Draft 11

FAITH & FRUITFULNESS


Galatians is one of the most influential in the Bible. It is closely related to the subject matter of the book of Romans, and has been regarded as a “short” or “mini” version of Romans. The book of Galatians played prominent in the Reformation in the 16 and 17 centuries. Martin Luther affectionately called the book of Galatians his wife. It was from it that he developed much of what he said during the Reformation. He lectured on they book extensively and his Commentary on Galatians was widely read. Galatians is considered the “Magna Charta of Christian Liberty.”

Galatians was written to remedy a desperate situation. In Paul’s first missionary journey he established churches in south Galatia (modern day Turkey). After he left the church was infiltrated by Judaizers who said that Christians must keep aspects of the OT Law in order to be Christians. They were threatening to demolish all that Paul had done there and throw the church into heresy.

Paul wrote the book of Galatians out of the controversies that arose from how Judaism and Christianity related to one another. They are of course separate, but they also are very much related. The central question was how does the Christian relate to the OT Law? Does the Christian keep the Law or is the Christian completely free from the Law? Galatians central point is that salvation from the penalty and power of sin comes not by the works of the Law but by grace through faith in God’s provision. Galatians establishes the doctrine of justification by faith alone. It was to call these Christians back from legalism to faith. It is an emphatic statement of salvation by faith apart from works. We see the seriousness of the problem in Galatians 1:6-7 where Paul is incredulous that the Galatians are so quickly “deserting” (metatihesthe – as in military desertion) the truth of the gospel. In Galatians 3:1 Paul is direct and severe as he chastises them for their embrace of a doctrine that declared the death of Christ unnecessary. Paul alludes that they have been bewitched by a spell!

So what kind of life is Paul calling the Galatians to embrace? On one hand legalism is wrong (salavation by works), but on the other hand license is wrong as well (do whatever you want because you are saved apart from works). If it is not legalism and if it is not license what is it? This is where Galatians 5:22-23 come in. Galatians 5:22-23 indicates that the life saved by grace will not be based on legalism neither will it revert to license, but rather will result in a certain lifestyle.
ORIENTATION PROPER

We find here both the means and the manifestation of such a life. (1) The means is the Holy Spirit, and the manifestation or the product is nine graces or attitudes. Upon salvation the Holy Spirit comes to indwell us permanently (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13) and it is through this vital union with the Spirit that the fruit of the believer is manifested and produced (reminiscent of the fruit analogy in John 15:1-8) It is important to know that this is not produced by the Christian alone but through us. This is not a work of the flesh in order to earn salvation but is an outworking of the salvation! In such a process us do not assume a completely passive role, but rather the Holy Spirit works through our mind, will and emotion to bring about this spiritual process. (2) The Spirit is the means, what is the manifestation or result? Notice that “fruit” is singular which indicates that these graces constitute a unity all of which are to be found in a believer that is under the control of the Holy Spirit. Listed we find nine graces. In an ultimate sense these graces are the life of Christ lived out in the Christian. These are what it means to “walk in Christ’s steps” as depicted in 1 Peter 2:21 and 2 Corinthians 3:18. This is part of the idea of what it means to be complete in Christ” in Colossians 1:28. When I live out these nine graces through the power of the Holy Spirit I am living out the very life and character of Christ in the way I behave. It is the answer to the question, “What would Jesus do?” (3) Does this means that the Christian is lawless? No! Galatians indicates that the Law is not the means to salvation, but aspects of the OT Law are reiterated and apply in the NT. Nine of the Ten Commandments are reiterated and applied to the NT believer. Are we to dishonor father and mother, murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness or covet? All of these aspects of the OT Law certainly apply to us because they have been reiterated and clarified in the progress of revelation – but it is the Law as a fleshly means of salvation that does not apply. Let’s see this supernatural lifestyle. The first three are habits of the mind, the second three reach out to others, and the final three guide the general conduct of the believer.

TRUTH #15 Faith & Fruitfulness: The goal of spiritual growth is to reflect the character of Christ and produce the fruit of the Spirit. 1 Pt 2:21; Col 1:28; Gal 5:22-23

Notice however, that the passage begins with an adversative conjunction. Paul is drawing a contrast, and that contrast is between the indulgences of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21. In stark contrast to all of these is what is produced by the Spirit indwelt and driven life.

