[22] but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. [gal 5:22-23]
“…against such things there is no law.”
the fruit of the Spirit, the internal, eternal work of God’s Spirit in you as you submit to and abide in him – is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
as you submit, the Spirit causes you to abide and what happens next is a miracle of God – you are transformed, you are changed. the very character and person of God begins to take shape in you. what was once just selfish love and lust starts becoming agape love – unconditional God-like love. what was once only situational happiness or frustration starts becoming joy that is not based on circumstances. what was once only reoccurring anxiousness starts becoming Christ born peace that passes all understanding. and, on and on and on …
then paul tells us through the inspiration of the Spirit, “against such things there is no law.”
interesting note: the list of what the flesh produces in vs 19-21 are called “works.” and, they are actions “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, …” what the flesh produces are works – actions. it cannot produce character. it cannot change character. the flesh can only produce actions. and most tragic, it can only produce actions from its own character that is opposed to God. the Spirit on the other hand produces what is called “fruit.” and they are character aspects of God. The Spirit can generate actions for sure but it can also do what no other can do – change you, transform you and produce the character of God in you!
against this kind of transformational work – the law has nothing. (literal translation)
the law of God can only reveal God’s character, reveal our sin, and condemn our sin. the law cannot produce character or transform us.
the law was needed. the law is God’s holy revealed word. the law is not evil.
but trying to keep the law to prove to God we are not evil – is evil. it is our fleshes attempt to say, “i don’t need a savior.” it is our fleshes attempt to remove God from exposing our sin and revealing our need for him.
today, here is the question –
will you attempt to change who you are by the power of your own will and work?
or
will you submit to and abide in the Spirit – allowing him to change who you are by the power of his will and work?
the law, doing good, working harder, obeying for a moment, reading the bible all day – will not change who you are. your efforts can only produce actions, not character. today, submit and abide!
yes Lord, today, all day – i submit to your Spirit. cause me to abide in you as i submit and change me. grow your character in me for your glory and your good! in Jesus name, amen!
~ john ryan