Galatians 5:18
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But, if ye be led of the Spirit - If ye receive again the Gospel and the grace of Christ, and permit yourselves to be influenced by the Holy Spirit whom you are now grieving, ye are not under the law - ye will not feel those evil propensities which now disgrace and torment you; but they must prevail while you are not under the influence of the grace and Spirit of Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"If ye are led (give yourselves up to be led) by (Greek) the Spirit, ye are not under the law." For ye are not working the works of the flesh (Gal 5:16, Gal 5:19-21) which bring one "under the law" (Rom 8:2, Rom 8:14). The "Spirit makes free from the law of sin and death" (Gal 5:23). The law is made for a fleshly man, and for the works of the flesh (Ti1 1:9), "not for a righteous man" (Rom 6:14-15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now the works of the flesh are manifest,.... By "flesh" is meant corrupt nature, as before, and by the works of it, not only external acts of sin, but inward lusts; for such are here mentioned among its works, as "hatred", "wrath", "envyings", &c. and both external and internal acts are so called, because they spring from the flesh, or corrupt nature, and are what that urges and solicits to, and are wrought thereby, and are what denominate and show men to be carnal: these are said to be "manifest"; not that they are all, and always publicly done, and are open to the sight of men; for they are works of darkness, and often done in secret, though they are always manifest to God the searcher of hearts, and will be brought to light in the day of judgment; but they are known to be sins in some measure by the light of nature, and especially by the law of God; and a clear case it is, that they are contrary to the Spirit, both to the Spirit of God, and to the principle of grace he forms in the heart; and that such who live in the commission of them are not led by him, nor are under the influence of his grace: which are these; though all are not mentioned, only some of the chief, by which judgment may be made of the rest: adultery; this is left out in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, and in the Alexandrian copy; it is a defilement of the marriage bed, and is the sin of uncleanness committed by two persons, one of which at least is in a married state, is condemned by the law of God and light of nature: fornication; which though by many of the Gentiles was reckoned no sin, or a very small one, stands here among the works of the flesh, that are manifest and to be avoided; it is the sin of uncleanness committed by persons in a single state; uncleanness, it is a general name for all unchastity, in thought, word, or action; and may here design more especially all unnatural lusts, as sodomy, self-pollution, &c. lasciviousness; or wantonness, all lustful dalliance, everything that leads on to acts of uncleanness, or attends them, as impure words, filthy gestures, and the like.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:18 Those who are directed by the Spirit are under the Spirit’s authority and not under obligation to the law. They do not answer to the law but to the Spirit of God. It was not Paul’s intent to justify civil disobedience (see Rom 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; cp. 1 Pet 2:13-17). He was addressing the means of obtaining spiritual righteousness before God.
Galatians 5:18
Walking by the Spirit
17For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Faith and Works - Part 1
By Derek Prince6.3K27:50ROM 3:20ROM 7:4ROM 11:61CO 15:1GAL 5:18This sermon delves into the essence of the gospel as outlined by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15, emphasizing the three historical facts that constitute the gospel: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. It highlights the importance of faith over works in obtaining righteousness, drawing from Romans 4 and the example of Abraham. The sermon explores the relationship between faith, works, and grace, emphasizing that righteousness cannot be earned through works but is a gift of God's grace. It contrasts living under the law with living under grace, stressing the need to be led by the Holy Spirit rather than relying on rules for righteousness.
(Education for Exultation) Fulfilling the Law of Love
By John Piper3.1K41:10GAL 5:1GAL 5:4GAL 5:13GAL 5:18In this sermon, Pastor John Piper discusses the importance of living in freedom through Christ. He emphasizes the need to stand firm and not be enslaved by legalistic practices such as circumcision. Paul warns that those who seek justification through the law are severed from Christ. Piper also addresses the issue of adolescence being prolonged in our culture and churches, urging parents and teenagers to focus on the joy of giving rather than excessive dependence on youth programs. The sermon concludes with the message that education towards Godwardness, Christ-centeredness, and mission is achieved through the Spirit by faith.
