Galatians 5:22
Verse
Context
Walking by the Spirit
21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But the fruit of the Spirit - Both flesh - the sinful dispositions of the human heart and spirit - the changed or purified state of the soul, by the grace and Spirit of God, are represented by the apostle as trees, one yielding good the other bad fruit; the productions of each being according to the nature of the tree, as the tree is according to the nature of the seed from which it sprung. The bad seed produced a bad tree, yielding all manner of bad fruit; the good seed produced a good tree, bringing forth fruits of the most excellent kind. The tree of the flesh, with all its bad fruits, we have already seen; the tree of the Spirit, with its good fruits, we shall now see. Love - Αγαπη· An intense desire to please God, and to do good to mankind; the very soul and spirit of all true religion; the fulfilling of the law, and what gives energy to faith itself. See Gal 5:6. Joy - Χαρα· The exultation that arises from a sense of God's mercy communicated to the soul in the pardon of its iniquities, and the prospect of that eternal glory of which it has the foretaste in the pardon of sin. See Rom 5:2. Peace - Ειρηνη· The calm, quiet, and order, which take place in the justified soul, instead of the doubts, fears, alarms, and dreadful forebodings, which every true penitent less or more feels, and must feel till the assurance of pardon brings peace and satisfaction to the mind. Peace is the first sensible fruit of the pardon of sin. See Rom 5:1, and the notes there. Long-suffering - Μακροθυμια· Long-mindedness, bearing with the frailties and provocations of others, from the consideration that God has borne long with ours; and that, if he had not, we should have been speedily consumed: bearing up also through all the troubles and difficulties of life without murmuring or repining; submitting cheerfully to every dispensation of God's providence, and thus deriving benefit from every occurrence. Gentleness - Χρηστοτης· Benignity, affability; a very rare grace, often wanting in many who have a considerable share of Christian excellence. A good education and polished manners, when brought under the influence of the grace of God, will bring out this grace with great effect. Goodness - Αγαθωσυνη· The perpetual desire and sincere study, not only to abstain from every appearance of evil, but to do good to the bodies and souls of men to the utmost of our ability. But all this must spring from a good heart - a heart purified by the Spirit of God; and then, the tree being made good, the fruit must be good also. Faith - Πιστις, here used for fidelity - punctuality in performing promises, conscientious carefulness in preserving what is committed to our trust, in restoring it to its proper owner, in transacting the business confided to us, neither betraying the secret of our friend, nor disappointing the confidence of our employer.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
love--the leader of the band of graces (Co1 13:1-13). gentleness--Greek, "benignity," conciliatory to others; whereas "goodness," though ready to do good, has not such suavity of manner [JEROME]. ALFORD translates, "kindness." faith--"faithfulness"; opposed to "heresies" [BENGEL]. ALFORD refers to Co1 13:7, "Believeth all things": faith in the widest sense, toward God and man. "Trustfulness" [CONYBEARE and HOWSON].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Meekness,.... Humility and lowliness of mind, of which Christ is an eminent example and pattern; and which the Holy Spirit from him transcribes into the heart of a regenerate person; and lies in having mean thoughts of himself, in walking humbly with God, acknowledging every favour, being thankful for every blessing, and depending on his grace, and in behaving with modesty and humility among men. The last of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned is temperance, or "continence"; and designs both chastity and sobriety, and particularly moderation in eating and drinking. It may be observed, that these fruits of the Spirit are opposed to the works of the flesh. So love is opposed to hatred; joy to emulations and envying; peace to variance, strife, and seditions; longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, and meekness, to wrath and murders; faith to idolatry, witchcraft, and heresies; and temperance to adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, drunkenness, and revellings. Against such there is no law; meaning, against such fruits, graces, and good things; these being perfectly agreeable to the law of God, which is holy, just, and good, and spiritual; and are so far from being forbidden by it, that they are highly esteemed and approved of by it: or against persons that are possessed of such fruits; for these appear to be in the spirit, and to be led by the Spirit; and therefore are not under the law, and have nothing to fear from it, as a terrifying, accusing, cursing, and condemning law. The works of the flesh, and they that are of the flesh, are such that come under the notice and lash of the law; and not the fruits of the Spirit, and they that are after the Spirit, as such are who partake of his fruit.