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Galatians 5:24 – Dead Flesh

Posted on February 21, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:24

And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Truth to Learn

You are dead in the flesh but alive through the Spirit of God. Victorious Christian living comes from the Spirit, not the flesh.

Behind the Words

The words “have crucified” are translated from the verb stauroō. It is derived from the noun stauros, which refers to a pole or a stake in the ground, usually with a cross piece, used for torture and execution. Hence, this verb refers to the act of executing someone on a cross. It is used here in the aorist tense which implies past, completed action which occurred at a point in time.

“Passions” is translated from pathēma, derived from the verb paschō, meaning “to suffer.” The suffix -ma means that it is “that which is felt with great passion.” This is the word from which we get out English word “pathos.” Although it can be used of either good passions or bad, in the current verse it refers to the bad passions of our sin nature.

The word “desires” is translated from epithumia, which we have looked at before. This word also can refer to good or bad, though in this verse it refers to overly strong sinful desires.

Meaning Explained

This verse starts out with the conjunction “And” showing that this verse is tied to the previous thought. Paul previously was talking about the lust of our sin nature battling against the way that the Holy Spirit prompts us to live. And, because that battle is going on in the life of every Christian, we are constantly drawn back and forth between obeying God and obeying our sin nature.

So, in order to give us strength and motivation to help us overcome the works of our sin nature, Paul here reminds us that our sin nature (flesh) has been crucified, put to death. This is not a new concept for Paul or for the Galatians. In the earlier part of this letter, Paul told them:

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we surrendered our will and our life to Him (He is our Lord) in exchange for His payment for our sins. That payment was in the form of His blood, shed on the cross. So, in a sense, we received His righteousness and gave ourselves, all that we are (including our sin nature), to be crucified with Him.

Then why do we keep sinning? Because even though the transaction occurred at Calvary nearly 2000 years ago, it has not been fully realized yet in our flesh. Nonetheless, we now have the Spirit of God living in us and that has been realized. As we daily submit ourselves to His control we reaffirm the death of our sin nature along with all of the evil passions and lusts that come from it.

Application

Do you feel like you are being defeated in the battle between your flesh and the Holy Spirit? As long as you cling to the desires of the flesh it will feel that way. The only way to experience victory is through continual confession of your sins and submission of your will to our Lord and Master.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Galatians 5:23 – His Fruit

Posted on February 20, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:23

gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Truth to Learn

The fruit of the Spirit is gratifying as long as we recognize that the source is God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “gentleness” is one of the more interesting words we have looked at lately. It is translated from the Greek word praotēs, which is derived from the adjective praos, meaning “meekness, mildness, or forbearance.” Here is what The Complete Word Study Dictionary says about this word:

Primarily it does not denote outward expression of feeling, but an inward grace of the soul, calmness toward God in particular. It is the acceptance of God’s dealings with us considering them as good in that they enhance the closeness of our relationship with Him. However, praótēs encompasses expressing wrath toward the sin of man as demonstrated by the Lord Jesus … This meekness does not blame God for the persecutions and evil doings of men. It is not the result of weakness … According to Aristotle, praótēs is that virtue that stands between two extremes, the orgilótēs, uncontrolled and unjustified anger, and aorgisía, not becoming angry at all no matter what takes place around you.

“Self-control” is translated from engkrateia, which is made up of en, meaning “in” and a form of kratos, meaning “power.” Hence, it refers to keeping power in control or, as it is translated here, self-control.

Meaning Explained

Paul finishes up his list of the fruit of the Spirit with two that we seldom hear about today. In years past it was appropriate to refer to a man who had his desires under control as a “gentleman.” It’s a word seldom heard today because few people (men or women) exhibit this characteristic, and because those who conduct their lives in a gentle manner are often seen as wimps. Being at peace with God and following the leading of His Spirit, however, produces a calm confidence that is the result of a gentle spirit.

Like gentleness, self-control is seen by the world today as a waste of time and effort. With the world throwing off the restraints of godly living and self-control, someone with these qualities is seen as weak and spineless, but that’s not how God sees them. The ability to control ones passions and appetites is a rare commodity today because fewer and fewer people are willing to submit their will to that of our Heavenly Father.

When we are completely submitted, however, and actively seeking and following His leading, there is no law that condemns us because we exhibit the qualities of righteousness. The danger, however, is that we will become proud of ourselves and allow our sin nature to grab the steering wheel from our Father’s hands. That’s when we stumble and fall.

