BACKGROUND - Paul now moves in this section of Galatians to address head on the issue of circumcision. He warns the recipients that to follow these "missionaries" and their teachings about the need to become circumcised is to choose a path that leads back to legalism and bondage. On the other hand, Paul also holds up a vision of what the Christian community can look like when people follow the new law of love through the Spirit’s guidance. Paul also holds up for comparison the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit not only meets the basic requirements toward which the Law aims, but actually supercedes it. That is, those who follow after the Spirit find in themselves qualities and graces that empower them to turn the other cheek, to go an extra mile, to refuse to retaliate, to forgive their enemies.

SPIRIT AND STRUCTURE - Galatians 5:13-26 is the most impassioned defense anywhere in Scripture of the sufficiency of the Spirit to guide the community of faith. The Missionaries’ message that the Law must provide ordered governance for the community was powerfully appealing to the Galatians because it tapped into a deep and persistent human need for rules and structure. We fear that without firm guidelines we will fall into chaos. The Missionaries brought a gospel that answered this felt need. They could offer an entirely persuasive interpretation of Scripture, and they offered clear guidance about how the Galatians should conduct their lives. Their Law-observant version of the gospel could claim to be rooted in an ancient and holy tradition. It is no wonder that their message found a hearing among a group of recent converts struggling to work out how to reorder their lives in response to the gospel.  [1]

In verses 22-26, we are introduced to nine qualities or "fruit" that the Spirit seeks to reproduce within Spirit-led Christians. Slowly read this passage. What word or phrase attracts your attention? Reflect on this word or phrase. What new insights surface as you continue to meditate on it? How does it touch your emotions? How does it stir your heart to pray? Gently rest in silence, being open to any impressions from God. Write down your impressions and experiences so you can return to them later in the day.

The proclaimer could approach this powerful passage with a problem/solution sermon form. Begin with the problem-the problem of struggle between good and bad moral choices. use examples personal experience, biblical stories, Reader’s Digest narratives, whatever enables people to identify with that struggle.

Next move to the two lists-the works list and the fruit list. Contrast, compare, explore differences, highlight, etc.

Suggest the freedom that comes from following the path of the Spirit; every day I invite the Spirit to recreate within me those qualities in Galatians 5:22-23 that was also evident in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

In a similar way, provide a suggested way that people can begin to inculcate these God-filled, God-honoring qualities into their own lives.

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[1] New Interpreter’s Bible XI (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2000), pp.329-330.