Grave Clothes Off: Living Unbound in Christ
Introduction: The Journey to Freedom
Having explored the foundational truths of justification, substitutionary atonement, and adoption, we now arrive at the pinnacle of these blessings: freedom in Christ. These theological pillars aren't isolated concepts but interconnected realities, each building upon the other to reveal the fullness of God's grace. Today, in Galatians 5, we examine into this freedom, encountering the critical concepts of the "flesh" and the "Spirit" and understanding the inherent battle that follows.
The Battle Within: Understanding the Flesh (Galatians 5:13)
Paul reminds us that we “were called to freedom, brothers.” This freedom, however, comes with a crucial caution: “Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
The term "flesh" in Scripture refers to more than just our physical body. It embodies what theologians describe as anthropological dualism—the tension between our physical being and the inherited inclination towards evil we possess as descendants of Adam.
This concept of "total depravity" underscores our utter lostness and inability to achieve true freedom apart from the redemptive work of Christ. It is through being justified, adopted, and now free in Christ that a new reality becomes available to us—a freedom previously unattainable. To truly experience the life of a believer, we must actively resist the desires of this "flesh" and be reborn in Jesus.
Life Application:
This week prayerfully reflect on the reality of this internal battle within you.
Where do you see the desires of your "flesh" conflicting with your desire to honor God?
Study Romans 7:14-25 for a deeper understanding of this struggle. How can recognizing this battle as inherent to our fallen nature, yet overcome through Christ, bring you greater understanding and reliance on Him?
Transition: While recognizing the battle is essential, understanding how to engage in it and live in our newfound freedom is the next crucial step. Paul provides clear guidance on the practical inner workings of this new reality.
Walking in the Spirit: The Pathway to True Freedom (Galatians 5:16)
Paul declares, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” The word “walk” here signifies a continuous, intentional movement in a particular direction.
For the Christian, to walk by the Spirit means to consistently follow the direction of Jesus. This “walking” is a profound metaphor for our daily lives—the intentional, step-by-step journey where our decisions, habits, and overall conduct are not driven by sporadic spiritual efforts but are continuous responses directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
This implies a fundamental incompatibility—a devoted following of the Spirit makes it impossible to simultaneously please the flesh.
Life Application:
This week intentionally focus on what it means to "walk by the Spirit" in your daily routine.
What practical steps can you take to align your decisions and habits with the leading of the Holy Spirit? Consider moments of temptation, frustration, trials, and prosperity.
Transition: Just as flowers bloom naturally by receiving essential elements, our spiritual growth and godly behavior are not forced but arise from our willingness to receive the blessings of the Spirit. This "walking" process is about yielding.
Observing the Obvious: The Manifestations of the Flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)
Paul makes it clear how we can discern whether we are being led by the flesh or the Spirit: “Now the works of the flesh are evident.”
This isn't a complex mystery but should be obvious to anyone with spiritual discernment. He then provides a detailed list including sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and similar things.
Paul concludes this sobering list with a stark warning: “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” This highlights the profound seriousness of a life dominated by the flesh and its eternal consequences. We all experience this ongoing spiritual conflict, this tension between our fallen nature in Adam, which produces unrighteousness, and our new rebirth in Jesus, which produces righteousness.
Life Application:
Spend time this week in honest self-examination, considering Paul's list of the works of the flesh. Where do you see these tendencies manifesting in your own life?
Like Lazarus emerging from the tomb still bound by grave clothes, what “grave clothes of the flesh”—old habits, attitudes, or desires—still cling to you and hinder you from fully expressing your new life in Christ?
Transition: While the reality of our ongoing struggle with the flesh is undeniable, the Gospel offers profound "good news"—freedom is not something we earn but a divine gift, empowering us to live a Spirit-led life.
The Good News (Galatians 5:24-25 & Isaiah 11:1-3)
Paul declares, “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
From the beginning, God desired His creation to bear fruit for Him, reflecting His heavenly character on earth. While Adam failed in this task, the prophet Isaiah foretold of a true Fruit-Bearer who would emerge from the line of Jesse—the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It is this very Jesus, through whom we are adopted and now free, who empowers us to bear spiritual fruit.
Our freedom in Christ is not just a theoretical concept but a lived reality. When we are crucified with Christ, it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us.
Life Application:
How does the understanding that Christ lives in you transform your perspective on your ability to overcome the desires of the flesh and bear spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)?
Study Isaiah 11:1-3 and reflect on how the Spirit rested upon Jesus and how that same Spirit empowers you. Identify one specific area where you desire to bear more spiritual fruit and prayerfully ask God for His strength and guidance.