Application

Any Christian who has experienced a close fellowship with God has known the fruit of the Spirit as Paul has described it here. But such a person also knows how tenuous this position is because of the powerful, ungodly effect of our sin nature.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:22 – Eternal Fruit

Posted on February 19, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Truth to Learn

Put your efforts into growing fruit that has eternal value instead of producing works that pass quickly away.

Behind the Words

The word translated “love” is agapē, which is a kind of love that is focused on the ultimate good for the object of love.

“Joy” is translated from the Greek word chara, meaning “calm delight” or “gladness.”

The word “peace” is translated from eirēnē, which means “peace, harmony, or tranquility.”

The Greek word makrothumia is translated as “longsuffering.” This word is made up of macros, meaning “long” and a form of thumos, meaning “wrath or anger.” It refers to “the ability to endure a long time before getting angry” as opposed to hasty anger.

“Kindness” is translated from the Greek word chrēstotēs, which is derived from the verb charomai, meaning “to furnish what is needed.” This word is most often translated as “kindness,“ or “usefulness.”

The word “goodness” is translated from agathosunē, which is derived from agathos, meaning “goodness.” It is the trait of doing good to others out of an unselfish heart. It is sometimes translated as “benevolence.”

Finally, “faithfulness” is translated from pistis, which is derived from the verb peithō, meaning “to win over” or “to persuade.” Hence, pistis refers to the quality of having been persuaded. It is often translated as “belief” or “faith.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verses Paul talked about the works of the flesh, those desires of our sinful nature which lead us away from fellowship with God. In this verse and the next Paul gives the contrasting list of what he calls “fruit of the Spirit.” Notice that he does not refer to these as fruits as if they are each one a separate result of close fellowship with God. This fruit all grows together as we spend time with Him.

Back in verse 17, Paul told us that the flesh and the Spirit battle against each other within these bodies of ours. The works of our flesh are the outpouring of the lust of our sin nature which has self as the focal point and ultimate objective. They rise up quickly and have immediate and irrevocable effect. The fruit of the Spirit, on the other hand, grows slowly and steadily as we submit our will to God and commit our thoughts and actions to Him.

It takes constant, vigilant effort to nurture the fruit of the Spirit, and its growth is stunted when we allow the works of the flesh to dominate. After we confess our works of the flesh, however, the fruit of the Spirit begins to grow again until it is fully ripe and apparent in our lives.

Application

Growing the fruit of the Spirit is hard work, which is frequently interrupted by the works of the flesh. The pleasures of sin are fleeting according to Hebrews 11:25, but the fruit of the Spirit has eternal effect.

Is your effort going into producing works or growing fruit?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:21 – Visible Evidence

Posted on February 18, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:21

envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Truth to Learn

The evidence of salvation is in our actions, not our words.

Behind the Words

The word “envy” is translated from phthonos, which refers to “pain felt and ill will conceived at the sight of excellence or happiness in someone else.”

“Murders” is the translation of the Greek word phonos, which is from the verb phenō, meaning “to murder.” Hence, phonos (used in the plural in this verse) refers to “murders or the slaughter of innocent lives.”

The Greek word methē, means “an intoxicant” but, by implication, refers to the result of the intoxicant. Here it is translated as “drunkenness.” Once again, this word is used in the plural implying repeated drunkenness.

The word translated “revelries” is kōmos, which refers to feasting. Used in the plural as it is here, it means “riotous conduct.”

The drunkenness and revelries spoken of here by Paul are most likely a reference to festivities in honor of certain pagan gods, especially Bacchus, the god of wine. These festivities included feastings and drunkenness accompanied by impurity and obscenity of the grossest kind.

“Practice” is translated from prossō, which expresses an action as continual or as not yet completed. Hence, it means “that which one does repeatedly.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has just listed what he calls works of the flesh. These are thoughts put into action which spring from our sin nature. And he tells the Galatians beforehand that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom. But what does Paul mean by “beforehand?” Before what? Before the kingdom of God. There is a sense in which we are spiritually part of God’s kingdom now, but Paul is referring to the eternal state, heaven.

In the book of Revelation, we are told about New Jerusalem where we will spend eternity with God. We are also told who will be admitted and who won’t:

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (Revelation 22:14, 15)

We all have a sin nature and the works of our flesh occasionally rear their ugly head. But, anyone who continually exhibits the works of the flesh is clearly not a child of God.

Application

There are some in our churches today who claim to be Christian but live by the works of the flesh. If they were really saved, they would be convicted by the Holy Spirit and would not continually do these things. We need to pray for them!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:20 – Selfish Disunity

Posted on February 17, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:20

idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,

Truth to Learn

Focusing on self produces divisive attitudes and actions.

