Galatians 5:14
Verse
Context
Freedom in Christ
13For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”15But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For all the law - Which respects our duty to our fellows, is fulfilled - is comprehended, in one word: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. See the notes on Mat 19:19, and Rom 13:9 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
all the law--Greek, "the whole law," namely, the Mosaic law. Love to God is presupposed as the root from which love to our neighbor springs; and it is in this tense the latter precept (so "word" means here) is said to be the fulfilling of "all the law" (Lev 19:18). Love is "the law of Christ" (Gal 6:2; Mat 7:12; Mat 22:39-40; Rom 13:9-10). is fulfilled--Not as received text "is being fulfilled," but as the oldest manuscripts read, "has been fulfilled"; and so "receives its full perfection," as rudimentary teachings are fulfilled by the more perfect doctrine. The law only united Israelites together: the Gospel unites all men, and that in relation to God [GROTIUS].
John Gill Bible Commentary
But if ye bite and devour one another,.... Another reason inducing to love is taken from the pernicious consequences of a contrary spirit and conduct. The allusion is to beasts of prey falling upon and devouring one another: for wolves or dogs to worry sheep is not strange; but for sheep to distress one another is unnatural. The apostle does not say, if grievous wolves should enter in among you and not spare the flock; but suggests if they themselves should act the part of wolves to one another; having reference to their controversies about the law and circumcision, and the necessity thereof to justification and salvation; which were managed with great heat and bitterness, occasioned great contentions, and threatened them with divisions, parties, and factions; and were attended with envy and malice, with reproachful words, biting sarcasms, scandalous invectives, and injurious actions, which must be of bad consequence: hence he adds, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another; that is, either beware lest each other's particular peace and comfort be destroyed, which is oftentimes done this way, though a person's state and condition God-ward may be safe; or lest their church state should be destroyed and come to nothing, since love is the cement of it, which being loosened, threatens a dissolution; for as no civil community, either public or private, divided against itself, can stand long, so no religious one; and for want of love the Lord threatens to remove, and sometimes does remove, the candlestick out of its place.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:14 the whole law can be summed up (or the whole law is fulfilled): Christ’s followers fulfill the law by exercising love toward every neighbor (Lev 19:18; see Matt 7:12; Luke 6:27-36; 10:25-37; John 13:34-35; 15:9-17; Rom 13:8-10).
Galatians 5:14
Freedom in Christ
13For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”15But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Law of Christ 1 of 3
By Charles Leiter2.0K44:14JER 31:31MAT 6:33ROM 13:81CO 9:19GAL 5:14JAS 2:81PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parable of the vineyard from Matthew 21. He explains that the problem was that the owner of the vineyard sent slaves to collect produce, but they received nothing. This parallels the repeated rejection of God's messengers by Israel. The speaker then highlights that Jesus, as the Son, was also rejected and crucified by those who knew who He was. The sermon emphasizes that throughout history, God has been moving towards the culmination of all things in Christ, starting from the promise made in Genesis 3. The speaker also mentions the law of Moses, which was given to show humanity their sinfulness and need for a Savior, ultimately leading to the reality of Christ.
God Requires Honesty and Compassion
By Zac Poonen1.6K58:35CompassionISA 1:12MIC 6:6MAT 7:12MAT 22:39ROM 13:9GAL 5:14JAS 2:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our failures and treating others fairly. He highlights the need to take responsibility for our mistakes and not blame others. The speaker also challenges the audience to examine how they treat people who can offer them nothing, such as beggars or servants. He references biblical passages, such as Micah 6:8, to support the idea that God requires us to do justice and love mercy in our interactions with others.
Serving One Another
By Devern Fromke1.4K1:11:37Serving One AnotherMAT 22:37LUK 10:25JHN 13:34ROM 13:8GAL 5:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about an Argentine pastor who had prepared a well-thought-out message on the various Greek words for love in scripture. However, during the service, he felt convicted to simply announce his text as "love one another" and then sat down. This simple statement caused the congregation to reflect on how they could show love to their neighbors. The speaker then discusses the importance of moving from knowledge to practical action in ministering to others and shares a personal example of ministering to his Baptist Deacon neighbor who had a stroke.