Wrong Revival Principles - Part 2
By Jonathan Edwards2.6K45:24Audio BooksGEN 5:6JER 1:7ZEC 13:5ROM 8:14GAL 5:182TI 3:16REV 3:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of receiving new revelations from God through impressions or signs. He argues that if a person receives a strong impression or sign, such as a specific scripture coming to mind, it should be interpreted as a new revelation from God. These new revelations may contain entirely new propositions or truths that are not explicitly stated in the scripture. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of ministers of the gospel being clothed with a spirit of innocence and gentleness, while also wielding the sharp sword of the word of God to awaken and convict consciences.
Can a Christian Watch Tv and Movies?
By Zac Poonen2.4K09:28PRO 3:5JHN 10:10ROM 8:6GAL 5:18This sermon emphasizes that Jesus came to give us life, not just knowledge of good and evil. Those who have life will inherently know right from wrong, unlike those who rely on rules and regulations. Living by rules indicates spiritual death, while having life means being led by the Holy Spirit and not being under the law. The message highlights the importance of seeking life in the Holy Spirit to guide our actions and decisions, rather than relying on external laws and regulations.
Doing God's Will as in Heaven (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:03:08PRO 22:6ACT 2:171CO 14:3GAL 5:16GAL 5:18EPH 6:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of not just being filled with the Holy Spirit, but also being led by the Holy Spirit. It highlights the need to walk in the Spirit, seek peace in our homes, and train our children to live for God and share His word with others. The message encourages parents to prioritize spiritual growth and faith in their children's upbringing, focusing on prophesying and serving God in everyday life.
Coming to the Light or God's Judgment Is on You
By Milton Green1.2K01:22MAT 22:39ROM 8:1GAL 3:13GAL 5:18GAL 5:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being led by the Spirit of God. He explains that when we are led by the Spirit, we are no longer under the law, judgment, wrath, or curse of God. The preacher highlights that Jesus became a curse for those who are led by the Spirit of God, not for those who simply believe in Him. He also references Romans 8:2, which states that the spirit of life in Christ Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the power of the Spirit of God in overcoming sin and living a godly life.
The Narrow Way and Broad Way
By Zac Poonen8141:01:42EXO 31:15PSA 4:4MAT 7:13MAT 11:28ROM 8:6GAL 5:18HEB 4:9HEB 8:7This sermon delves into the significance of understanding the context of Bible verses, particularly focusing on the narrow way and broad way mentioned in Matthew 7:13-14. It emphasizes the importance of not isolating verses but reading them in the context of the entire message. The speaker highlights the transition from the old covenant of rules and regulations to the new covenant of grace and the divine nature, illustrating the need to be led by the Holy Spirit to experience true Sabbath rest and live in alignment with God's will.
Send the Fire!
By Ian Brown72532:07LUK 24:32ACT 4:13ACT 7:51ACT 7:55ROM 8:14GAL 5:181PE 1:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who came to their house in a state of agitation and concern. The man sought counseling from an evangelist and, after being counseled about a sin, he threw his packet of cigarettes into the fire, symbolizing his desire to get rid of his sinful habits. The speaker then discusses the importance of applying the Word of God to our lives and how it can lead to a burning of the heart and a transformation. The sermon also mentions the significance of prayerfulness and reading the Bible on one's knees, as exemplified by the great evangelist George Whitefield.
The Coming Great Revival - Part 2
By Andrew Murray0Holy SpiritEmpowerment for WitnessLUK 24:49ACT 1:5ACT 1:8ROM 7:6ROM 8:26GAL 5:18Andrew Murray emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, highlighting the necessity of being filled with the Spirit to effectively witness for Christ. He explains that the Spirit empowers believers to pray, intercede, and live in newness, enabling them to fulfill their divine calling. Murray calls for the Church to recognize the importance of the Spirit's presence and to seek a deeper relationship with Him, which is essential for revival and effective ministry. He encourages believers to submit to the Spirit's leading, allowing Him to work through their weaknesses to glorify God. Ultimately, the sermon is a call to embrace the fullness of the Spirit for a vibrant Christian life and impactful witness.
Our Lord Teaching Regarding the Sabbath Mark 2:23 to 3:6
By R.A. Torrey0SabbathMercyEXO 23:12DEU 5:14MAT 12:1MAT 23:23MRK 2:27LUK 6:1ROM 14:5GAL 5:18COL 2:16R.A. Torrey emphasizes that the Sabbath was created for the benefit of humanity, not as a burden, and that the needs of people take precedence over rigid ceremonial laws. He illustrates this through Jesus' defense of His disciples when they were criticized for picking grain on the Sabbath, highlighting that acts of mercy and necessity are lawful on this day. Torrey also discusses the healing of a man with a withered hand, showcasing Jesus' compassion and authority, and the Pharisees' hardened hearts that prioritized law over love. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the Sabbath's purpose and the importance of compassion in our actions. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to reflect on their own attitudes towards the law and mercy.