Behind the Words

The word translated “idolatry” is eidōlolatreia, which is a compound word made up of eidōlon, “an idol” and latreia, meaning “to serve or worship.”

“Sorcery” is translated from the Greek word pharmakeia, from which we get our English word pharmacy. It is from the Greek word pharmakon, meaning “a drug.” Since drugs were so commonly used in witchcraft, magic, and sorcery, pharmakeia was used as a reference to these practices as well.

The word “hatred” is translated from echthra, which refers to “a hostile attitude toward another” or “enmity.” It is also used to describe the actions one takes against one’s enemy. This word is in the plural in the Greek.

The Greek word eris, meaning “strife or contention” is translated as “contention.” It is used here to identify not just the strife itself but the love of strife.

“Jealousies” is from the Greek word dzēlos. It is derived from the verb dzeō, meaning “to be hot or fervent.” It refers to “acts of zeal” in a good sense or “acts of envy, jealousy, or anger.”

The word “outbursts” is translated from thumos, from the verb thuō meaning “to move impetuously like the wind” or “a violent motion” or “a passion of the mind.” Hence, thumos refers to “violent outburst of anger.”

“Selfish ambitions” is translated from the Greek word eritheia, which refers to works that are done for payment. The verb form is often used in the middle voice meaning things that are done to satisfy self. Hence, this word has come to refer to actions that are done with selfish intentions.

The word translated “dissensions” is dichostasia, a compound word made up of dicha, meaning “separately” and a form of stasis, meaning “to take a stand, usually against someone or something else.” Hence, this word means “to take a separate stand, thus causing a division.” This is one of the most devastating works of the flesh for any church body, often causing a split.

Finally, “heresies” is from the Greek word hairesis, which is a transliteration (a word moved directly from one language to another). The word actually means “a choice” but it is applied to those who chose to ignore the truth of God’s word and go their own way. It often leads to dissensions and eventually a church split.

Meaning Explained

This list is a continuation of Paul’s identification of works of the flesh. Whereas the words in the previous verse all have to do with sexual sins of the flesh, these all have to do with works of the flesh which are divisive to the church body. When we allow our fleshly desires to dominate our lives instead of submitting to the Word of God and looking out for the best interests of others, we cause irreparable damage to the body of Christ.

Application

Is your church suffering from any of the symptoms described in this verse? Is it partly your fault?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:19 – Thoughts in Action

Posted on February 14, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,

Truth to Learn

The evil thoughts of our sin nature become sinful actions, whereas the act of submitting to God becomes precious fruit.

Behind the Words

“Works” is translated from ergon, which refers to “work” or “labor.” By implication it refers to “an act or deed.” In science a unit of measure for work done is the “erg” which is derived from this Greek word.

The word “evident” is translated from phaneros, an adjective taken from the verb phainō, meaning “to shine.” So, phaneros refers to that which can be easily seen, hence “evident” or “apparent.”

The Greek word moicheia, meaning sex between a married person and someone who is not their spouse, is appropriately translated here as “adultery.”

“Fornication” is the translation of porneia, from which we get our English word pornography. It refers to sexual acts between any two people who are not married. Hence, it includes adultery, homosexuality, pre-marital sex, incest, and what today is referred to as casual sex.

The word “uncleanness” comes from the Greek word akatharsia, a compound word made up of a, meaning “not” and a form of kathairō, meaning “to cleanse” or “to heal.” This word is used to refer to either physical or moral uncleanness.

Finally, “lewdness” is translated from aselgia, made up of a, meaning “not” and an obscure word selgēs, apparently meaning “self-control.” Given that it is included here is a list of obviously sexually oriented terms, it most likely refers to uncontrolled, overtly sexual behavior or activity.

Meaning Explained

In verse seventeen Paul explained that our sin nature (our flesh) is in constant opposition to the Spirit of God within us. He is now giving examples of both the things which come from our flesh and the things which come from the Holy Spirit.

Notice the contrast between this list and the list in verses twenty-two and twenty-three. These are “works” or actions which are the result of selfish desires. They start out as thoughts and end up as actions. These works of the flesh come from the thoughts or inclinations of our heart which are evil.

Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5)

When these thoughts or inclinations are put into action it demonstrates how self-centered and ungodly we all are.

The list in verses twenty-two and twenty-three, on the other hand, are “the fruit” developed over time from submitting to the leading of God through His Spirit. They start out as an action of submission and end up as an attitude of our heart.

Application

“But,” you say, “I’ve never done any of these things!” Perhaps that’s true, but by the time Paul completes the list there won’t be a single one of us who can say we’ve never thought about or committed any of these acts. That’s why we need a Savior!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:18 – Spirit Led

Posted on February 13, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:18

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Truth to Learn

God leads us in paths of righteousness through faith, not through obedience to the law.

