GALATIANS 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
NSB* - There is a question here whether Paul means specifically the works done by a person's regenerated human spirit, or works done by the Holy Spirit (vv. 16, 18, 22, 23). The fruit analogy is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching on the vine, branches, and fruitful harvest.
Spirit; The definition for the word πνεῦμα pneuma used in this instance can be found here under Spirit Unto The Father.
My Notes: The use or absence of the article usually tells us what spirit is being referred to, but without it, it could be either one mentioned in the NSB notes, hence the question in this text. In either regard, these are also the fruits of a Christian in general.
Love; This is the same word for love (ἀγάπη agapē) used here under "Love".
Joy; Thayer denotes - 1) joy, gladness, 1a) the joy received from you, 1b) the cause or occasion of joy, 1b1) of persons who are one's joy. Strong's defines it as cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight. The Greek word used here is χαρά chara. Strong's G5479.
Peace; The definition for peace used in this instance (εἰρήνη eirēnē) can be found here under the heading Preached Peace. However Thayer does expand on it's use in various instances - 1) a state of national tranquillity 1a) exemption from the rage and havoc of war 2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord 3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous) 4) of the Messiah's peace 4a) the way that leads to peace (salvation) 5) of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is 6) the blessed state of devout and upright men after death. Strong's breaks it down to - peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity. Strong's G1515.
Longsuffering; longanimity, i.e. (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude. Dodson denoes - patience, forbearance, longsuffering. Vine's denotes forbearance, patience, longsuffering" (makros, "long," thumos, "temper"), is usually rendered "longsuffering,". The Greek word used here is μακροθυμία makrothumia. Vine's (def A-1), Strong's G3115.
Kindness; The KJV renders this as "gentleness". Strong's defines it as usefulness, i.e. morally, excellence (in character or demeanor). Dodson denotes - goodness, uprightness, kindness, gentleness. It seems like the two words are interchangeable here. This is also the case with almost every other translation difference I have seen between the NKJV and the KJV. The Greek word used is χρηστότης chrēstotēs. Strong's G5544.
Goodness; goodness, i.e. virtue or beneficence. Thayer denotes - uprightness of heart and life, goodness, kindness. The Greek word used here is ἀγαθωσύνη agathōsunē.Strong's G19.
Faithfulness; The KJV translates this as "Faith". persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself. Dodson denotes that the word used for faith means "faithfulness". Thayer expands - 1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it 1a) relating to God 1a1) the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ 1b) relating to Christ 1b1) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God 1c) the religious beliefs of Christians 1d) belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same 2) fidelity, faithfulness 2a) the character of one who can be relied on. The Greek word is πίστις pistis. Strong's G4102.
Gentleness; The KJV translates this as meekness. The Greek word πρᾳότης praotēs means gentleness, by implication, humility. Strong's G4236.
Self-Control; The KJV translates this as temperance. The Greek word ἐγκράτεια egkrateia means self-control (especially continence) or as LSJ Gloss puts it, "mastery over". From kratos, strength," occurs in Acts 24:25; Galatians 5:23; 2 Peter 1:6 (twice), in all of which it is rendered "temperance;" the RV marg., "self-control" is the preferable rendering, as "temperance" is now limited to one form of self-control; the various powers bestowed by God upon man are capable of abuse; the right use demands the controlling power of the will under the operation of the Spirit of God; in Acts 24:25 the word follows "righteousness," which represents God's claims, self-control being man's response thereto; in 2 Peter 1:6, it follows "knowledge," suggesting that what is learned requires to be put into practice. Vine's (def A-1), Strong's G1466.
Definition References: Acts 24:25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”
2 Peter 1:6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,
Colossians 3:12-15 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Romans 15:14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
1 Corinthians 13:7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Timothy 1:9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
Moving to verse 24.
Galatians 5:24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
NSB* - Christians are spiritually "crucified with Christ" (2:20) They no longer have to follow the values or desires of the world. (6:14). However, it remains difficult for Christians to apply this spiritual reality to the passions (affections) and desires (lusts) of the flesh (v.16). Those who have mastery against these sinful are those who have kept their focus on God. (see Jeremiah 9:23-24, Daniel 11:32, John 17:3, Hebrews 12:1-3). (para)
Notes References: Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.
Daniel 11:32 Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.
John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Crucified; This word σταυρόω stauroō is defined in this study under crucified.
Passions; The KJV uses the word affections. Dodson denotes - Suffering passion. Strong's defines it as, something undergone, i.e. hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence. Thayer expands into various uses - 1) that which one suffers or has suffered 1a) externally, a suffering, misfortune, calamity, evil, affliction 1a1) of the sufferings of Christ 1a2) also the afflictions which Christians must undergo in behalf of the same cause which Christ patiently endured 1b) of an inward state, an affliction, passion 2) an enduring, undergoing, suffering. The Greek word used here is πάθημα pathēma. Strong's G3804.
Desires; a longing (especially for what is forbidden). The Greek word is ἐπιθυμία epithumia. Strong's G1939.
Moving to verses 25-26.
Galatians 5:25-26 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
NSB* - In the two following verses Paul exhorts the Galatians to walk in the Spirit because they are already living in the Spirit. Such an action should be natural, but unfortunately, we are at war with the flesh. Walk in the Spirit means to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit. A believer following the Spirit's lead (v.16) will not become conceited, provoke others, or envy others.
Spirit; This is the same word πνεῦμα pneuma used in v.22. Thayer does expand on its uses, here it seems clear we are talking specifically about the Holy Spirit. 1) the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1a) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasizes his personality and character (the "Holy" Spirit) 1b) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasis. Strong's G4151.
Walk; to march in (military) rank (keep step), i.e. (figuratively) to conform to virtue and piety. The Greek word used here is στοιχέω stoicheō. Stong's G4748.
Conceited; The KJV translates this as "desirous of vain glory". It is defined as vainly glorifying, i.e. self-conceited. The Greek word used here is κενόδοξος kenodoxos. Stong's G2755.
Provoking; to call forth to oneself (challenge), i.e. (by implication) to irritate. The Greek word used here is προκαλέομαι prokaleomai. Strong's G4292.
Envying; To be jealous of. Envy can be defined as "the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others;. The Greek word used here is φθονέω phthoneō. Strong's G5354.
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Takeaways: In this text, we are not walking just for the sake of walking in some sort of conformity. You are walking in such a way that it glorifies and honors God according to His purpose in the Holy Spirit. In general, the Christian should be habitually or consistently displaying the fruits of the Spirit. This does not mean that demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit will go smoothly. The world has a way of twisting that which is evil and calling it "good" or "love", or a "human right". Walking in Christ we can overcome the temptations to conform to wickedness, embracing that which is of God and truly good, loving, and righteous, as we walk in the Holy Spirit.
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