Sworn Enemies

Galatians 5:17–18 (NIV)

¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Verse 17 starts with the word "for".  What is it there for?   Paul has just affirmed “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, NIV).  So why is that true?  Answer: there is a mutual contempt between our flesh and the Holy Spirit.  Our flesh would love to serve self rather than a life of obedience and victory.  However the Spirit opposes the flesh and gives us victory.  They are sworn enemies.  But the Spirit is omnipotent.  So if we live life by the Spirit the fleshly cravings that lead us to sin will be overpowered. "As if Paul would thus say: I know that the flesh will provoke you unto wrath, envy, doubting, incredulity, and such-like: but resist it by the Spirit, that ye sin not." [1] 

Let us not miss this:  Luther makes this clear. "And this place witnesseth plainly that Paul writeth these things to the saints, that is, to the Church believing in Christ, baptized, justified, renewed, and having full forgiveness of sins. Yet notwithstanding he saith that she hath flesh rebelling against the spirit." [1]  This is a battle involving Christians.  Luther points out that this is a very profitable and comforting doctrine for believers.  We desire to live righteously and ought not be surprised at the battle.  This is in no way written that we may make light of sin.

Now Paul returns to his main doctrine: “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:18, NIV). "The verb (Gk. agō) implies an active, personal involvement by the Holy Spirit in guiding Christians, and the present tense (“if you are being led …”) indicates his ongoing activity." [2] Here in verse 18, are led is in the present tense which conveys the idea that we are continually being led by the Spirit. The passive voice indicates that this action is exerted on believers from a force outside themselves. While led is in the passive voice, believers are not to be passive but must still willingly submit themselves to the Spirit's leading. Therefore, in practical terms, leading by the Spirit is a partnership.  

"It also shows that the believer cannot simultaneously be led by the Spirit and observe the law; the two are mutually exclusive." [3]  We might have thought that Paul would have written, "If you are led by the Spirit you are not under the flesh."  But that's not what he wrote.  Paul equates the Law to flesh. The Law is a religious, self-effort system hoping to attain righteousness.  It is fleshly.  It is powerless to accomplish what we want.  Doing the A-B-Cs etc. will not do what we want.  We need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit.

We as believers cannot do what God the Holy Spirit desires us to do; yet at the same time we are not condemned. Why?  Because our justification if found in Christ.  We are saved by His righteousness. And secondly because the Holy Spirit is constantly working in our lives to lead us into practical, daily holiness. 

Father there are two very clear methods of living that good and holy life.  Following the rules of the Law or any law will not get me there. You have given to us who believe the gift of the Holy Spirit.  He does not stand afar off beckoning us to follow.  He is within us accomplishing that wonder working power. We are not idle puppets.  We gladly seek His aid for saving grace has given to us that compulsion.  As I face this day, may I find my rest and my hope in the Holy Spirit.  Grant me the mind that looks to Him, my Comfort and my Deliverer.  I desire to be holy.  I desire to live for You. Grant new mercies to pursue holiness in my life, for the sake of Christ and my eternal happiness in God.

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1. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 5:17). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

2. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2254). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

3. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Ga 5:18). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.