Behind the Words

The word translated “led” is agō, meaning “to lead along.” In the current verse this word is in the present tense, passive voice, and indicative mood. The passive voice means that it is something done to the subject (you). The present tense and indicative mood indicate current continuous action. Hence, Paul is saying, “But if you are currently and continuously being led by the Spirit …” The point being that it is not a once in a while type of activity but one that is habitual and continuous.

“Law” is translated from the Greek word nomos, which is from the verb nemō, meaning “to divide among” or “to parcel out.” Therefore, nomos refers to “that which has been handed out” or “that which one has in their possession for their own use.” In this verse it refers to the Law of Moses which was handed out to the Israelites from God.

Background

The false teachers who had crept into the churches in Galatia were teaching that a person who believes Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins has not done enough to be completely saved. To be completely saved, they taught, a person must also keep the Law of Moses including being circumcised.

Paul has been very deliberate in showing that keeping the law as a way to obtain righteousness not only does not aid in salvation, it is counter to salvation. Apparently some of the Galatian Christians believed this and stood firm against the false teachers. Unfortunately, it appears that this opposition turned into heated attacks by each side against the other. That’s why Paul told them all that to really satisfy the intent of the law they needed to love each other as they love themselves.

Meaning Explained

The Christian way to stop fighting within the church is for all involved to walk in the Spirit; that is, let God’s Holy Spirit guide all of our thoughts and actions. Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? The problem is that we have a sin nature, which, as Paul told us in the previous verse, is constantly battling against the Spirit of God. Even when we want to be completely obedient to God’s Spirit, our sin nature takes over at times.

But, if we are continually listening for God’s direction and considering the good of others above our own, then we don’t have to meticulously obey all the ordinances of the law. By following God’s leading we will be fulfilling the spirit of the law because, as we are told in Psalms 23:3,

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

Application

Being led by the Spirit is not easy. It takes constant communication with God through prayer and attentive listening to God as we read the Bible. It also takes a constant submitting of our will to His. It’s hard, but with His help we can do it!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:17 – Flesh vs. Spirit

Posted on February 11, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:17

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Truth to Learn

The Holy Spirit wants to be in control of your life. Let Him!

Behind the Words

In the previous verse we were introduced to the word epithumia, meaning strong desires. Here it is used as a verb of two things in opposition. That is, the flesh strongly desires some things whereas the spirit strongly desires other things.

The word translated “are contrary” is a form of antikeimai, a compound word made up of anti, meaning “against” and keimai, meaning “to lie” or “to be placed.” Hence, this word literally means “to lie against.” It refers to two things which are opposed to each other or which are adversaries.

“So that” is translated from the Greek word hina. This word has a number of uses in New Testament Greek, the most common of which are to express purpose (with the intent being) or result (with the result being). Though there is a difference of opinion among Greek scholars, it appears that its use here is one of purpose. In other words, Paul is saying that it is the intent of the desires of the flesh to keep us from doing the desires of the spirit and vice-versa.

Meaning Explained

As a result of the back biting and infighting that seem to have developed within the churches in Galatia, Paul admonished the Christians there to walk in the Spirit. That is, to go through this life in close intimate fellowship with God. His reasoning is, “so that you should not fulfill the strong desires of the flesh.”

Paul now adds some explanation as to why walking in close fellowship with God can produce that result. The strong desires of our flesh are in direct opposition to the desires of the Spirit of God. Our flesh (our sin nature) produces these strong desires which are against what the Holy Spirit wants us to do. And, these desires are primarily directed at satisfying self; that is, putting self on the throne of our life, being in control and getting what we want for ourselves. The strong desire of the Spirit of God, however, is that we should “love our neighbor as ourselves,” as Paul pointed out in verse fourteen; in other words, putting God on the throne of our lives, listening to what He tells us to do, and giving Him control of our lives.

Paul speaks from experience, for he said of himself:

For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I desire to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. (Romans 7:14, 15)

The word here translated as “carnal” is a form of sarx. Hence, Paul is saying, “but I am fleshly,” and his flesh often wins.

Application

If you are a born again Christian and you are determined to live as God wants you to live, then your flesh, your sin nature, will be constantly battling against the Spirit of God who lives within you. You want to be obedient and to please God, but you keep doing things which you know grieve Him. We all fight this battle. But when you fall, don’t give up! Confess your sin and get right back on your feet and continue down the path of life with God close by your side, listening for His direction. After all, He knows the way of peace and He is your Lord!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:16 – Intimate Fellowship

Posted on February 10, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:16

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Truth to Learn

When we’re submitted to the Lordship of our Heavenly Father, we will behave in a manner that glorifies Him.

