Walk by the Spirit

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” Galatians 5:16-18

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident...” Galatians 5:19. “But the fruit of the Spirit is...” Galatians 5:22.

The distinction here is so critical that it can mean the difference between an enjoyable, profitable, abundant Christian life and a mediocre, vacillating one. Here’s why. Your life and journey as a Christian began through the work of the Spirit and, if it is to be successful, must continue through His work in you.

Once saved, our tendency is to revert to our established behavior patterns to deal with our sin. We do not understand when we fail and try harder and fail again. But resolve and grit could not save us from sin or self, and it will not free us from our problems after we are saved.

What must happen is a transforming dependence upon the power of the Holy Spirit. The victorious life is one that abides and rests in and yields to the Spirit of God.

That does not mean that we fail to pray, work, study, read, or accept responsibility. It does mean that we do those things with reliance upon the power of God to liberate us.

How does that happen? By simple faith that God will do it (just as you were saved) and a submissive, obedient heart that looks to and leans on the Spirit of God.

The key: Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.