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Yesterday we shared on the bearing of fruit, the fruit of the Spirit. So today I would like to share Wycliffe’s commentary on the following verses.
Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (KJV) Galatians 5:22-25 Everything here stands in contrast to the foregoing: fruit instead of works; the Spirit instead of the flesh; and a list of virtues altogether attractive and desirable in place of the ugly things just cited. The word fruit, being singular, as usual in Paul's writings, tends to emphasize the unity and coherence of the life in the Spirit as opposed to the disorganization and instability of life under the dictates of the flesh. It is possible, also, that the singular may be intended to point to the person of Christ, in whom all these things are seen in their perfection. The Spirit seeks to produce these by reproducing Christ in the believer (cf. Gal 4:19). Passages like Rom 13:14 suggest that the moral problems of redeemed men and women can be solved by the adequacy of Christ when he is appropriated by faith. In the light of Paul's preference for the singular form of fruit, it is not necessary to resort to the expedient of putting a dash after love in order to make all the other items depend on this one. Love is crucial (1 John 4:8; 1 Cor 13:13; Gal 5:6). Joy is conferred by Christ upon his own followers (John 15:11) and is mediated by the Spirit (1 Thess 1:6; Rom 14:17). Peace is the gift of Christ (John 14:27) and includes inward repose (Phil 4:6) and harmonious relations with others (contrast Gal 5:15,20). Longsuffering relates to one's attitude toward others and involves a refusal to retaliate or work vengeance for wrong received. It is literally long-spiritedness. Gentleness is better rendered kindness. It is benevolence in action, a distinctly social virtue. Goodness is an uprightness of soul that abhors evil, a clean-cut honesty of motive and conduct. Faith, in this setting, means faithfulness (if it were faith, it would stand at the beginning of the list). For a parallel use, see Titus 2:10 ("fidelity"). Meekness is based on humility and denotes an attitude toward others in keeping with due denial of self. Temperance is better rendered self-control (lit., a holding in with a firm hand), or control of the self life by means of the Spirit. Against such there is no law. "Law exists for the purpose of restraint, but in the works of the Spirit there is nothing to restrain" (J. B. Lightfoot, Galatians, p. 213). The same truth is stated elsewhere, e.g., Rom 8:4. Those who are truly Christ's must be like him in that they participate in his cross. They have crucified the flesh. Ideally, this points to their identification with Christ in his death (Gal 2:20). Practically, it emphasizes, the need of carrying the cross principle into the redeemed life, since the flesh, with its affections and desires is still an ever present reality (cf. 5:16-17). The same tension between divine provision and human appropriation is found regarding the Spirit. We live in the Spirit by God's arrangement, by means of the gift of the Spirit at conversion. But we walk in the Spirit as a matter of personal volition, taking each step in dependence upon him. (from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary) Remember brethren, we are known by our fruit. So if the Lord walked by you today would He see His fruit and be well pleased? God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1Thesselonians 2:12-13 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe. (KJV)
Those that are truly walking with the Lord and living a life that resembles that of Christ are the ones that are receiving this message of faith first hand from above. Before my own conversion in Christ I heard many different doctrines by those that claimed they were of God, but were not. It wasn’t until I heard this word firsthand for myself and it actually penetrated my heart did it make a change and become effectual in my life. This is a continual process that needs to take place even after your conversion if you are truly going to grow up and mature in Christ. Galatians 1:1-3 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead ;) 2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, (KJV) Paul in his younger years spent some time studying under the tutelage of Gamaliel, a prominent teacher in his day. You will notice though that in his writings Paul gives credit where credit is truly due. I say this because I have heard carnal Christians talk about how some certain person or pastor is feeding them with their teachings. Nothing though could be further from the truth; you will never learn anything from any man period, end of story. However, if certain individuals choose to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through them, and the Spirit reveals something to you personally, that is when there will be a change in your walk with the Lord. Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (KJV) If the Spirit is not bearing witness to your spirit personally, then you will not be hearing God properly and are basically getting ripped off. I personally have never taught anyone anything about the Bible, however, when I allow the Holy Spirit to speak through me then the Spirit is the one that will do the teaching properly. Matthew 11:25-27 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (KJV) This week Church the message is quite simple; don’t ever rely on any carnal man to teach you spiritual things. If you truly desire to know what God’s plan of salvation is and how to walk in it, then let God reveal it to you personally through His Son. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (KJV)
We all came into this new life of faith with some old baggage, stuff that needs to be discarded if we are ever going to really take off toward our heavenly goal. Sometimes we ask the questions “does it ever get easier and when will it end”. Well yes, it does get easier, but it doesn’t end until we cross the threshold into our eternal reward and receive a glorified body. Until then it will be a tug of war between the Spirit and the flesh, with the Spirit having to continually put the flesh in its place of subjection. Romans 8:1-4 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (KJV) As long as we are in these carnal bodies we are still subject to the law of sin and death which is why the enemy keeps attacking and trying to pull us down again. We have been redeemed from the curse of the law; however, we now need to walk in the new law of faith in order for this to be accomplished in a way that is pleasing to our Lord. People who think once saved always saved, or who think they have eternal happiness when one makes an emotional commitment during an alter call, boy are they in for a surprise if they think that’s all that is required of us. Romans 7:21-25 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (KJV) Just because you were saved years ago doesn’t mean that is the end; it should only be the beginning of a new life in Christ and an end to the old disappointments of the flesh. Paul was able to see what was hindering his walk because he chose to examine himself and not blame someone else for his shortcomings. He realized that his joy and peace was not based on others changing first, rather the change had to take place within him. The reason it is so vital to spend quality time with our Lord first thing in a day is so that you can arm yourself with the mind of Christ which is the only way to understand the law of faith. 1 Peter 4:1-2 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (KJV) You will find it is a lot easier to put your lower nature under arrest when you are armed with the mind of Christ. Instead of grieving the Holy Spirit how about not letting the flesh whine and fuss by putting it in its place. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. (KJV)
Now that you have become a new creature it means that you are now operating in a new realm, one that was not available before the sacrifice of our Lord. This week our goal is to point out some of the old and compare it to the new so that you can make an informed decision based on what the Word says and not what a fallen carnal mankind keeps imitating. Do take note that these old things are passed away which describes things that are dead and not something we should be digging up again and trying to revive. Hebrews 9:8-10 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and diver’s washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (KJV) The word ‘figure’ in verse 9 is referring to a parable, a figure or a symbol of things that were done outwardly that now has a spiritual meaning for those that are able to see beyond the veil of the flesh. We have been in that time of reformation for at least two thousand years now, yet it is hard to fathom why so many in the so called churches have not caught on to what our Lord was symbolizing. Acts 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV) This week we are going to look at the old and new; how John baptized with water which he was doing according to the old law, and today, what is the new baptism that our Lord gives credence to. I believe you will see it is as different as night and day, or should I say flesh and Spirit? Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! (KJV) We see our Lord making mention of this baptism, and given the fact that God is a Spirit, then it would be fitting to say that the baptism our Lord desires to see His people baptized in would be spiritual as well. John 6:63-65 It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. (KJV) Today we have many that believe in God, yet in works deny Him and are walking in the wrong direction. Many today still think the works of the law are in play, which keeps them stuck under the curse instead of the blessing. The key to walking in the new is getting the old out of the way, which for mankind is his own carnal ways and thoughts. Our lower nature is of no profit to the new realm we are now walking in. So the more you stay in the Spirit, the more of the life of Christ you will experience personally for yourself. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 44:2-3 Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: (KJV)
