Ideal Christian Living

Galatians 5:22 – 6:10

GOLDEN TEXT: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”—Galatians 5:25

THERE can be no Christian living at all except that which results from the indwelling Spirit of God. And where that Spirit does dwell in the hearts and lives of God’s people, its fruit of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance is sure to be manifested. Not that these Christian graces will always be apparent in the same degree, because the fallen human organism through which the Spirit of God operates, hinders their perfect manifestation. But we should not excuse ourselves on this account. If we come short in gentleness, for example, we should not say, “Well, that’s my way. Others can be gentle, but I can’t, so I’ll keep right on being rude and sarcastic even though it is a trial to my brethren.”

These Christian graces which are the fruit of the Spirit are not like the veneer of politeness worn by the so-called elite of worldly society and in the business world by those who wish to curry favor with prospective customers. Christian character is of the heart—a heart emptied of self and filled with the Spirit of God. Built upon the foundation of Christ and the truth, its lines conform to the principles of righteousness exemplified in God and in Jesus. Its most prominent characteristic, therefore, is love. Not love of self, or selfish love for our immediate friends, but the love of God which is unselfish embraces all.

Christian joy is not that of self-attainment or self-satisfaction, nut a joy in the things of God. Everything of material nature which ordinarily contributes to personal joy may be removed from the life of a Spirit-filled Christian, yet the joy of the Lord is still his. A Christian’s faith is not in himself, but in the Lord. It is a faith which believes that God’s way is best, not for him as a human being, but best for God and the work of God, and best for his own eternal interests. Peace which is the fruit of the Spirit remains peaceful amidst suffering, even long-suffering. That is why a Christian can suffer long and still have peace and joy.

Christian meekness is not an undervaluation of one’s self. In Romans 12:3 and Galatians 6:3 Paul warns against thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to think, which is sound advice. But it isn’t wise to depreciate unnecessarily our abilities, either. Such would not be meekness. Meekness which is the fruit of the spirit is a proper appreciation of the greatness and wisdom of God, and a willingness to be taught of Him through His Word and by those who teach the Word. It is the opposite of meekness to hold to our own ideas regardless of what the Scriptures may teach.

Temperance is self-control, that is, the bringing of our lives into harmony with the Scripturally prescribed rules of Christianity. If we are filled with the Spirit we will gladly set aside our fleshly preferences in order that the will of God may be done in us and by as.

Paul writes, “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Gal. 5:24) This, in a sense, is the secret of the whole matter. The Spirit of God is contrary to the spirit of the flesh. If, under the influence of God’s Spirit, we crucify, or deaden the flesh with its interests, it opens the way for the fruit of the Spirit to flourish and be manifested in our lives.

To the extent that the Spirit of God does rule our lives, we will delight to bear one another’s burdens, whatever those burdens may be. If one is burdened with a fault, weighed down and discouraged, we will endeavor to restore his faith and courage by assuring him of God’s love and the provision for forgiveness through Christ. Our chief interest in life should be, not what we can get out of it for ourselves, but what we can de for others.

“Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth” writes Paul. (Verse 6) That our chief interest should be in what we can do for others, does not mean we do not receive anything ourselves. First of all we receive the truth—a knowledge of God. The value of such knowledge cannot be estimated. It brought us to God and to fellowship with Him as His children. But if we appreciate it we will “communicate,” that is, become sharers with the ones who brought these things to our attention. The meaning of this is clear, indicating that those who have been taught the truth become co-workers in spreading the message. In the apostle’s day this co-operation was often manifested by providing things needful for those who traveled from place to place as missionaries.

This is one of the ways in which the Lord’s people may still “communicate” with those who serve in wider fields. There are also now other ways in which we can co-operate in the ministry.

The ideal Christian life is one of “well doing,” and the apostle urges us not to become weary in this, for “in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Verse 9) Sowing to the flesh is living our life selfishly; sowing to the Spirit is living it for others. “Therefore,” or because of this, “as we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Verse 10) It is in thus doing good that the fruit of “goodness” is manifested. We can’t really do good, unless we are good at heart, but inactive goodness will never assure our reaping everlasting life.

QUESTIONS:

What is the difference between the fruit of the spirit and worldly good manners?

How do we communicate to those who teach?

How do we sow to the Spirit?

| Home Page | Table of Contents |