Flesh VS The Spirit
Galatians 3:2 I would like to ask you this: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Galatians 3:5 So then, who abundantly supplies you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
|
Comparison Items |
Flesh |
The Spirit |
Related Scriptures |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Basic Definition |
The totality of fallen tripartite man (body, soul, spirit) |
The ultimate realization of the processed Triune God |
Gal 3:3 |
|
Essential Nature |
Belongs to sin and death |
Belongs to life |
Gal 3:3; Rom 8:6 |
|
Scope |
The entire fallen man (not just the body) |
The entire Triune God (Father, Son, Spirit processed) |
Gal 5:19-21 |
|
Character |
Condemned and rejected |
The resurrected Christ, the life-giving Spirit |
Gal 1:16, 2:16, 5:24 |
|
Origin |
Fallen humanity |
The Triune God processed through incarnation, human living, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension |
Gal 4:4-6 |
|
Tendency |
Tends toward law-keeping, tested by law |
Received and enjoyed based on faith |
Gal 3:2-3; 5:18 |
|
Expression |
The ultimate expression of fallen, tripartite man |
The ultimate realization of the processed Triune God |
Gal 5:16-17 |
|
Mode of Operation |
By effort, works, law-keeping |
By faith, grace, life |
Gal 2:16; 3:11 |
|
Final Result |
Sin and death, corruption |
Life and peace, eternal life |
Gal 6:8; Rom 8:6 |
|
Body-related Works |
Fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, drunkenness |
- |
Gal 5:19-21 |
|
Soul-related Works |
Hatred, strife, anger, divisions |
Love, joy, peace |
Gal 5:20, 22 |
|
Spirit-related Works |
Idolatry, sorcery |
Faithfulness, meekness, self-control |
Gal 5:20, 22-23 |
|
Life Qualities |
Death, corruption, vanity |
Love, joy, peace |
Gal 5:22; 6:8 |
|
Character Qualities |
Selfishness, pride, jealousy |
Long-suffering, kindness, goodness |
Gal 5:22 |
|
Spiritual Qualities |
Rebellion, unbelief, licentiousness |
Faithfulness, meekness, self-control |
Gal 5:22-23 |
|
Chapter 1 Contrast |
Did not confer with flesh and blood |
God was pleased to reveal His Son in me |
Gal 1:16 |
|
Chapter 2 Contrast |
Not justified by works of law |
Christ lives in me |
Gal 2:16, 20 |
|
Chapter 3 Contrast |
Perfected by flesh (impossible) |
Begun and perfected by the Spirit |
Gal 3:3 |
|
Chapter 4 Contrast |
Born according to flesh (Ishmael) |
Born according to Spirit (Isaac) |
Gal 4:23, 29 |
|
Chapter 5 Contrast |
Lust and works of flesh |
Fruit and leading of the Spirit |
Gal 5:16-17, 19, 22, 25 |
|
Chapter 6 Contrast |
Sowing to flesh reaps corruption |
Sowing to Spirit reaps eternal life |
Gal 6:8, 12-13 |
|
In Salvation |
By works, law-keeping (ineffective) |
By faith, grace (effective) |
Gal 2:16; 3:11 |
|
In Sanctification |
By self-effort (failure) |
By depending on Spirit's power (success) |
Gal 3:3; 5:16 |
|
In Service |
By natural ability, fleshly strength |
By Spirit's gifts and power |
Gal 6:12-13 |
|
In Relationships |
By natural affection, emotion, self |
By love, truth, Christ |
Gal 5:15, 26 |
|
In Decision-making |
By reasoning, experience, tradition |
Seeking Spirit's guidance, God's will |
Gal 5:18, 25 |
|
In Spiritual Warfare |
Using worldly methods, human wisdom |
Using spiritual weapons, God's power |
Gal 6:17 |
|
Position in Redemption |
Object to be crucified and eliminated |
Power for regeneration and renewal |
Gal 2:20; 5:24 |
|
Position in Sanctification |
Old man that needs to be put to death |
Power for fruit-bearing and transformation |
Gal 5:24; 5:22 |
|
Position in Building |
Factor of destruction and division |
Foundation for unity and building |
Gal 5:15; 5:22 |
|
Position in Eternity |
Completely removed, no longer existing |
Eternal life and glory |
Gal 6:8 |
|
Key Scripture 1 |
"Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" |
Should begin and be perfected by the Spirit |
Gal 3:3 |
|
Key Scripture 2 |
The lust of the flesh is against the Spirit |
Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the lust of the flesh |
Gal 5:16-17 |
|
Key Scripture 3 |
Sowing to his own flesh reaps corruption from the flesh |
Sowing to the Spirit reaps eternal life from the Spirit |
Gal 6:8 |
|
Relationship with Christ |
Flesh is the "I", the old man |
The Spirit is Christ, the new man |
Gal 2:20 |
|
Relationship with God's Economy |
That from which we need to be saved |
The goal and reality of God's economy |
Entire book theme |
|
Summary Points |
The totality of fallen tripartite man, condemned and rejected, unable to fulfill God's will |
The realization of processed Triune God, the resurrected Christ, enabling us to partake of God's rich blessing |
Gal 3:3; 6:8 |
This comparison chart reveals Paul's core message in Galatians:
Since we began in the Spirit, we must also be perfected in the Spirit and not return to the ways of the flesh. The flesh and the Spirit are two diametrically opposed categories, representing the fundamental difference between fallen humanity and resurrected divinity.
*See Life-study of Galatians, Chapter 16, "The Spirit Versus the Flesh."
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