Paul told the Galatians that if they choose the law over the leading of God’s Holy Spirit then they would have to obey the law completely!
(Galatians 5:3 GNB) Once more I warn any man who allows himself to be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the whole Law.
But Paul knew that was a dead end and therefore urged them to follow as God led them. He told them a little yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise and the part-truth that they could please God by works spread throughout their ranks and took their eyes off of the truth very quickly. As people our nature is to go to extremes, which is not all bad except within us is also the nature to be selfish. If we obey the law then we do so blinded to the leading of the Holy Spirit and if we set out to obey God’s leading we abandon the law but do so selfishly, hurting others and ourselves and once again blinded to the ways of God. The truth is that when we obey God He leads us into things that the law has no rule against. If our flesh truly died with Christ then the rights we once held that demanded we be treated fairly are done away with as well, for it is no long I that lives but Christ that lives in me. We no longer spend time or energy protecting our own flesh but through loving others as Christ loves us neither are we door mats. As a father I could demand respect of my children because I provide for them in every way and I do so faithfully. I could demand that they do what is right but it creates resentment and rebellion. However, if I did not demand this respect and obedience then they would become unruly and selfish and I would become as a door mat but with Christ’s love I give up the right to demand respect but it’s a love that goes so deep that they cannot run from it, wherever they go they are reminded of it and whatever they do it is there reminding them of what is right. When my children are disrespectful they are no longer disrespecting me but Christ, if I remain in Him and so it is with us as we interact with family, friends, co-workers, church, and wherever we go and whomever we meet. Only when we follow Christ's leading completely is He glorified completely.
(Galatians 5:19--26 GNB) What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God. But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. We must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another.
(Psalms 20:1-9 MSG) A David psalm. GOD answer you on the day you crash, The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm's reach, Send reinforcements from Holy Hill, Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies, Exclaim over your offerings, Celebrate your sacrifices, Give you what your heart desires, Accomplish your plans. When you win, we plan to raise the roof and lead the parade with our banners. May all your wishes come true! That clinches it--help's coming, an answer's on the way, everything's going to work out. See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we're making garlands for GOD our God. The chariots will rust, those horses pull up lame-- and we'll be on our feet, standing tall. Make the king a winner, GOD; the day we call, give us your answer.