Behind the Words

The word translated “walk” is peripateō, made up of peri, which means “around” and pateō, meaning “to walk.” So, literally this means “to walk around.” This word is often used as a metaphor for traversing through life.

“Spirit” is translated from pneuma, which literally refers to “a breath of air.” It is the vital breath or spirit of life which God breathed into Adam. Also, it is that part of man which exists independently of the body.

The word translated “fulfill” is teleō, which is the verb form of the noun telos, meaning “the end.” Hence this verb means “to end, to complete, or to fulfill.”

“Lust” is translated from epithumia, a compound word made up of epi, meaning “upon, above, or over” and a form of thumos, meaning “a strong passion of the mind.” Hence, epithumia refers to “overly strong desires.” It is used here in the singular because Paul is not referring to specific lusts but to the general tendency in us to have overly strong desires.

Finally, “flesh” is the Greek word sarx which refers to “the meat of an animal.” It is used metaphorically to refer to our human nature, sometimes referred to as our sin nature.

Meaning Explained

As we travel through this life, our senses are repeatedly stimulated by outside influences. Whatever the source, our fleshly reaction is to become mentally or emotionally aroused. If this reaction is not kept under control, it results in behavior which causes us to do things we shouldn’t do. In the extreme form, our fleshly reaction may cause us to strike out at others or commit personal acts of sin that we later regret.

This, apparently, is precisely the type of behavior that was occurring in the Galatian churches, causing the biting and devouring which Paul talked about in the previous verse. He now gives the antidote to these inappropriate thoughts and actions. He says, “Walk in the Spirit.” But what exactly does that mean? It means that we are to be living in constant fellowship with God through His Holy Spirit. In the Book of Proverbs it is expressed this way:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5, 6)

The Hebrew word translated “acknowledge” means to become intimately familiar. If we walk in constant intimate fellowship with God the Father, we will not allow the lustful tendencies of our flesh to have control. Instead, we yield control of all our thoughts and actions to Him who has the power to control them.

Application

The only way we can walk in the Spirit is to continually be in intimate fellowship with God. This requires us to daily, moment by moment, confess our sins, submit our will to His, and seek His glory rather than our own.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:15 – Internal Combustion

Posted on February 7, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:15

But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

Truth to Learn

Fighting brings destruction. Submission and love bring peace.

Behind the Words

The word translated “bite” is daknō, meaning “to bite” or “to sting.” Metaphorically, it means “to bother or irritate someone.” The form of this verb implies current, continuous action.

The word “devour” is translated from katesthiō, a compound word made up of kata, used as an intensifier, and esthiō, meaning “to eat.” Hence, it means “to eat completely” or “to completely destroy.” This verb is also in a form that implies current, continuous action.

The expression “bite and devour” is one that was commonly used of dogs or wild animals attacking and fighting each other, often until both are severely wounded or dead.

“Consumed” is translated from analiskō, which is made up of ana, meaning “up” and haliskō, meaning “to take.” This word means to continually take parts of something until it is gone.

Meaning Explained

It appears that there was significant contention in the churches in Galatia between those who insisted on keeping the requirements of the law and those who refused to do so. Their feelings were so strong that it apparently produced divisive fighting between the two sides.

Paul has to be very careful how he addresses this issue because if there was already severe fighting within the churches there, his outspoken condemnation of legalism could be used by those who agree with him as ammunition against the legalizers. But Paul doesn’t want to fan the flames, he wants to put the fire out once and for all.

In the previous two verses he stressed that the position of salvation by faith apart from works should produce humility, a servant’s heart, and love. If, in fact, these are the characteristics demonstrated by those who oppose salvation by the law, then his teaching can have an impact on the teachers of false doctrine. But if those who hold to good doctrine continue to act like wild animals, then they demonstrate by their actions that their doctrine is no better than that of the false teachers.

Strife and contention inevitably occur any time two or more people gather together in any type of work. One mark of a true believer, however, is grace in action. That is, having a humble servant’s heart and showing genuine love for others. These are like salve on an open wound. Unfortunately, selfish sinfulness often rears its ugly head, and the result is biting and devouring.

There are some things which can’t be tolerated in the body of Christ, like the teaching of false doctrine. Most disagreements, however, can be dealt with by submissive love and grace.

Application

Are you involved in a contentious struggle today? If so, get on your knees before God with true humility and seek God’s guidance on how you can resolve the conflict with love.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –