”You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Galatians 5:13New International Version (NIV)
Galatians 5:13 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
Serve One Another Humbly in Love
In Galatians 5:13, which I have themed “Serve one another humbly in love“, Paul reminded the Galatians that Christ had called them to be free. And that was His mission concerning them (Galatians 5:1a), and all who were held captive, including you and me, made this mission public at the beginning of His ministry (Luke 4:18).
Furthermore, Paul wrote to the Galatians that the freedom that Christ had given them had two implications. These were that the Galatians were:
- Not to indulge the flesh.
- To serve one another humbly in love.
Non-indulgence in the flesh
First, Paul wanted the Galatians not to fulfill the lusts of the flesh (fallen nature). For if they did so, then they would produce the acts that are listed in Galatians 5:19-21. And these acts are sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
Moreover, most Galatians were Gentiles who had formerly been devoted to idolatrous cults and mysterious religions. And the Graeco-Roman sexual life was lawless chaos (men kept mistresses, concubines, and wives, incest did not spare mothers, and homosexuality was rife).
But Christianity had introduced chastity. And Paul, therefore, revealed to the Galatians that indulging in the flesh leads to destruction (Galatians 6:8) – That is death (Romans 6:23).
Consequently, Paul required the Galatians to walk or be led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 18). Because their walking by the Spirit would result in the fruit of the Spirit as elaborated in Galatians 5:22-23. And this is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which is the fruit you should produce in your life.
Serving one another humbly in love
Secondly, Paul wanted the Galatians to serve one another humbly in love over indulging in the flesh. And he reminded them that the whole law is fulfilled in “loving your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:14, Matthew 22:39, and Luke 10:25-28).
But they were biting and devouring each other (Galatians 5:15). This was the opposite of how they were to conduct themselves. That is, doing good to all, especially their fellow Christians (Galatians 6:11).
Furthermore, Paul desired for them to restore the sinners among them gently (Galatians 6:1) and test their actions (Galatians 6:4). And this is the love you need to give to your neighbor, who is the person in need (Luke 10:29-37).
Circumcision
Additionally, Paul desired the Galatians not to burden themselves with the yoke of slavery, which was circumcision (Galatians 5:1b-2). Paul, therefore, pleaded with the Galatians not to allow themselves to be circumcised – Judaizers were teaching that circumcision was required for salvation. Because circumcision would obligate the affected person to obey the whole law (Galatians 5:3). And the law would arouse sinful passions in the person (Romans 7:5).
Moreover, whoever sought to be justified by the law would alienate himself from Christ, and fall away from grace (Galatians 5:4). And their walking by the Spirit would make them fulfill the law.
Nevertheless, Paul was confident that they wouldn’t take the other view (Galatians 5:10a). Therefore, they would not indulge the flesh, and they would serve one another in love (agape) (Galatians 5:13). Because grace (freedom) was not a license to sin.
Prayer/Blessing
Lord Jesus, thank You for the freedom You have given me. I submit to Your Spirit to help me in my Christian walk. And I know I will not indulge my flesh, but I will serve others humbly in love.
This is my humble prayer in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
2 Thessalonians 1-3 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
