NAU Galatians 5:17-21 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which being: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Today we will be looking at verses 17-21. In these verses Paul describes the battle that is going on between the flesh and The Spirit within the believer. Paul contrasts two different types of lifestyles one with The Spirit and one with the flesh. He uses the term “flesh” to mean ‘the sinful and sensual power tending toward sin and opposed to The Spirit’s working’ (Friberg’s Lexicon). Everyone’s flesh leans toward sin or disobedience to God’s ways because of the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden. Romans 3:23, states that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” By this we know that everyone starts from the same vantage point.
Now the difference between a non-believer and believer is that the one who trusts in Christ Jesus has The Spirit of God living in them and those who have not turned to Jesus Christ for salvation do not have The Spirit living in them. It is the one who professes faith in Jesus Christ that Paul is addressing in this passage because we will see later in verse 21 that he states “I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Therefore, Paul is speaking to those who profess being a Christian. The ones who are professing believers but still live in disobedience to God by choice of lifestyle are the ones that Paul is stating will not inherit the kingdom of God.
In verse 17, the phrase “sets its desire” or “epithumeo” in the Greek is in the Indicative Present Active 3rd person singular form. In the Greek the verb “epithumeo” generally means “to have a strong impulse towards something, to desire, or to long for” (Friberg’s Lexicon def -1). In the English the phrase “sets its desire” the word “desire” is a noun. In the Greek the word “desire” is the verb. The translation could be written “the flesh desires against The Spirit”.
Since the verb is in the Present Active form, it explains to the reader that the subject is doing the action in the present time. The subject is “the flesh” in the sentence and is doing the action. The adverb “against” in the sentence clarifies the direction of the verb. Similarly, as the flesh is against The Spirit, The Spirit is presently “setting its desire” or “desiring” against the flesh as well. This is understood because of the phrase “and The Spirit against the flesh”.
Paul uses the word “for” or “gar” in the Greek to introduce an explanation. In this context the explanation is for expressing a cause or reason for the previous idea mention. Also, here in the Greek there are two verbs in the subjective mood. They are “thelo” and “poieo” which mean “to want” and “to do.” “Thelo” has the idea of exercising the individual’s will based on a desire, wish, or want (Friberg’s Lexicon - def-1).
Paul is talking to the believer here because the believer wants to please God with their life. He wants the believer to understand that their flesh is an enemy of The Spirit. It does not want to please God but itself which is in opposition to Him. He is stressing that the flesh and The Spirit are presently and actively opposing each other. There is a battle that is taking place for the direction of the individual. However, it is the believer’s choice as to which one they will follow. Because the verb “thelo” is in the subjunctive Present Active form, it stresses a possibility, in this case, the choice of the will of the individual to follow which desires they choose. This also refers back too and completes the point from verse 16. Since the flesh and The Spirit’s desires are against each other, if one chooses too and therefore is living by The Spirit the fleshly nature will not be lived out or decided upon to be carried out or fulfilled.
What in the past was so normal or natural for the individual before being saved and The Spirit indwelling them, that is living opposed to God by following the desires of the sinful nature of the flesh, is now able to live pleasing to God by the working of The Spirit in the believer’s life. And, this is by the choice of the believer to live according to the desires of The Spirit of God by His leading and strength.
Next in verse 18, the verbal phrase “are led” or “ago” in the Greek is in the Indicative Present Passive 2nd person plural form. This verb has the idea of conducting or accompanying someone as to bringing or taking them along. In a figurative sense it is to be lead or guided by the influence of God’s Spirit (Friberg’s Lexicon - def- 1). The verb in this form tells us that the action is a factual event happening in the present time and the direct object is aiding in the action of the verb and the subject is affected by the direct object. In this sentence the direct object is “The Spirit”.
Here we see the relationship that God has established with those who believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. Those who believe have The Spirit and He personally accompanies the individual if they want Him too. God does not force Himself on the believer as to make Him do what He wants, but allows the individual to decide for themself what type or how deep of a relationship they want with Him and this relationship is based on trusting and following Him as He leads by His strength and power in the individual’s life.
Paul is, also, referring back to verse 16 and verses 1-6 in chapter 5. He is again stressing that one is directed either by The Spirit or by the flesh. If one is directed by The Spirit then they will do the things of The Spirit. Living out the Law for justification before God is not being directed by The Spirit. One who tries to live in obedience to the law is trying to make themselves more holy or righteous before God by their actions. What we see here is a relationship with God that involves being lead by The Spirit and in this leading there is freedom from the flesh’s power. Also, we will see is that living by The Spirit produces the love of God in a person. In verses 19-21 we will see what the flesh looks like in a person and 22-25 what living by The Spirit looks like in a person.
Note: Believing or trusting in The Messiah (The Christ) for salvation involves repenting (acknowledging and turning away) from sins and turning to God, which also, involves a new desire to live to please Him. This process can not be separated. Though living in obedience to God is a growing experience by trusting in Him.
Posted on October 22nd, 2007 by Daniel
Filed under: Truth To Live By