Sermon on the Mount: Our Soveriegn Lord (Part 1)
By J. Glyn Owen1.4K49:55Sermon on the MountPSA 119:105MAT 5:17MAT 6:33MAT 7:12ROM 13:10GAL 5:14JAS 2:8In this sermon on the Sermon on the Mount, the speaker discusses how Jesus is now moving from the general to the specific in his teachings. He emphasizes the importance of our good works being seen by others and bringing glory to God. The speaker also highlights the role of character formation and the blessings that come with it, enabling us to be the salt of society and the light of the world. Jesus' understanding of the scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, is emphasized, and he begins and ends this section of the sermon by referencing the law and the prophets.
(What Is True Salvation) True Salvation
By Milton Green97412:33JHN 15:12GAL 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a fear of God and a pure heart. He explains that loving one's neighbor as oneself is the fulfillment of the law. The preacher warns against accumulating worldly treasures and teaches that laying down one's life and overcoming the fleshly nature is necessary to truly love the Lord. He also highlights the significance of possessing the land, both in the physical and spiritual sense, and encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and count it all joy in trials.
The Eternal Spirit the Spirits Work Christward 1
By Willie Mullan89353:27Eternal SpiritISA 61:1ACT 1:1ACT 1:8GAL 5:14In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Isaiah 61, where Jesus reads a portion of the scripture and stops in the middle of a verse. The preacher mentions that some people argue about dispensations, but he doesn't delve into that topic. He then moves on to Galatians 5, where Paul talks about the law of God and emphasizes the importance of loving one's neighbor. The preacher also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' preaching and mentions Luke 4, where Jesus is moved by the Spirit. The sermon concludes by mentioning the silence in the Bible regarding Jesus' childhood and boyhood, suggesting that there is something to learn from both the sayings and the silence of Scripture.
Logica Van Toewijding (Eng-Dutch)
By George Verwer1621:13:09DutchMAT 22:37MRK 12:31LUK 10:27ROM 12:1GAL 5:14HEB 12:1In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being with a believer named Captain Padgett on his deathbed. Captain Padgett expressed his readiness to go to be with the Lord, and four hours later, he passed away. The speaker emphasizes that believers are created to worship God for eternity and to rule with Him. He mentions two books by an author called "Destiny for the Throne" and "Don't Waste Your Staros" that discuss the purpose of suffering. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God to speak through His word and for workers to be sent out to share the Gospel.
Nothing but Faith - Habakkuk 2:4
By Jon Courson1HAB 2:4ROM 1:15ROM 3:10GAL 1:6GAL 5:1GAL 5:14COL 2:6Jon Courson delves into the life of Martin Luther, a man who struggled with his own depravity and sinfulness, seeking peace and favor with God through extreme acts of piety. Luther's journey led him to the realization that true peace and favor with God come through faith alone, not through works or rituals. This revelation, inspired by Habakkuk 2:4, sparked the Reformation and the revolutionary idea of 'Justification by Faith'. Paul, the Revelator, also emphasized the importance of living by faith in his epistles, highlighting that true righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to the law.
Pharisees Strain Out Mosquitoes and Swallow Camels
By Zac Poonen0HypocrisyTrue ObedienceMIC 6:8MAT 22:37MAT 23:24LUK 11:42JHN 13:34ROM 13:10GAL 5:141TI 1:5JAS 1:221JN 4:20Zac Poonen emphasizes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who meticulously focus on trivial matters while neglecting the weightier commands of Scripture. He illustrates this inconsistency by comparing their actions to straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel, highlighting the importance of prioritizing love and obedience to God over mere outward appearances. Poonen critiques the tendency of some Christians to excel in superficial religious practices, such as memorizing Scripture for competitions, while failing to embody the true essence of the gospel, which is love. He calls for a genuine pursuit of love for God and others as the ultimate goal of the Christian life, urging believers to recognize and act on what truly matters. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their priorities and align their actions with the core teachings of Christ.