God is described as a Spirit, and those that are truly going to worship Him must, from this point forward, do so in spirit and in truth. Things we see written in the Old Testament now take on a new and entirely different meaning when one hears with their spiritual ears and looks beyond the literal into the realm of the Spirit. Hebrews 9:8-10 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (KJV) A time of reformation is upon us Church and has been for about two thousand years when the Holy Spirit was poured out for all of mankind. Up until that point things were done in the outward realm to symbolize what was to come in the Spirit. The term figure above refers to symbol as well as parable, an earthly analogy with a heavenly meaning. Take note of verse 9; it clearly states that the outward realm is imperfect and not able to cleanse the inward man the way that our Lord intended for us to be clean in His sight. When we were born again, the eyes of our understanding were opened so that we could hear what these symbols represent, and how they now pertain to our walk in the Spirit. Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (KJV) The reason God sent His Son was so that the Holy Spirit would be made available to all of mankind; and we see clearly that it is the word of God through the Holy Spirit that cleanses His church and gets out any spots or wrinkles. Psalm 51:1-3 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. (KJV) You may find you have a few skeletons in your closet that you think no one sees, and the longer you keep them hidden the more they stink. So how does the Church come clean today? Well, by examining yourself and asking our Lord to cleanse you from your sin. Dearly loved have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that
we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (KJV) The plan of salvation is not something that you are going to experience with your outward senses; rather you need to be reborn into the realm of the Spirit to see what is happening there. The Spirit is able to take you beyond the realm of the flesh and into something much deeper so that you can receive the things of God firsthand and walk in the newness of life. John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (KJV) The Lord gave us His Spirit so that we could access His realm and start to experience heaven here on earth. His giving of the Spirit to us is like giving someone your personal phone number so that they can access you directly and get the information they need. He gives us the only Spirit of truth that will give you any real comfort, while anything else will leave you dried out and thirsting for more. John 14:26-27 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) The peace of God will last forever, while the peace that man offers is short lived. The Holy Spirit was sent our way to teach us personally who we are in Christ and how to walk effectively in His realm. I John 2:20-21But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. (KJV) Have you been a bit bored with your life and things seem a bit stale at times? This unction or anointing you have received of God allows you to go beyond the realm of the flesh and into a new and eternal one of the Spirit allowing you to see all things, not just those in the flesh, but those of the Spiritual realm as well so that you can be complete in Christ. Proverbs 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. (KJV) If you have a treasure you would be a bit picky about who you entrust it to. Well, the Lord is the same way concerning His Spiritual treasure. Seek first the kingdom of God and make Him your top priority, and He will reveal more of Himself to you in return. God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (KJV)
John 4:23-24 But a time is coming indeed, it is already here when the real worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and reality, for the Father is looking for just such worshipers. 24 God is a spiritual Being, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and reality." (Williams NT) I wanted to bring this point up before we moved forward in our text, especially the end of verse 24 which uses the term reality. This is a reality check for all believers if they are truly going to move forward in their walk with the Lord. Many today still hold to outward literal interpretations of the Word, instead of looking deeper and seeing the spiritual meaning. My prayer today is that you will put your spiritual headphones on and drown out all the other noises and doctrines you have heard in the past and give ear to what the Spirit has to say. John 15:1-3 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (KJV) Keep in mind the fact that this tree of life we are looking at in the verse above is a spiritual one. You are a Spiritual being which requires living spiritual waters for drinking, as well as cleansing. Let’s put away the childish doctrines we have heard in the past that keep dealing with the outward man, and start looking within. Leviticus 8:4-7 And Moses did as the LORD commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 5 And Moses said unto the congregation, this is the thing which the LORD commanded to be done. 6 And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water. 7 And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith. (KJV) [washed them with water] Moses caused them to bathe entirely (compare <Lev. 16:4>), not merely to wash their hands and feet, as they were to do in their daily ministrations. See the marginal reference. This bathing, which the high priest had also to go through on the day of atonement, was symbolic of the spiritual cleansing required of all <2 Cor. 7:1>, but especially of those who had to draw near to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people< Heb. 7:26; Matt. 3:15> (from Barnes' Notes) According to the old law before the priest could enter the temple to do his duty and bring the prayer requests before the Lord they would have to be washed. For you to go to the Lord you need to be washed as well; however, He desires to see spiritual people washed with spiritual living waters. In other words, He is not concerned with the outward, but something that now cleanses the inward. Which realm are you in today? God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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