The War Within

Galatians 5:13-26

Throughout this letter, Paul has been reminding the churches that their
attempt to follow the old Jewish regulations leads to enslavement. We
are made right with God through trusting in Jesus, who loved us and
gave his life for us. When we try to rebuild the old system of relying
on good works, we are condemned (2:18 and 19).

You and I may feel far removed from the old Jewish customs. However,
chapter 5 begins not only with the wonderful truth that Christ has set
us free, but also with a warning to all of us: "Make sure that you stay
free." There are two forces fighting within us - the sinful nature vs.
the Holy Spirit. It may be quite a task for us to develop the
Spirit-led life, and not cling to our old ways.

As an illustration, consider Jesse Turner. He was held hostage in
Lebanon for nearly five years. Then on October 22, 1991, he was set
free and reunited with his wife. Reporters described him as appearing
exhausted and pale. At one point, he almost stumbled and fell.

What I remember most about him was a brief statement I heard on the
radio. Those who saw Turner in Beirut, shortly after his release,
noticed how he held his hands together in front of him, as though still
bound.

Jesus said, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John
8:36 NIV). But what about that sinful nature? It "craves." It has
"desires" and "passions." It "wants to do evil." It desires to take us
hostage. How do we conquer this enemy?

The case has been made already - clean living doesn't save us. Still,
it is sobering to be told that anyone whose life is characterized by
selfishness, dissension, "and other sins like these . . . will not
inherit the kingdom of God" (See Galatians 5:19-21). And how easily we
deceive ourselves.

The Spirit of Jesus is the Spirit of Truth. We can invite Him to be our
Teacher, guiding us into the truth about God and about ourselves. Yes,
it may be painful. It may be a slow process.

Are we willing for God to change us? I think He usually waits for us to
give Him permission to produce in us the fruit He desires. However,
patience does not mean passivity. Our part is to "listen" - especially
by diligent study of Scripture - and to obey. He provides the power.

"Christ has truly set us free" (Galatians 5:1). Is this a present
reality, or a step-by-step rooting out of self-centered desires?
Scripture addresses both.

First of all, we are offered a freedom we can know now. It is freedom
from the fruitless task of attaining heaven by our own goodness. It is
the freedom that comes by grace through faith. It's called salvation.

Secondly, there is the freedom that comes regarding this war raging
within us - between our old nature and the Spirit of Christ. "Live by
the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature"
(Galatians 5:16 NIV) - "Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives" (NLT).
It's called sanctification.

The Greek word for "live" used here comes from the root word "to tread
or walk about." The word is in the present tense - referring to
habitual conduct - meaning to go on living, to pass one's life in this
manner.

We read Paul's admonition in verse 13 - "Don't use your freedom to
satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one
another in love." - and we understand that God's desire is to work with
us and within us to make us more and more like Jesus.

May our prayer be this, found in the hymn, "Rock of Ages" -
Be of sin the double cure:
Save from wrath, and make me pure.

Deetje Wildes