Welcome to episode 157 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapters 5:13-21. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover: Freedom expressed in love (vv. 13-15) Yield to the Spirit (vv. 16-18) Marks of the flesh (vv. 19-21) Key takeaways: Paul is concerned that freedom the Galatians enjoy in Christ may be abused and become an occasion for the selfish will to dominate. On the one hand, believers must choose to live by the Spirit, while on the other hand, the Spirit empowers believers to live a life pleasing to God. The Spirit and the flesh stand in opposition to each other, so neither the desires of the flesh nor the desires of the Spirit are actualized. The Spirit’s empowering presence grants believers the ability to conquer the desires of the flesh. Doing the works of the flesh cannot be dismissed as inconsequential, for Paul warns the Galatians that those who make a practice of doing such will not inherit the end-time kingdom. Good works are not the basis of justification, but they are most certainly, though still imperfect and partial, a consequence of justification. Quotable: We can become enslaved to something by emphasizing our freedom. Application: Freedom manifests itself as love, as a desire to fulfill the needs of others. Love asks how others can be served and edified in a way that accords with the gospel of Jesus Christ. If believers live in the Spirit, then they will not put into practice the desires of the flesh. The opposition between the flesh and the Spirit is the normal Christian life, which is not marked by perfection but by war. Believers who live by the Spirit will not carry out the flesh’s desires.