Led by the Spirit
By Thomas Brooks0Identity as Children of GodGuidance of the Holy SpiritJHN 14:26JHN 16:13ACT 1:8ROM 8:1ROM 8:141CO 2:12GAL 5:18EPH 2:182TI 1:71JN 3:1Thomas Brooks emphasizes that being led by the Spirit of God signifies our identity as sons of God. He explains that the Holy Spirit guides believers away from sin, wrath, and the curse, while leading them towards God, Christ, the promises, and ultimately, glory. This transformative journey highlights the importance of yielding to the Spirit's direction in our lives.
As Many as Are Led by the Spirit of God
By A.B. Simpson0Guidance of the Holy SpiritSpiritual LeadershipPSA 91:1ISA 30:20JHN 10:27JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 8:141CO 2:12GAL 5:18EPH 4:301TH 5:19A.B. Simpson emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit as our Guide and Leader, who directs us in prayer, service, and new experiences while also providing rest and deeper understanding in our spiritual journey. He highlights the importance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, which can sometimes push us forward and at other times call us to pause and reflect. Simpson asserts that denying the personal guidance of the Holy Spirit undermines the promise that God's children will hear His voice and be led in the right path. The Holy Spirit is portrayed as our Counselor and Friend, essential for navigating the complexities of faith and life.
The Newness of the Spirit
By Andrew Murray0Newness of LifeThe Work of the Holy SpiritEZK 36:26MAT 26:41ROM 6:14ROM 7:4ROM 7:6ROM 8:21CO 2:122CO 3:17GAL 5:18PHP 4:13Andrew Murray emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, contrasting the old life under the law with the new life in the Spirit. He explains that the Spirit's work is to enlighten, sanctify, and strengthen believers, enabling them to serve God not through the oldness of the letter but in the newness of the Spirit. Murray highlights that true freedom from sin and the law comes through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to live righteously. He encourages believers to fully embrace this newness of life, recognizing their dependence on the Spirit for strength and guidance. Ultimately, Murray calls for a deeper understanding and experience of the Spirit's work in their lives.
The Freedom of the Christian
By Andrew Murray0Empowerment by the Holy SpiritChristian FreedomJHN 8:36ROM 6:18ROM 7:6ROM 8:21CO 15:562CO 2:142CO 3:17GAL 5:18PHP 4:13Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound privilege of freedom for Christians, illustrating that true freedom is liberation from sin, the law, and the law of sin through Christ. He explains that while sin seeks to dominate, believers can claim their freedom by faith, recognizing that they are no longer under the law's condemnation. Murray highlights that the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live in this freedom, enabling them to fulfill their God-given potential without hindrance. He draws parallels between the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and the believer's spiritual liberation, underscoring the importance of understanding and embracing this freedom. Ultimately, he calls for believers to live joyfully in the freedom provided by Christ, serving God without restraint.
Christ, the Believer's Sphere in Grace
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0JHN 15:5JHN 17:20ROM 6:6GAL 5:18GAL 5:22EPH 1:3EPH 6:10Lewis Sperry Chafer preaches about the profound truth of being 'in Christ' and the significance of this phrase in the New Testament grace teachings. This phrase, mentioned over 130 times, highlights the believer's position in Christ as a secret hidden in God's heart from ages past. The believer's identity, blessings, redemption, forgiveness, and inheritance are all found in Christ. The believer's relationship with Christ is deeper than any human relationship, as seen in the unity between believers and the Trinity. The believer is called to walk worthy of this calling, understanding the eternal glory of grace that has brought them into a new creation in Christ Jesus.
God the Holy Spirit: His Personality
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0ISA 63:10JHN 4:24JHN 14:16JHN 14:26JHN 16:8ACT 13:2ROM 8:16ROM 8:26GAL 4:6GAL 5:18Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the Bible teaching concerning the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of recognizing His personality. The Spirit is shown to have personal attributes and to perform works that only a person can do, such as reproving, teaching, speaking, interceding, leading, and appointing. The Scriptures indicate the Spirit's personality through various activities and relationships, dispelling misconceptions that treat Him as a mere influence. Chafer highlights the Spirit as one of the Persons of the Godhead, coequal with the Father and the Son, possessing divine attributes and performing divine works.
