judaism itself (see Hillel § 5:1), and it is repeated many times in the New Testament (see Matt. 7:12; 22:39 and pars.; Acts 15:29).

15 But if you bite one another and eat one another, take heed that you are not destroyed by one another. 16 I say, walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, 17 for the flesh desires that which is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit that which is contrary to the flesh. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 The works of the flesh are known; they are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, envy, anger, strife, dissension, [temptations,] heresies, 21 hatred, murder, drunkenness, riotousness, and the like. I forewarn you, as I did before, that those who do such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 meekness, self-control. Against such there is no law (Gal. 5:15-23).

"The Opposition of the Works of the Flesh to the Fruit of the Spirit. It is noteworthy that Paul speaks of the works of the flesh in the plural (v. 19), and of the fruit of the Spirit in the singular (v. 22). He clearly opposes the bad multiplicity of sin to the unity of spiritual life" [433].

24 But those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with passions and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, we must walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be vain, let us not provoke one another, let us not envy one another. 1 Brethren! If a person falls into any sin, you, spiritual ones, correct him in a spirit of meekness, watching each one of you, so that you will not be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens [EC: Bear one another's burdens = glory], and thus fulfill the law of Christ (Gal. 5:24-6:2).

Paradoxical expression: the term "Law" next to the name of Christ (v. 2). Undoubtedly, a witty move with the subtext: "If we are talking about the Law, then let it be: the Law of Christ is service to one another."

3 For whosoever thinketh himself to be anything, being nothing, deceiveth himself. 4 Let each one try his own work, and then he will have praise only in himself, and not in another, 5 for each will bear his own burden. 6 Thou who is instructed by the word, share all good things with him who instructs. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. What a man sows, that he will also reap: 8 He who sows in his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but he who sows in the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 In doing good, let us not lose heart, for in due time we shall reap, if we do not faint. 10 Therefore, while there is time, let us do good to all, and especially to those who are in the faith. 11 See how much I have written to you with my own hand. 12 Those who desire to boast in the flesh compel you to be circumcised, only that you may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ, 13 for even those who are circumcised do not keep the law, but want you to be circumcised, that you may glory in your flesh (Gal. 6:3-13).

In conclusion, Paul saved another argument from life: the Judaizers themselves do not and cannot obey the entire Law, not because they are malicious criminals, but because every person is weak. Such legalism is always found: when someone keeps the Law in others, he himself cannot refrain from doing the same.

14 But I will not boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus there is nothing to be circumcised or uncircumcised, but a new creation. 16 To those who walk in this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and unto the Israel of God (Gal. 6:14-16).

"The Israel of God is a Christian people, heirs of promises (and pars.), in contrast to Israel according to the flesh" [434].

However, let no one burden me, for I bear the wounds of the Lord Jesus on my body (Gal. 6:17).