Paul is walking a fine line here, as he writes the Galatians.

He will not, can not, completely denigrate the Law of Moses!

It had its functions, this being one of them: “The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” Right here in Galatians, 3:24-25 specifically.

But Paul is saying, must say, that the Law is no longer the dominating force for a man or woman who has trusted Christ as Saviour!

It has served its purpose for us!

It showed us our sin (truly) and brought us guilty (condemned) to the foot of the old rugged Cross! To the shed Blood of Jesus!

Now … having been born-again and filled with the Holy Spirit … “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” Galatians 5:18, and today’s Text.

Wow!

The “if” in our verse does NOT imply doubt, rather it expresses a probable (assumed) situation for the Galatians. They profess to be saved. Therefore the Holy Spirit indwells them.

The term “be led” is passive, indeed! It is “ago” (pronounced ag’-o) as a present tense verb, second person plural. (We do not lead the Spirit; HE LEADS US!”) On the other hand, He does not FORCE us either, He “directs” us, “goes with” us, even “brings” us to a given God-approved point in life.

And His leadership is a durative thing, ongoing, habitual, a new way-of-life from now to Glory!

And the Spirit’s new Relationship with us (as our Leader) negates that role for the Law! I no longer have a mean (cursing) Schoolmaster! I am rather under the Tutorship of God the Third Person, the “Spirit” as Paul terms Him here.

Hence, no need for the Law!

Implication: the Holy Spirit will produce a more godly life in me (if I follow His Leading) than the Law ever could have! (In fact, it looks to me like Paul believes the Law, surprisingly, would never produce right living, but will rather lead to frustration and anger and no telling what else!)

Paul, in verse 18 today and then back in verse 16 two days ago, parallels the “flesh” and the “Law!” Compares them, not antithetically but symmetrically!

Verse 16 … “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the FLESH.”

Then verse 18 … “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the LAW.”

Wow!

The preposition “under” sounds quite “heavy!” In Greek spelled “hupo,” the word certainly at times suggests laboring/wrestling with a cruel burden!

A lifelong secret has been uncovered today, in Galatians 5:18. Perhaps the “key” to living the successful, victorious Christin life!

Simply stated … “Be led of the Spirit!”

Yes, the verb is passive, but we must yield to His Promptings!

He, God the Spirit, He Alone … can overcome the flesh in our lives, those downward (at times blatantly evil) tendencies inherited from Adam!

Lead on, Holy Spirit, lead on!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell