The Spirit's Measuring Stick

Paul ends this final section of chapter 4 the way he began. The only way to live out verse 32 and live contrary to verse 31 is by being indwelt by the Holy Spirit and Christ who lives within (Galatians 2:20). Paul gives the last of the aorist tense commands in verse 31. These things are to be rid once and for all. And, yet, there is still the internal struggle to put these things away. Verse 32 is a different directive which is set in the present tense. This means that both verses are relevant to the local church today and they must be lived out in the local church. These commands are on how to live the greatest life that could be lived on earth. One that is subject to the loving God of the universe who has set forth a greater life than the world could ever offer. What we must measure ourselves up to is the Holy Spirit's measuring stick, and that measuring stick is a life of holiness.