Love Worketh No Ill
By Charles Finney0Benevolence in ActionTrue LoveMAT 22:39LUK 6:31JHN 15:12ROM 13:101CO 13:4GAL 5:14EPH 4:32PHP 2:4COL 3:141JN 4:20Charles Finney emphasizes that true love, which is the essence of religion, is not merely emotional or based on natural affections, but is a deliberate choice of benevolence towards all beings. He explains that this love works no ill to our neighbors because it respects their rights and seeks their happiness, urging believers to extend this love universally, especially to those closest to them. Finney warns against the delusion of equating emotional experiences with true piety, asserting that genuine religion manifests in active good-willing and benevolence. He concludes that true religion is characterized by a commitment to promote the well-being of others, reflecting God's love and kindness.
Matthew 7:12
By Chuck Smith0Golden RuleRelationshipsMAT 7:12MAT 22:37LUK 6:31ROM 13:10GAL 5:14JAS 2:13Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the Golden Rule as articulated in Matthew 7:12, urging believers to treat others as they wish to be treated. He highlights the importance of context, particularly in relation to grace and mercy, and contrasts the negative formulations of this principle found in other philosophies with Jesus' positive command. Smith encourages self-reflection on how we desire to be treated in various situations, asserting that this rule encapsulates the essence of the law and the prophets. Ultimately, he calls for the practical application of this principle in our daily lives, rather than merely acknowledging its wisdom.
1 John 3:11
By John Gill0Christian CommunityLoveMAT 22:39JHN 13:34ROM 13:10GAL 5:14EPH 4:2COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 2:71JN 3:111JN 4:7John Gill emphasizes the core message of the Gospel as articulated in 1 John 3:11, which is the commandment to love one another. He highlights that this command was not only a central theme in Christ's ministry but also a fundamental teaching from the beginning of the Gospel. Gill encourages believers to reflect on their conversion and the importance of love in their relationships, as it is a direct reflection of Christ's teachings and commands.
1 John 5:2
By John Gill0Love for OthersLove for GodMAT 22:37JHN 14:15GAL 5:141JN 4:201JN 5:2John Gill emphasizes that true love for others is rooted in our love for God, as expressed in 1 John 5:2. He explains that while people may show kindness to others for various reasons, genuine brotherly love arises from a sincere love for God and obedience to His commandments. This love is not based on external factors or personal gain but is a reflection of God's grace and image in others. Gill highlights that our relationship with God directly influences our relationships with fellow believers, affirming that loving the saints is an expression of our love for God.
1 John 4:21
By John Gill0Love for OthersLove for GodMAT 22:37JHN 13:34ROM 13:10GAL 5:14EPH 4:32COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 3:231JN 4:71JN 4:20John Gill emphasizes the commandment from God that requires believers to love both Him and their brothers, highlighting that love for God and love for others are inseparable. He points out that this command is not only a directive from God but also a new commandment given by Christ, reinforcing the importance of mutual love among believers. Gill stresses that failing to love one aspect means failing in the other, urging the congregation to recognize the holistic nature of God's command to love.
The Law of God--No. 2
By Charles Finney0Love for NeighborDivine Law vs. Human LawPRO 21:13MAT 7:12MAT 22:39LUK 6:31ROM 13:10GAL 5:14PHP 2:3JAS 2:81PE 4:81JN 4:20Charles Finney emphasizes the profound implications of the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself, exploring its true spirit and the consequences of both obedience and disobedience. He argues that genuine adherence to this law fosters individual and collective happiness, while its violation leads to misery and injustice. Finney highlights the distinction between divine law and human laws, asserting that true morality transcends mere legal compliance and requires a heart aligned with God's principles. He calls for restitution in cases of wrongdoing, underscoring that without repentance and restitution, forgiveness cannot be granted. Ultimately, Finney urges believers to reflect on their lives in light of God's law, advocating for a radical transformation in how they conduct their affairs.
