Historical and Biblical Context
The churches in Galatia were being influenced by teachers who insisted that believers must follow religious laws and regulations to achieve spiritual maturity.
Paul reminds them that salvation and spiritual life come through faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit—not through human effort, religious performance, or self-improvement.
In Galatians 5, Paul contrasts:
The Works of the Flesh
- Sexual immorality
- Impurity
- Idolatry
- Jealousy
- Anger
- Selfish ambition
- Envy
- Drunkenness
The Fruit of the Spirit
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Patience
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness
- Self-control
After describing these contrasts, Paul concludes:
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Observation Questions
Question 1
What are the two actions mentioned in this verse?
Answer
Living in the Spirit and walking in the Spirit.
Question 2
Which action comes first?
Answer
Living comes before walking.
The order is important because life is received from God before obedience is expected from believers.