Galatians 5:16-26 says,
Some of the expressions in the Bible can be confusing, and one such expression is "walk in the Spirit", so what does this mean?
Paul didn't want the Christians in the Galatian Church to be ignorant about what it means to "Walk in the Spirit", and he therefore laid out a very good illustration in describing it. We know this as the Fruit of the Spirit passage, but we often forget that it relates specifically to how we should live the Christian Life, or as Paul put it, "Walk in the Spirit."
Galatians 5:19-21 says,
Here we see examples of what it means to NOT walk in the Spirit, but to walk in the flesh. Matthew Henry in his commentary of the Bible says this of the passage,
In other words a person can repent of their sins, make a confession of Jesus Christ as Lord, be water baptized, then continue to live like hell, and then go there. Why? Because they opted out wanting the quick and easy "Get out of Hell Free Card" and had no intention of ever making Jesus Christ their Lord, as well as their Savior. He is either your Lord and Savior, or He is neither. Jesus cannot be your Savior until He is your Lord. If He is indeed your Lord, then this means you have given Him your life. If you have given Him your life, then you are walking in the Spirit, because you are following Him! So what does it mean to follow Jesus? We examine His life, and read His word. As we do this we are changed for we begin to hate sin and love His attributes instead, and Paul lays these out for us very eloquently...
Galatians 5:22- 25 says,
There is visible evidence that can be seen in the life of a Believer. If you know someone who professes to be a Christian, but their life is filled with the works of the flesh, then it could be that they are not saved at all, for obviously Jesus is not in the Lordship position of their life - They are!
Paul's bigger intention wasn't that the Galatian Church would look around at each other and point the finger, but that each person would look inward. Since both the fruit of the Spirit and the works of the flesh are visibly seen however, we can see it in each other as well. Paul addresses this as well, and instructs the Galatian Church (and therefore us) on how to handle this.
Galatians 6:1-5 says,
Paul instructs us to use the fruit of the Spirit - specifically Gentleness. This is because the Fruit of the Spirit counters the Works of the Flesh. How often do we try to restore someone in the wrong way and end up damaging them instead. James MacDonald, the pastor of The Harvest Chapel instructs the Church, "If you can't pick the fruit, then don't bruise it." This illustration represents the person as the actual fruit, for they will be harvested one day. Still this concept is important too, for there are many people out there who have been damaged by clumsy, untrained, but often well-meaning ministry. This is why we must walk in the Spirit, and also know the fruit of the Spirit.
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Some of the expressions in the Bible can be confusing, and one such expression is "walk in the Spirit", so what does this mean?
Paul didn't want the Christians in the Galatian Church to be ignorant about what it means to "Walk in the Spirit", and he therefore laid out a very good illustration in describing it. We know this as the Fruit of the Spirit passage, but we often forget that it relates specifically to how we should live the Christian Life, or as Paul put it, "Walk in the Spirit."
Galatians 5:19-21 says,
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Here we see examples of what it means to NOT walk in the Spirit, but to walk in the flesh. Matthew Henry in his commentary of the Bible says this of the passage,
"Their hatred of sin, and desires after holiness, show that they have a part in the salvation of the gospel. The works of the flesh are many and manifest. And these sins will shut men out of heaven. Yet what numbers, calling themselves Christians, live in these, and say they hope for heaven!"
In other words a person can repent of their sins, make a confession of Jesus Christ as Lord, be water baptized, then continue to live like hell, and then go there. Why? Because they opted out wanting the quick and easy "Get out of Hell Free Card" and had no intention of ever making Jesus Christ their Lord, as well as their Savior. He is either your Lord and Savior, or He is neither. Jesus cannot be your Savior until He is your Lord. If He is indeed your Lord, then this means you have given Him your life. If you have given Him your life, then you are walking in the Spirit, because you are following Him! So what does it mean to follow Jesus? We examine His life, and read His word. As we do this we are changed for we begin to hate sin and love His attributes instead, and Paul lays these out for us very eloquently...
Galatians 5:22- 25 says,
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
There is visible evidence that can be seen in the life of a Believer. If you know someone who professes to be a Christian, but their life is filled with the works of the flesh, then it could be that they are not saved at all, for obviously Jesus is not in the Lordship position of their life - They are!
Paul's bigger intention wasn't that the Galatian Church would look around at each other and point the finger, but that each person would look inward. Since both the fruit of the Spirit and the works of the flesh are visibly seen however, we can see it in each other as well. Paul addresses this as well, and instructs the Galatian Church (and therefore us) on how to handle this.
Galatians 6:1-5 says,
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
Paul instructs us to use the fruit of the Spirit - specifically Gentleness. This is because the Fruit of the Spirit counters the Works of the Flesh. How often do we try to restore someone in the wrong way and end up damaging them instead. James MacDonald, the pastor of The Harvest Chapel instructs the Church, "If you can't pick the fruit, then don't bruise it." This illustration represents the person as the actual fruit, for they will be harvested one day. Still this concept is important too, for there are many people out there who have been damaged by clumsy, untrained, but often well-meaning ministry. This is why we must walk in the Spirit, and also know the fruit of the Spirit.