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:22 Unlike following the sinful nature (5:19-21), letting the Holy Spirit guide (5:16) produces a life pleasing to God, which human effort and the law cannot do (cp. John 15:1-8). • These virtues directly address the issues in the church of Galatia. • love: The greatest Christian virtue encompasses all the others (1 Cor 13:4-7). Only the Spirit of God can produce in us love for those who hate us (Matt 5:43-48; Luke 6:35-36). • Joy produced by the Spirit does not depend on circumstances (Rom 15:13; 2 Cor 6:10; 8:2; 1 Thes 1:6). • Peace with God creates internal well-being (Rom 5:1; Eph 2:15; Phil 4:6-7; Col 1:20) that spills into our relationships with others so that we become peacemakers (Matt 5:9; Rom 8:6; 12:18; 14:17-19; 2 Cor 13:11; Eph 4:3; 6:15). • Patience (or tolerance, or long-suffering) gives us forbearance toward other people and endurance under unfavorable circumstances (Eph 4:2; 2 Tim 4:2; Jas 5:10-11). God is patient with us (Exod 34:6; Ps 103:8; Rom 2:4; 9:22; 1 Tim 1:16; 2 Pet 3:15) and promises his presence with those who are patient with others (Isa 57:15). • Kindness connotes generosity, a giving spirit that reflects how God treats us (Rom 2:4; 11:22; Titus 3:4-6). • goodness: Cp. Rom 15:14; Eph 5:9; 2 Thes 1:11. • Faithfulness (or faith) means exercising good faith and fidelity in our relationships, just as God does with us (1 Cor 1:9; 10:13; 2 Thes 3:3).
Galatians 5:22
Walking by the Spirit
21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Challenge of Every Christian - Part 6
By Alan Redpath5.7K59:33ChallengeISA 44:3ROM 8:1GAL 5:22HEB 3:61JN 3:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians communicating Christ as the ultimate answer to the desperate needs of the world. They discuss the means of communication, which involves the revival of the power of the Spirit of God in and through believers. The motive of communication is rooted in the love of Christ, and the message that needs to be communicated is the sovereignty of the Lord in our lives. The speaker also highlights the hindrance to communication, which is our own selfish desires and ambitions. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the miracle of communication, which is the new birth and the transformation of our lives through obedience to God's truth.
(John - Part 51): How to Cultivate the Holy Spirit's Presence
By A.W. Tozer5.4K40:38ExpositionalMAT 6:33JHN 14:16ROM 8:9GAL 5:22In this sermon, the preacher initially planned to continue his series on the book of John but discovered a great interest in the topic of the Holy Spirit. He decided to divide the sermon and focus on the Holy Spirit's companionship in the next session. The preacher emphasized the importance of surrendering to the Spirit of God and cultivating a oneness with Him. He compared this oneness to a young couple needing to have common interests and a shared outlook in order to walk together voluntarily. The preacher encouraged the congregation to seek a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide and transform their lives.
Communication of Our Faith - Part 5
By Alan Redpath4.9K54:31FaithMAT 6:33JHN 14:16ACT 1:8ROM 8:11GAL 5:22EPH 5:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a dedicated and serious follower of God. He describes a true believer as someone who is not just superficially engaged with the Bible, but who has been transformed by the power of God. The preacher also highlights the need for steadfastness and reliance on God's grace in the face of challenges and pressures. He shares a story of a man who found gratitude in a difficult situation, reminding listeners to always give thanks to God. The sermon concludes with a call to restore our relationship with God, recognize the sovereignty of Jesus, and embrace our responsibility as believers.
(Fury of Fire) 05 - Will of God - Sanctification
By Milton Green4.1K1:24:40SanctificationMAT 7:14MAT 7:21ROM 8:13GAL 5:16GAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages the audience to listen to the entire series of tapes in order to fully understand the teachings. The speaker highlights the concept of suffering in the flesh, explaining that the flesh is in agreement with Satan and opposes God. He emphasizes the need to be led by the Spirit of God and to put to death the deeds of the flesh. The sermon also mentions the presence of false teachings and warns about the destruction that awaits ungodly individuals.