Thou Shalt Love Thy Neighbour
By C.H. Spurgeon0EqualityLoveMAT 22:39GAL 5:14JAS 2:1C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the command to 'Love thy neighbour,' urging both the rich and the poor to embrace this principle without envy or scorn. He challenges the wealthy to recognize their obligation to love those less fortunate, asserting that all are equal in God's eyes. Spurgeon encourages believers to persist in love, even in the face of ingratitude, highlighting that true love is heroic and reflects the character of Christ. He reminds us that our love, regardless of how it is received, is ultimately pleasing to God.
Paul-the Chief Exponent of Co-Crucifixion
By F.J. Huegel0Co-CrucifixionIdentity in ChristMAT 25:31JHN 15:19ROM 6:6ROM 7:4ROM 8:22CO 4:10GAL 2:20GAL 5:14EPH 2:13COL 3:3F.J. Huegel emphasizes the profound spiritual insight of the Apostle Paul, who, despite never knowing Christ 'after the flesh,' gained a deeper understanding of the faith through his solitary revelation in Arabia. Paul’s three years of meditation allowed him to grasp the significance of co-crucifixion with Christ, leading to his unique contributions to Christian theology and the Church. He articulated that true Christian life involves dying to self, sin, and the world, and that believers are called to identify with Christ's suffering and resurrection. Huegel highlights that Paul's teachings on the Cross reveal a transformative participation in Christ's death, which liberates believers from the law and the flesh. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a complete surrender to Christ, emphasizing that true freedom and life come from being crucified with Him.
The Chill of Love
By Horatius Bonar0Sin and Its ConsequencesLoveMAT 24:12JHN 15:12ROM 13:101CO 16:22GAL 5:14EPH 4:15COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 4:20REV 2:4Horatius Bonar emphasizes the chilling effect of iniquity on love, as foretold in Matthew 24:12, warning that in the last days, love for God and one another will diminish significantly. He outlines how increasing sin leads to a decline in faith, truth, righteousness, and genuine religion, ultimately resulting in a coldness of heart towards God and fellow believers. Bonar stresses that love is the most vulnerable aspect of our spiritual lives, easily affected by the surrounding atmosphere of sin. He calls for vigilance against sin and encourages the nurturing of love, as it is essential for a vibrant faith. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining love amidst a world increasingly filled with lawlessness.
The Moral Government
By Olin Alfred Curtis0PSA 19:7ISA 53:5ROM 2:15ROM 6:23ROM 13:102CO 5:21GAL 5:14COL 2:17HEB 10:11PE 2:24Olin Alfred Curtis delves into the concept of the moral law, contrasting absolute laws grounded in the nature of things with positive laws created by God's will. He explores the idea that sin should be punished according to its demerit, emphasizing that this law is not unchangeable by divine oath or decree. Curtis critiques the Grotian theory of substitution and highlights the need for a larger conception of the moral law beyond mere justice. He presents his own view that the moral law stems from God's holiness, personalized in His self-consciousness, leading to moral distinction, obligation, and concern.
Straining Out Gnats
By David Servant0MIC 6:8MAT 5:19MAT 23:23JHN 13:35JHN 14:151CO 13:1GAL 5:141JN 3:14David Servant emphasizes the importance of not neglecting the weightier commandments of justice, mercy, humility, and faithfulness while also highlighting the significance of loving others as a primary Christian responsibility. He contrasts majoring on minor commandments with minoring on major ones, stressing the need for self-denying love and action over mere ritualistic practices. Servant points out that true spirituality is expressed through continuous acts of justice, mercy, humility, and faithfulness, reflecting a living relationship with God.
