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The Apostle Paul was very deeply concerned. Having believed in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and baptised in the faith, the Galatian church was torn by conflicting views on following certain Jewish practices. However, Paul focussed their attention to the Holy Spirit that all believers received – “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father’” (Gal 4:6). The Spirit’s Presence clearly established their identity as children of God. Transformed and fruitful lives reflect their obedience to God.

By the Holy Spirit, believers have victory over sin and self.
In Gal 5:16-18 the Galatian believers are to live lives that show an awareness of the difference between the new life in the Spirit and the old nature with its self-centred ways. They are to be determined to actively respond to the Spirit’s guidance. They can claim victory over the sinful nature without having to say, “I can’t help doing/saying that”. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal 5:24-25).

The Holy Spirit is God’s Divine Presence in the believer’s life.
In Gal 5:19-22 Paul contrasts works of the flesh with fruit of the Spirit. The works of the flesh are the sum total of self-centred outward behaviour. There is no known solution to prevent vices in the human nature. God’s solution to this helpless state is His Divine Presence in the believer. Thus, the fruit of the Spirit is an outgrowth of the new nature within. The new life from within becomes evident by the kind of fruit that grows. The nine character qualities reflect Christ likeness.

The fruit of the Holy Spirit draws people to notice Jesus in believers.
In Gal 5:22-23 the fruit of the Spirit is attitude and action, and also, both a personal way of life and a corporate way of life. This way of life will demonstrate to others the life of Jesus in the lives of believers – individually and as a church. Instead of chaos and bitter conflicts, the nine character qualities of the fruit of the Spirit reflect the unity and quality relationships of Christians. They serve one another in sacrificial love, encouraging and showing genuine concern, relating with each other in humility and exercising self-control. Standing assured of our position before God, we are called to live in personal active obedience to the Spirit’s leading, bearing the fruit of the Spirit in all abundance (Isa 32:15).