(Clip) Holiness Is Christ or It's Heresy
By Keith Daniel4.1K02:24GAL 5:22This sermon emphasizes the transformative power of God's love, highlighting that true Christianity is not about following rules but yielding to God so His love can flow through us. It discusses how the fruit of the Spirit, particularly love, is evidence of the Holy Spirit's control in our lives. The message underscores that God's love, characterized by patience and kindness, can be expressed through us when we fully surrender to Him and rely on His grace. It challenges believers to allow God to control their lives completely, leading to Christ-likeness as seen in 1 Corinthians 13.
The Godly Family - Part 2
By Paul Washer3.8K1:25:35Godly FamilyGAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the cultural shift in society's view of refinement to grunge. He uses the example of a movie scene where a girl and a boy accidentally touch hands while reaching for a book, highlighting how innocence and purity have been lost. The speaker also mentions his wife's late-night activities and their willingness to help the poor. The sermon then transitions to discussing the role of godly women as mothers and grandparents, emphasizing the importance of valuing and cherishing children in a society that often disregards them.
Satan Found a Whisperer
By Keith Daniel3.6K1:22:11GossipGAL 5:221JN 2:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of gossip and slander. He shares a personal story of a man who was falsely accused and how it affected his life and family. The preacher challenges the congregation to examine their own hearts and actions, asking if they can be described as people without deceit. He quotes Proverbs 10:18, which states that those who spread slander are fools. The sermon serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of speaking truth and love.
Being Filled With the Holy Spirit Part 2
By L.E. Maxwell2.8K23:19Holy SpiritChristian WitnessACT 2:41GAL 5:22L.E. Maxwell emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, using Peter's hypocrisy at Antioch and the contrasting experiences of Paul and John the Baptist to illustrate that true success in ministry is not always visible. He reflects on the lives of biblical figures who faced trials and challenges despite being filled with the Spirit, highlighting that God's definition of success differs from human expectations. Maxwell encourages believers to seek the Spirit's filling not for outward success but for the ability to live a Christlike life, bear witness, and fulfill their duties in faith. He concludes with a prayer for believers to welcome the Holy Spirit's indwelling power in their lives.
The Glory of the New Covenant
By Fred Zaspel2.7K39:40New CovenantROM 7:182CO 3:18GAL 5:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reflecting Christ's glory through our behavior as a test of genuine faith. He shares his personal experience of encountering Christ and being transformed by the Spirit of God. The preacher highlights the radical change that takes place in believers, both inwardly and outwardly, as they are conformed to the image of Christ. He contrasts the old covenant, characterized by harsh commands and condemnation, with the new covenant of grace, where God provides all that He requires of us. The sermon references Augustine's prayer of "give what you command" and emphasizes the pursuit of God and compliance with His law.
(Christian Leadership) Secure in the Love of God
By Zac Poonen2.2K1:02:35MAT 6:4JHN 7:4ROM 3:23GAL 5:22EPH 4:29In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the difference between the law and grace in the gospel. He uses a poem to illustrate that while the law commands us to run, it does not provide us with the means to do so. On the other hand, the gospel bids us to fly and gives us wings to do so. The preacher highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in lifting us higher and enabling us to fulfill God's plan for our lives. He also emphasizes the importance of knowing God as our Father and finding our security in that relationship. The sermon encourages young people to understand that God has a plan for their lives and that His plan is always better than any plan they could make for themselves. The preacher concludes by stating that knowing God as Father is the foundation for progress in the Christian life, victory, and building the body of Christ.
(Women) 03. What Fruit Can Be Expected From a Happy Marriage (Part2)
By Keith Daniel2.1K49:05MarriageGAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a difficult and painful situation in his family. His young son, Samuel, witnesses the tension and asks why everyone is unhappy. The speaker then describes a scene where he discovers his wife being kissed by another man. He reflects on the importance of seeking forgiveness and grace in moments of failure and hurt. The sermon emphasizes the need to guard our words and maintain love in relationships, as well as the importance of living a life that reflects God's love to others.