Let's Not Bite and Devour One Another
By Michael L. Brown0MAT 7:15LUK 12:15LUK 18:111CO 12:202CO 9:8GAL 5:141TI 6:62PE 2:1Michael L. Brown addresses the importance of exposing error within the body of Christ without causing division, emphasizing the need to hold onto convictions while respecting those with differing views. He highlights the danger of biting and devouring one another, urging believers to love their neighbors as themselves to avoid being consumed by strife. Brown provides five key principles to navigate disagreements within the body of Christ, emphasizing the necessity of unity, careful communication, understanding before differing, and focusing on essential truths to prevent unnecessary division.
Our Code Is a Character
By Selwyn Hughes0MAT 22:37JHN 13:34JHN 15:12ROM 13:8GAL 5:14EPH 5:2PHP 2:5COL 3:141PE 1:221JN 4:7Selwyn Hughes preaches on Jesus' new commandment to love one another as He has loved us, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's love in shaping our character and morality. By adding 'As I have loved you' to the command to love one another, Jesus sets a new standard that goes beyond mere obedience to inspired morality rooted in love. This new code of conduct reflects the character of Jesus and moves us from legalism to love, from feeling bound to feeling free, and from following commandments to following a Person.
Love of Our Neighbour
By W.R. Inge0MAT 22:39LUK 6:35ROM 13:10GAL 5:141JN 4:20W.R. Inge preaches about the challenge of practicing universal love and loving our neighbors as ourselves, as commanded by the Lord. Despite the difficulty of this commandment, there is a greater reward attached to it than any other. While it may seem hard to follow, the precious reward that comes with obeying this commandment is worth the effort.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For all the law - Which respects our duty to our fellows, is fulfilled - is comprehended, in one word: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. See the notes on Mat 19:19, and Rom 13:9 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
all the law--Greek, "the whole law," namely, the Mosaic law. Love to God is presupposed as the root from which love to our neighbor springs; and it is in this tense the latter precept (so "word" means here) is said to be the fulfilling of "all the law" (Lev 19:18). Love is "the law of Christ" (Gal 6:2; Mat 7:12; Mat 22:39-40; Rom 13:9-10). is fulfilled--Not as received text "is being fulfilled," but as the oldest manuscripts read, "has been fulfilled"; and so "receives its full perfection," as rudimentary teachings are fulfilled by the more perfect doctrine. The law only united Israelites together: the Gospel unites all men, and that in relation to God [GROTIUS].
John Gill Bible Commentary
But if ye bite and devour one another,.... Another reason inducing to love is taken from the pernicious consequences of a contrary spirit and conduct. The allusion is to beasts of prey falling upon and devouring one another: for wolves or dogs to worry sheep is not strange; but for sheep to distress one another is unnatural. The apostle does not say, if grievous wolves should enter in among you and not spare the flock; but suggests if they themselves should act the part of wolves to one another; having reference to their controversies about the law and circumcision, and the necessity thereof to justification and salvation; which were managed with great heat and bitterness, occasioned great contentions, and threatened them with divisions, parties, and factions; and were attended with envy and malice, with reproachful words, biting sarcasms, scandalous invectives, and injurious actions, which must be of bad consequence: hence he adds, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another; that is, either beware lest each other's particular peace and comfort be destroyed, which is oftentimes done this way, though a person's state and condition God-ward may be safe; or lest their church state should be destroyed and come to nothing, since love is the cement of it, which being loosened, threatens a dissolution; for as no civil community, either public or private, divided against itself, can stand long, so no religious one; and for want of love the Lord threatens to remove, and sometimes does remove, the candlestick out of its place.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:14 the whole law can be summed up (or the whole law is fulfilled): Christ’s followers fulfill the law by exercising love toward every neighbor (Lev 19:18; see Matt 7:12; Luke 6:27-36; 10:25-37; John 13:34-35; 15:9-17; Rom 13:8-10).