I. FRUITFULNESS IN THE MIND Galatians 5:22a

A. Love

Love is agape in the Greek and is one listed first because it is the foundation for all the other graces. It is the umbrella concept that covers all the rest. Agape love is one of several words for love in Grrek: It is not friendship love (phileo), it is not sensual love (eros), it is not family love (storge). This love is a love that chooses to love. It is non-meritorious, non-reciprocal love. It gives and acts on another’s behalf, and does not stem from the deservedness, desirability or compatibility of the one being loved. It is in fact God-like love demonstrated in Christ. John 3:16 does not specify that the world was deserving of God’s ultimate sacrifice. God gave; period. God is love, and it is this type of love that we are to duplicate in the world (1 John 4:8-11). It is not “if” love, but rather “love period.” It leads to sacrifice and service. It is in deep contrast to the nitpicky, judgmental and exclusive legalism of the Judaizers.

This brings an entirely new perspective to my view of the world! I am not caught up in judgment and animosity. I am not at odds with others. I do not go to bed at night mad at people, and wake up madder. I love them and God loved me! We wonder how this can be done; and we should be reminded that the means have already been established – it is by a supernatural means, the Holy Spirit – God Himself working through me to bring about this result. Note that the very God that requires it produces the very love I am to manifest.

B. Joy


This is chara in the Greek. It is a deep and abiding inner rejoicing promised to those who abide in Christ (John 15:11). This joy does not rest in circumstances but rather in God’s sovereign superintendence of all things (Romans 8:28). It is based on God’s unchanging character and plan, and eternal spiritual realities. It is not something manufactured, but rather is a byproduct, a gaft from God garnered from the filling of the Spirit and a obedient walk. Despite deep and abiding suffering Paul called the early church to this joy.


There is again the deep contrast with the worrisome and burdensome way of the Judaizers. Unhappiness and concern and worry marked the Judaizers! We must see the non-burdensome way of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-29 and 1 John 5:3. Note in the 1 John 5:3 passage how love for God and keeping His commandments are a joyful experience. Remember that Christians are not absolutely free from the Law. We are only free from the Law in the sense of procuring salvation and other aspects of the ritual Law and the theocratic Law of Israel as a nation. But as John says in this passage there are still “commandments.” However our view of these are “easy” and “not burdensome” because they are non-legalistic in nature and they are produced through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Illustration: Joy, General) The Judaizers did not have this joy. For example, one of the things that they accused Jesus of during His earthly ministry was the way His disciples washed their hands. Because o9f their manmade tradition good Jews were to repeatedly and meticulously wash their hands. In one account I learned that a least an egg and half volume of water was required, and that they washed from the fingers up the hands and then with uplifted hands allowed the water to run to their wrists so as not to allow dirty cleansing water from the upper hand to flow to the fingers! It is just one illustration of the ridiculous extra-biblical rules of the tradition of men.


A great deal is said about happiness. People often ask what the key to happiness is. According to Scripture it is the filling of the Spirit and the productivity of a life of obedience and joy. This joy is not an automatic emotion that turns off and on like a switch depending on whether we are filled with the Spirit or not. It is rather a life of filling and obedience to the Word of God. “Filling” and “obedience” are synonymous and look at the Christian life at different angles. Filling is the means, obedience to the Word is the requirement, and joy is the result. See in Colossians 1:9-12 how joy is inextricably linked to obedience.


C. Peace


In the Greek we find eirene. This too is the gift of Christ (John 14:27). It is an inner repose and quietness even in the face of adverse circumstances and suffering. The verb form denotes the idea of binding together” and thus speaks of having one’s life together. I think of the Gerasene demoniac that Jesus healed in Luke 8:26-35 who was “clothed and in his right mind.” In those days they did not medical and mental institutions for such people; they tried to just keep him incarcerated but he repeatedly escaped. But when Jesus got through with him there was complete composure.


The Galatians were not to be battling one another, unhappy and worrisome, and lacking peace. They were to be producing in their lives what the Holy Spirit in them desired to supernaturally produce: love, joy and peace. With these Paul adds more, but now more in keeping with how we reach out to others.


II. FRUITFULNESS IN REACHING OUT TO OTHERS Galatians 5:22b

A. Patience

In the Greek this word is makrothymia. It is the quality of forbearance under provocation. We see it also in 2 Corinthians 6:6; and Colossians 1:11 and 3:12. It entertains no thought of retaliation even when wrongfully treated. It is the ability to endure injuries inflicted by others and the willingness to accept irritating or painful situation. Does this mean we never stand up for what is right? Is this what is meant by Jesus to “turn the other cheek” in the Sermon on the Mount? We must remember that even in this book Paul publicly rebuked Peter for compromising with the Judaizers (Galatians 2:11). So Paul is not saying that we do not speak up about wrongdoing, even when the wrongdoing is directed at us. It is rather being patience and working for a Scriptural and godly outcome.