Spirit vs. Flesh
By Stephen Kaung1.9K1:13:29FleshGAL 3:2GAL 3:5GAL 3:14GAL 3:29GAL 5:5GAL 5:16GAL 5:22GAL 5:25In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the conversation between Jesus and His disciples recorded in John chapters 14, 15, and 16. The disciples were feeling lost and sorrowful as they sensed that Jesus was leaving them. Jesus comforted them by giving them a powerful promise. The sermon then delves into the letter to the Galatians, which highlights the essential elements of the gospel: grace, faith, and the Holy Spirit. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in leading believers into truth and reality, and how the Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
Christ Magnified - Part 6
By Leonard Ravenhill1.6K08:03GAL 5:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of bearing the fruit of the Spirit, particularly focusing on love as the defining characteristic of a disciple. It highlights the need for Christ to be magnified in our lives, reflecting His image through our actions and devotion. The speaker challenges listeners to live a life controlled by the Spirit, presenting themselves as living sacrifices for God's glory, and being mindful of the persecution faced by believers around the world.
Session 3: Men's Session (Couples Conference)
By Stuart Briscoe1.6K40:20JHN 3:16JHN 13:34GAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the challenges that young couples face in their marriages. He emphasizes that God designed marriage and there is a reason for the difficulties that arise. The speaker then shares a personal anecdote about talking to young people in coffee bars and being asked to talk about sex. He explains that the fruit of the Spirit and obedience to the Word of God are essential for a successful marriage. The sermon concludes with an illustration about a car not starting and the importance of understanding the problem before seeking help.
Prayer for the Holy Spirit - 3
By John R. Rice1.5K13:06LUK 11:13JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 8:26GAL 5:22EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of prayer and confessing sins. They emphasize the need to be disciplined and desperate in seeking God. The speaker also mentions the consequences of not living a disciplined life and the potential for disaster. They encourage listeners to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and to not mock or judge others. The sermon references various Bible verses to support these teachings.
(Words of Life) 58. the Anointing of the Spirit
By Zac Poonen1.5K27:15GAL 5:22This sermon emphasizes the ministry of the Holy Spirit in building the church as the body of Christ. It discusses how the Holy Spirit makes believers more like Jesus in character and ministry, giving them both fruit and gifts. The importance of each believer having a unique function in the body of Christ is highlighted, with a focus on cooperation between different ministries for the growth of the church. The need for believers to be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit to serve effectively and the significance of seeking the gifts of the Spirit for edification and building up the body of Christ are also emphasized.
A Pastor's Thoughts From John Mcarthur's Strange Fire Conference
By Shane Idleman1.5K52:511CO 12:7GAL 5:22This sermon addresses the balance between cessationism and the belief in the active gifts and power of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the need for discernment, genuine fruit of the Spirit, and the importance of emotions as a vehicle for expression but not a gauge for truth. The speaker challenges both sides to seek God, be open but cautious, and desire the fullness of the Spirit-filled life.
False Teachers
By Milton Green1.4K03:47MAT 5:16ROM 12:2GAL 5:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and warns against selfish ambition. He highlights the futility of pursuing worldly achievements and indulging in the desires of the flesh. The preacher urges the audience to examine their thoughts and reminds them that he is not here to condemn anyone, but to speak the word of God. He emphasizes the need for a repentant heart and the importance of allowing God to control one's life through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The preacher also mentions the power of God's law and the importance of living in love and obedience to it.
(Galatians) Ch5:14-Ch6:18
By Zac Poonen1.4K1:16:30GAL 5:14GAL 5:22GAL 6:4GAL 6:10In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Galatians 6:4, which encourages individuals to examine their own work and assess their standing before God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of allowing God to examine our lives and finding that we can stand His scrutiny, which gives us reason to boast in God's grace. The sermon warns against the tendency to compare ourselves to others and despise those who have fallen into sin. Instead, we are called to have our minds renewed and think in terms of giving and doing good to others. The preacher also highlights the contrast between the deeds of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, emphasizing the importance of cultivating the latter. The sermon concludes with Paul's own hand-written greeting in Galatians 6:11, highlighting the authenticity of his letters.
Walking in the Spirit During Transition
By John Piper1.4K31:39GAL 5:16GAL 5:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of living by the Spirit, connecting with God's new commandment to love one another as Christ loved us. It delves into the significance of being led by the Spirit, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and aligning our lives with the Holy Spirit's guidance. The message highlights the dangers of jealousy, envy, and strife in the church, urging believers to trust in God's sovereignty and focus on building up the body of Christ.
