LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
The Promise of the Spirit
As we read Galatians carefully, we can see Paul's interest in bringing us to the Spirit. Although this epistle speaks of the law, slavery and other things apparently far from him, the Holy Spirit is present in many ways.
The Galatian Christians had strayed from the original faith, to mix it with the works of the law. This had put them in a position of great danger, for which Paul reacts with extraordinary force. What had begun in them by the Spirit, was wanting to end by the flesh (3:3).
Paul then reminds them of Abraham, how he was justified by faith and how Abraham's blessing for us Gentiles is the Holy Spirit (3:14). The fact that we have received the Spirit testifies that we are sons and not slaves (4:6). Hence this epistle speaks so much of the Spirit.
The reception of the Spirit is mentioned in 3:2. The supplying of the Spirit in 3:5. The walking in the Spirit in 5:16 and 25. The sowing to the Spirit in 6:8. These various mentions probably contain all the Christian's experiences with the Spirit. Even the order in which they appear is very appropriate.
Reception refers to the first time the Spirit comes to us. Supply is the permanent and continuous provision. Then there is the walk, which is the daily living subject to the Spirit. Then we have the fruit, for the Spirit is like a tree that bears precious fruit, the whole multifaceted expression of the character of Christ. It is not the result of our abiding, faithfulness, or work, but it is the fruit of the Spirit. Finally, sowing to the Spirit is an exhortation to invest our spiritual time and strength well.
The Holy Spirit can operate only when we are in faith and in grace. The law is the enemy of the Spirit, because it "gives children into slavery" (4:24). The Spirit does not come upon the slaves, but upon the children. "For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out: Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15).
The situation of the Galatians was extremely unfavorable, for they were living apart from the Spirit, relying on their own strength and trying to fulfill the law. Will there be a greater misfortune? But this misfortune is not only theirs; it can also be ours if we are also following "a different gospel", based on the solvency of man, on the works of the law or on the merits of the flesh, which make the grace of God null and void.