Are we quick to anger? Patience is the opposite of a “short fuse.” Some, at the very first sign of offense come with guns blazing. As a result people around them learn to keep their distance. They don’t want to touch any of the hot buttons. This is not the supernatural Spirit-filled life. Are you known for being an angry and explosive person? Do people fear your vitriolic response to offense? Go to the Lord, confess your sin, repent and ask Him to fill you with His Spirit in order to produce patience. (Illustration: Anger, General) I got a taste of someone who lacked patience at my first regular job. I was 16 or 17 working at one of the first McDonalds in the United States. Suddenly a person comes up to the counter and slams her open hamburger down on the counter and yells “Where’s my cheese!” Apparently a special cheeseburger was ordered and the cheese was not included. How foolish she looked. All hot and bothered, coming unglued because the teenagers working there inadvertently forgot to include the cheese!iHis HosHH


B. Kindness


Kindness is chrestotes in the Greek. It is tender concern and compassion with the desire to treat others gently. It is benevolence in action as God demonstrates to people (Romans 2:4; Ephesians 2:7). In both of these contexts God is extending His grace to sinners and persuading sinners with His kindness. In the Ephesians’ passage it is used in a parallel fashion with the “riches of His grace.” Christians are called to do this as well (2 Corinthians 6:6; Colossians 3:12). In the Colossians passage we are told be kind in light of being chosen by God. When we exercise such kindness it is to be done by “putting on a heart of compassion.”


This kindness has to do with acts of compassion. It is not merely a mental state. This is not kindness in theory. It is kindness deliberately and in a premeditative fashion acts kindly. In the story of the Samaritan man showing kindness to the robbed and beaten traveler it was the Samaritan that showed kindness, not the people that passed by on the other side of the road (Luke 10:30-37).


C. Goodness


In the Greek this is agathosyne. It is considered uprightness of soul as well as action in reaching out to others to do good even when it is not deserved. It is moral and spiritual excellence manifested in active kindness. In Romans 5:7 a man of goodness is compared with a righteous man. In 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Paul prays that the Thessalonians would be blessed by God’s goodness.

III. FRUITFULNESS IN GENERAL CONDUCT Galatians 5:22c-23

A. Faithfulness

The Greek here is pistis. It is the quality that renders a person trustworthy, loyal and reliable. In 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Paul says that God is faithful in the sanctifying process which culminates in our perfection in heaven. In Lamentations 3:22-23 it is said that God is faithful every morning. This would be like the faithful steward in Luke 16:10-12. In Revelation 2:10 John quotes Jesus in His message to Smyrna. He told them to be faithful even in prison. Can we be relied upon? Can others trust our word? If we say we are going to do something can that be taken to the bank?

B. Gentleness

Gentleness is prautes in the Greek. It can also be translated as “meekness.” It is a humble and gentle attitude that is patiently submissive in every offense with no desire for retaliation or revenge. It describes a person who is submissive to God’s Word. In James 1:21 it is used of the attitude of teachability - of a person who receives the Word of God. This follows two verses on avoiding anger. The upshot is that angry people are not in a position to hear, understand and apply the teaching of Scripture. Rather, we are to be people with submissive wills. We come to the Word not with a bowed neck, but with a contrite and teachable heart.

The word is used of how Christians should be when discipline is required of a fellow believer (Galatians 6:1; 2 Timothy 2:25; 1 Corinthians 4:2). It is also used in contexts where unity is the goal (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12). In 1 Peter 3:15 the word is used for the way in which we defend the faith. Are you are gentle person? One filled with the Spirit, obeying Do, is not a hard-line legalist nor a “anything goes” libertine, but a gentle person especially in situations where someone needs to be restored and unity is important. Do you diffuse volatile and sensitive situations? Gentle people do.

C. Self-Control

This is enkrateia. This refers to restraining passions and appetites. In 1 Corinthians 9:25 the word is associated with athleticism and running to win. In 2 Peter 1:6 it is listed with several other attributes of moral excellency. The noun form of this word is used only here and Acts 24:25 (Paul before Felix) and 2 Peter 1:6. It denotes self-mastery and probably primarily denotes curbing fleshly impulses mentioned in Galatians 5:19-21. This is an ongoing battle and is only won when we are under the control of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17).

CONCLUSION

Paul ends the passage with tongue in cheek. He says that there is “no law” against these nine graces (Romans 8:4). The idea is that had they been intent on following the Law (like the Judaizers had told them) these would have been forbidden. Paul therefore says, “You can go ahead and do these things. You are allowed to do these things because there is no law against them. You are safe. Go ahead and practice them.”