Hanging in There
By Jim Cymbala1.4K19:15EnduranceMAT 5:39ROM 12:12GAL 5:22COL 1:11In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and allowing His presence to empower us to endure difficult situations with joy and gratitude. He highlights the fact that we can choose not to let obnoxious people affect us and instead respond with patience and joy. The pastor uses an illustration of a conversation with a shy woman to illustrate the need to overcome negative circumstances and not let them discourage us. He also mentions that patience is often tested by people who try our patience, and encourages the audience to endure with thanksgiving and joy, especially during holiday seasons.
The Holy Spirit - Part 9
By Keith Daniel1.3K09:03GAL 5:22EPH 5:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of absolute surrender to God and being filled with the Holy Spirit for effective ministry. It highlights the need for believers to allow God to control their lives completely, leading to a transformation that impacts others and brings revival. The message stresses the power of a Spirit-filled life, lived in prayer and Christ-likeness, as a testimony that convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
Week of Meetings 03
By Morgan Bartlett1.3K51:46Bible ConferenceGAL 5:16GAL 5:22In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a missionary and his wife who were feeling discouraged in their difficult field of work. They heard birds chirping, seemingly telling them to give up. However, the wife suggests they go and hear an evangelistic message again, which they had heard many times before. The preacher also mentions Gipsy Smith, a great sinner turned preacher, who sang a song about passing on kindness before he died. The sermon emphasizes the importance of goodness and doing good, as exemplified by Jesus and Barnabas. The preacher encourages believers to not grow weary in doing good and to never lose sight of Jesus. The sermon concludes with a prayer for believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to be men and women on fire for Jesus, with a character that reflects Christ.
The New Civil War - Election or Free Will
By Shane Idleman1.2K05:24JHN 13:35GAL 5:22EPH 4:3COL 3:14In this sermon, Pastor Shane Idleman addresses the divisiveness within the body of Christ regarding theological differences, emphasizing the importance of love as the defining characteristic of true discipleship. He discusses the balance between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility, urging for unity and humility in the midst of doctrinal debates. Pastor Idleman highlights the need for a healthy tension between differing theological positions and the ultimate focus on producing the fruits of the Spirit rather than fostering pride and division.
Christ's Legacy of Peace
By Bob Jennings1.2K00:00PeacePSA 4:8PSA 29:11PSA 34:14PSA 37:11PSA 72:3PSA 85:8PSA 147:14PRO 3:2JHN 14:27JHN 16:33ROM 5:1GAL 5:22PHP 4:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly believing and trusting in God in order to experience peace. He shares a personal anecdote about his wife reminding him to trust God when he became anxious about a situation. The preacher explains that the peace God gives is different from the peace the world offers, as it is deep, spiritual, eternal, and not based on external circumstances. He also discusses the role of the Holy Spirit as a teacher and highlights the powerful promise and command of Jesus to not let our hearts be troubled or fearful, but to receive and hold on to the peace He gives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But the fruit of the Spirit - Both flesh - the sinful dispositions of the human heart and spirit - the changed or purified state of the soul, by the grace and Spirit of God, are represented by the apostle as trees, one yielding good the other bad fruit; the productions of each being according to the nature of the tree, as the tree is according to the nature of the seed from which it sprung. The bad seed produced a bad tree, yielding all manner of bad fruit; the good seed produced a good tree, bringing forth fruits of the most excellent kind. The tree of the flesh, with all its bad fruits, we have already seen; the tree of the Spirit, with its good fruits, we shall now see. Love - Αγαπη· An intense desire to please God, and to do good to mankind; the very soul and spirit of all true religion; the fulfilling of the law, and what gives energy to faith itself. See Gal 5:6. Joy - Χαρα· The exultation that arises from a sense of God's mercy communicated to the soul in the pardon of its iniquities, and the prospect of that eternal glory of which it has the foretaste in the pardon of sin. See Rom 5:2. Peace - Ειρηνη· The calm, quiet, and order, which take place in the justified soul, instead of the doubts, fears, alarms, and dreadful forebodings, which every true penitent less or more feels, and must feel till the assurance of pardon brings peace and satisfaction to the mind. Peace is the first sensible fruit of the pardon of sin. See Rom 5:1, and the notes there. Long-suffering - Μακροθυμια· Long-mindedness, bearing with the frailties and provocations of others, from the consideration that God has borne long with ours; and that, if he had not, we should have been speedily consumed: bearing up also through all the troubles and difficulties of life without murmuring or repining; submitting cheerfully to every dispensation of God's providence, and thus deriving benefit from every occurrence. Gentleness - Χρηστοτης· Benignity, affability; a very rare grace, often wanting in many who have a considerable share of Christian excellence. A good education and polished manners, when brought under the influence of the grace of God, will bring out this grace with great effect. Goodness - Αγαθωσυνη· The perpetual desire and sincere study, not only to abstain from every appearance of evil, but to do good to the bodies and souls of men to the utmost of our ability. But all this must spring from a good heart - a heart purified by the Spirit of God; and then, the tree being made good, the fruit must be good also. Faith - Πιστις, here used for fidelity - punctuality in performing promises, conscientious carefulness in preserving what is committed to our trust, in restoring it to its proper owner, in transacting the business confided to us, neither betraying the secret of our friend, nor disappointing the confidence of our employer.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
love--the leader of the band of graces (Co1 13:1-13). gentleness--Greek, "benignity," conciliatory to others; whereas "goodness," though ready to do good, has not such suavity of manner [JEROME]. ALFORD translates, "kindness." faith--"faithfulness"; opposed to "heresies" [BENGEL]. ALFORD refers to Co1 13:7, "Believeth all things": faith in the widest sense, toward God and man. "Trustfulness" [CONYBEARE and HOWSON].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Meekness,.... Humility and lowliness of mind, of which Christ is an eminent example and pattern; and which the Holy Spirit from him transcribes into the heart of a regenerate person; and lies in having mean thoughts of himself, in walking humbly with God, acknowledging every favour, being thankful for every blessing, and depending on his grace, and in behaving with modesty and humility among men. The last of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned is temperance, or "continence"; and designs both chastity and sobriety, and particularly moderation in eating and drinking. It may be observed, that these fruits of the Spirit are opposed to the works of the flesh. So love is opposed to hatred; joy to emulations and envying; peace to variance, strife, and seditions; longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, and meekness, to wrath and murders; faith to idolatry, witchcraft, and heresies; and temperance to adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, drunkenness, and revellings. Against such there is no law; meaning, against such fruits, graces, and good things; these being perfectly agreeable to the law of God, which is holy, just, and good, and spiritual; and are so far from being forbidden by it, that they are highly esteemed and approved of by it: or against persons that are possessed of such fruits; for these appear to be in the spirit, and to be led by the Spirit; and therefore are not under the law, and have nothing to fear from it, as a terrifying, accusing, cursing, and condemning law. The works of the flesh, and they that are of the flesh, are such that come under the notice and lash of the law; and not the fruits of the Spirit, and they that are after the Spirit, as such are who partake of his fruit.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:22 Unlike following the sinful nature (5:19-21), letting the Holy Spirit guide (5:16) produces a life pleasing to God, which human effort and the law cannot do (cp. John 15:1-8). • These virtues directly address the issues in the church of Galatia. • love: The greatest Christian virtue encompasses all the others (1 Cor 13:4-7). Only the Spirit of God can produce in us love for those who hate us (Matt 5:43-48; Luke 6:35-36). • Joy produced by the Spirit does not depend on circumstances (Rom 15:13; 2 Cor 6:10; 8:2; 1 Thes 1:6). • Peace with God creates internal well-being (Rom 5:1; Eph 2:15; Phil 4:6-7; Col 1:20) that spills into our relationships with others so that we become peacemakers (Matt 5:9; Rom 8:6; 12:18; 14:17-19; 2 Cor 13:11; Eph 4:3; 6:15). • Patience (or tolerance, or long-suffering) gives us forbearance toward other people and endurance under unfavorable circumstances (Eph 4:2; 2 Tim 4:2; Jas 5:10-11). God is patient with us (Exod 34:6; Ps 103:8; Rom 2:4; 9:22; 1 Tim 1:16; 2 Pet 3:15) and promises his presence with those who are patient with others (Isa 57:15). • Kindness connotes generosity, a giving spirit that reflects how God treats us (Rom 2:4; 11:22; Titus 3:4-6). • goodness: Cp. Rom 15:14; Eph 5:9; 2 Thes 1:11. • Faithfulness (or faith) means exercising good faith and fidelity in our relationships, just as God does with us (1 Cor 1:9; 10:13; 2 Thes 3:3).