Walk in the Spirit

Introduction

The major theme of the letter to the Galatians is not to fall in to legalism, do not try to be justified by the works of the law. There were a group of Jewish teachers who were trying to tell the gentile Christians they needed to be circumcised and keep the law in order to be saved.

We are saved by faith not the works of the law.

Salvation is by grace not by works.

As well as legalism the Galatian Christians faced another danger and that was license. If they are saved by grace not by the works of the law then surely it doesn’t matter how they behave. Do what you want.

Paul has spent a lot of time in the letter addressing the problem of legalism now he is turning to address the problem of license.

How can the Christians avoid legalism on the one hand and avoid license on the other?

This is a question that faces us today. How can I be holy with out being legalistic? How can I avoid legalism without falling into a sinful lifestyle?

Paul addresses this question in our passage. This is important not just for the individual believer but for the health of the Church. V.15 Their license was going to destroy the church.

The dangers that faced the church in the 1st Century still face the church in the 21st Century. This teaching of the Bible is very important.

So Paul… How can the Christian avoid legalism on the one hand and license on the other? The answer is- Walk in the Spirit.

Walk in the Spirit v. 16

a) The command

Walk in the Spirit-

Its a command not a suggestion

What does it mean?

Live a Spirit controlled life. Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit guides us externally and internally- By the Word of God- which he Inspired and also by his inward guiding, influencing, leading, empowering and convicting.

It is active and passive. Submission and obedience, dependence and action.

Phil 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Walk in the Spirit, led by the Spirit, live in the Spirit, Keep in step with the Spirit.

Present verb- continuous action

b) The result

You will not fulfil the desires of the sinful nature.

Emphatic in the greek. You will by no means.

Application-

Here is a command for Christians to keep. Are you doing this?

There is also real and practical hope for the Christian.

1. The inner Conflict is real v.17-18

a) Two forces exist within the believer

NIV 84 -Sinful nature- flesh, old man.

The Holy Spirit- the regenerate nature, the new man.

Romans 7 & Romans 8.

b) They are against each other

They fight each other

Only one can be in control at a time.

This will be the condition of the believer until their glorification.

Sanctification is the process where a person dies more and more to sin and lives more and more to God. They walk less and less in the desires of the flesh and more and more in the Spirit.

c) The Spirit frees from the law

A Spirit led person is not under the Laws condemnation. Nor are they seeking to be justified by the law.

Application-

Do you see this conflict in yourself? If yes you have hope. If not you should worry.

Are you strengthening the new nature and weakening the old?

Romans 8:12-14 “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”

Romans 13:14 “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”

2. The sinful nature destroys v.19-21

a) The works of the flesh

This describes the actions of a person who is dominated by the sinful nature

It describes the non Christian in varying degrees

Sex, God, Society, drink- Stott

and the like- Not exhaustive list.

These are the things a person will do if they allow the sin nature to have its way.

Human nature hasn’t changed, these are things we see in our society today.

b) The consequence

If you live like this you will not inherit the kingdom. You will go to hell.

Practice- πράσσοντες Present- continued behaviour, not a slip up.

Not an occasional slip but unrepentant lifestyle

Application

Preach the Gospel- Maybe you are thinking what hope is there for me.

1 Cor 6:9-11 “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

Christian this is a warning written to Christians -take it seriously.

3. The Spirit brings life v.22-23

a) fruit of the Spirit

Nine Christian graces

Fruit is singular- They are together, we cannot separate them. Expect one and not the other. All should be present.

Not something we generate ourselves. It is the work of the Spirit in the life of a Christian.

Three Triplets.

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Christ likeness

b) Against such there is no law

Such behaviour cannot be condemned

Understatement

Application-

When people look at us do they see these graces? Do our spouses and children? Our closest friends? Our parents?

Maybe you are not a Christian and you are thinking I wish I was like that. You need to be born again.

Walk in the Spirit v.24-26

a) Christians have crucified the flesh v.24

Not passive -Gal 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ...”

But active- The Christian has done this.

This is repentance.

Mortification- putting sin to death.

Putting of the old man

b) If you live then keep in step v.25

If you are a Christian then Keep in step with the Spirit.

Follow him.

A military term- Keep in line

Be under the Spirits discipleship and control.

Again a present imperative- keep doing this.

c) Do not fall out v.26

Keep in step do not fall out.

If you fall out with each other it is because you have fallen out of line with the Holy Spirit.

Application

Conclusion

How can the Christian avoid legalism on the one hand and license on the other?

Walk in the Spirit.

Walk in the Spirit because the inner conflict is real, the sinful nature destroys but the Spirit brings life. Therefore, walk in the Spirit.