How the Guidance of the Spirit May Be Discriminated
By Daniel Steele0GAL 5:18Daniel Steele preaches about the guidance of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of discerning His leading from our own thoughts and the tempter's suggestions. Steele highlights that being led by the Spirit is a sign of being children of God, and that the Spirit's guidance is crucial in Christian character, impacting our eternal destiny. He discusses the certainty of inward revelations of the Comforter, focusing on personal justification and sanctification experiences. Steele also addresses the need to distinguish the Spirit's voice from our own reflections, moral intuitions, and the tempter's influence, emphasizing the Spirit's consistency with reason, Scripture, morality, and exaltation of Christ.
The Spirit Gives No Testimony to Perfected Holiness
By Daniel Steele0PSA 51:10ISA 1:18ROM 8:161CO 2:12GAL 5:18Daniel Steele preaches about the witness of the Holy Spirit to entire sanctification, emphasizing that while there may not be specific Scriptures mentioning this witness, the Spirit's direct testimony is essential for understanding acts like pardon and heart purity. He challenges objections by highlighting the Spirit's role in revealing personal truths like conviction of sin, call to ministry, and guidance for spiritual development, which cannot be solely found in the Bible. Steele encourages believers to seek the Spirit's guidance in life's perplexities, acknowledging the importance of consciousness as a witness to Christian purity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But, if ye be led of the Spirit - If ye receive again the Gospel and the grace of Christ, and permit yourselves to be influenced by the Holy Spirit whom you are now grieving, ye are not under the law - ye will not feel those evil propensities which now disgrace and torment you; but they must prevail while you are not under the influence of the grace and Spirit of Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"If ye are led (give yourselves up to be led) by (Greek) the Spirit, ye are not under the law." For ye are not working the works of the flesh (Gal 5:16, Gal 5:19-21) which bring one "under the law" (Rom 8:2, Rom 8:14). The "Spirit makes free from the law of sin and death" (Gal 5:23). The law is made for a fleshly man, and for the works of the flesh (Ti1 1:9), "not for a righteous man" (Rom 6:14-15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now the works of the flesh are manifest,.... By "flesh" is meant corrupt nature, as before, and by the works of it, not only external acts of sin, but inward lusts; for such are here mentioned among its works, as "hatred", "wrath", "envyings", &c. and both external and internal acts are so called, because they spring from the flesh, or corrupt nature, and are what that urges and solicits to, and are wrought thereby, and are what denominate and show men to be carnal: these are said to be "manifest"; not that they are all, and always publicly done, and are open to the sight of men; for they are works of darkness, and often done in secret, though they are always manifest to God the searcher of hearts, and will be brought to light in the day of judgment; but they are known to be sins in some measure by the light of nature, and especially by the law of God; and a clear case it is, that they are contrary to the Spirit, both to the Spirit of God, and to the principle of grace he forms in the heart; and that such who live in the commission of them are not led by him, nor are under the influence of his grace: which are these; though all are not mentioned, only some of the chief, by which judgment may be made of the rest: adultery; this is left out in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, and in the Alexandrian copy; it is a defilement of the marriage bed, and is the sin of uncleanness committed by two persons, one of which at least is in a married state, is condemned by the law of God and light of nature: fornication; which though by many of the Gentiles was reckoned no sin, or a very small one, stands here among the works of the flesh, that are manifest and to be avoided; it is the sin of uncleanness committed by persons in a single state; uncleanness, it is a general name for all unchastity, in thought, word, or action; and may here design more especially all unnatural lusts, as sodomy, self-pollution, &c. lasciviousness; or wantonness, all lustful dalliance, everything that leads on to acts of uncleanness, or attends them, as impure words, filthy gestures, and the like.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:18 Those who are directed by the Spirit are under the Spirit’s authority and not under obligation to the law. They do not answer to the law but to the Spirit of God. It was not Paul’s intent to justify civil disobedience (see Rom 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; cp. 1 Pet 2:13-17). He was addressing the means of obtaining spiritual righteousness before God.