Walking by the Spirit: A Sermon on Galatians 5:16-26

Introduction

Good evening, folks. If you have your Bibles with you, would you turn with me please to Galatians chapter five. Last week, we had the opportunity to explore Psalm 1, where we saw a vivid picture of two paths: the way of the righteous, like a tree planted by streams of water, and the way of the wicked, like chaff that the wind drives away. The righteous, who delight in God’s law, bear fruit in their season, while the wicked, who reject God’s ways, perish in the end. Today, we continue this theme of choosing between two paths, but this time we will look at it through the lens of the New Testament, in Galatians 5:16-26. Here, Paul describes another choice that each of us must make: walking by the Spirit or walking by the flesh. Just as in Psalm 1, we see that the choice we make—whether to walk by the Spirit or by the flesh—determines the outcome of our lives.

Let’s begin by reading our text for today, Galatians 5:16-26.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

This is the reading of God’s Word, let’s ask for His help to understand and obey it.

(Pray)

Sermon Body

I. The Call to Walk by the Spirit (vv. 16-18)

Having contrasted the flesh with love in verses 13-14, Paul now sets it against the Spirit. The only way to conquer the flesh is to yield to the Spirit. Paul begins this passage with a clear command: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” The word “walk” is a metaphor for how we live our lives—our daily conduct, decisions, and habits. Walking by the Spirit implies both direction and empowerment; that is, making decisions and choices according to the Holy Spirit's guidance, and acting with the spiritual power that the Spirit supplies. The desires of the flesh would mean not just bodily cravings but all of the ordinary desires of fallen human nature.

Paul quickly points out that this is not an easy task. He says in verse 17: “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” There is a constant battle between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit. The flesh represents our sinful nature, the part of us that is still inclined to sin and selfishness. The Spirit, on the other hand, is God’s presence within us, given to us when we place our faith in Christ. The flesh and the Spirit are opposed to each other, pulling us in opposite directions.

This conflict is something we all experience. Even though we have been saved by grace and are new creations in Christ, we still live in a fallen world, and we still have the remnants of our old sinful nature. As Christians, we feel this tension between the pull of the flesh and the desire to follow the Spirit. Paul himself describes this internal struggle in Romans 7:19, where he says, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” This is the reality of living in a broken world—we are constantly choosing between the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Spirit.

But Paul gives us hope in verse 18: “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” The Greek verb here for “led” is ἄγω, and it implies an active, personal involvement by the Holy Spirit in guiding Christians, and the present tense form of the word indicates his ongoing activity. The Spirit’s active presence in believers’ lives shows that they are no longer under the pre-Christian system. This is a reminder that we are not bound by the law in the same way the Israelites were under the old covenant.

The law was given to reveal sin and guide God’s people, but it could not empower them to live righteously. However, under the new covenant, we have the Holy Spirit, who not only convicts us of sin but also empowers us to live according to God’s will. When we walk by the Spirit, we are no longer trying to earn God’s favor through our own efforts, but we are relying on the Spirit’s power to live in a way that pleases God.

This is good news for us! We are not left to fight the battle between the flesh and the Spirit on our own. God has given us His Spirit to guide us, strengthen us, and lead us into a life that honors Him. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we walking by the Spirit, or are we walking by the flesh? Paul is calling us here to choose to walk by the Spirit, to live in a way that reflects God’s character and His will for our lives.

II. The Works of the Flesh (vv. 19-21)

In the next few verses, Paul lays out the stark contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. He begins by describing the works of the flesh—those actions and attitudes that come from our sinful nature. Paul says in verse 19, “Now the works of the flesh are evident.” In other words, it’s not hard to recognize the works of the flesh. They are obvious and destructive actions toward which sinful humans instinctively gravitate. Paul lists several examples of these works, which can be grouped into four categories.

Before we dive into the list of the works of the flesh in verses 19-21, let’s take a moment to establish something important. All sin is a falling short of God’s glory as Romans 3:23 tells us. When we look at sin from God’s perspective, there are no “small” sins or “big” sins in terms of righteousness. Righteousness is perfection, and anything less than that—anything that is unrighteous or unholy—disqualifies us from fellowship with a holy God.

We can picture it like this: imagine a group of people trying to jump across a massive chasm. Some may get a running start, others may try with a pole vault, and others may flap their arms—but no matter what, none of them reach the other side. Some may fall short by just a few inches, others by several feet, but it doesn’t matter—they all fall short. This is how God sees sin. No matter how far we try to jump, or how close we get, falling short is still falling short.

Jesus emphasized this in His Sermon on the Mount when He equated murder with unjustified anger and adultery with lustful thoughts. Matthew 5:21-22 says “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” Continuing on in verse 27, Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Whether we harbor anger in our hearts or commit physical acts of violence, it’s all unrighteousness in God’s eyes. Every sin separates us from God’s perfection.

Now, while all sin is equal in that it separates us from God and makes us unrighteous, Scripture does tell us that some sins carry more severe consequences in this life. For example, 1 Corinthians 6:18 points out that sexual sin has unique consequences. It reads, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” Some sins bring more immediate and far-reaching destruction, but all sins—whether lust, anger, pride, or envy—require repentance and grace.

In light of this, as we read the list of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5, understand that this is not a ranking of sins or an attempt to categorize some sins as “worse” than others in God’s sight. Instead, this list reflects various ways that our sinful nature manifests itself, all of which are destructive and incompatible with the life God has called us to live in the Spirit. Most importantly, no matter the sin, all can be forgiven in Christ. God’s grace is greater than any sin, and in Christ, we are made righteous.

Let’s now read through these works of the flesh Paul lays out in verses 19-21 of his letter to the Galatians: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.”

The first group is sexual sins:

Sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality – These refer to any sexual activity outside of the boundaries God has set for marriage. Sexual sin is one of the clearest examples of the flesh’s desires, as it seeks immediate gratification without regard for God’s design.

The following two are religious sins:

Idolatry, sorcery – These represent worshiping anything other than God and engaging in practices that seek power apart from God. Idolatry can take many forms in our modern world, from money to career, to relationships.

The third and largest category comprises social sins:

Enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy – These are relational sins, the ways in which our flesh manifests in how we treat others. These sins destroy relationships, create conflict, and tear apart communities.

And the final two sins are sins of excess:

Drunkenness, orgies – These represent a lack of self-control and indulgence in excess, whether through alcohol, substances, or reckless behavior.

Paul closes these verses with, “and things like these,” to show that this is not an exhaustive list. These are just examples of the kinds of behaviors that result from walking by the flesh.

In verse 21, he says: “I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” The Greek word translated as “those who do” could also be rendered “those who make a practice of doing.” Such individuals make these works of the flesh their pattern of life. Their outward conduct indicates their inward spiritual status: that they are not born of God, they do not have the Holy Spirit in their hearts, and they are not God’s children. This is a serious warning. A life characterized by the works of the flesh is incompatible with life in the kingdom of God.

This passage forces us to examine our lives and ask: Are there areas where we are still walking by the flesh? We may not be guilty of every sin listed here, but even one of these works of the flesh can reveal where we are not surrendering to the Spirit. If we find ourselves struggling with anger, jealousy, or sexual sin, we need to repent and turn back to walking by the Spirit. These works of the flesh lead to destruction.

III. The Fruit of the Spirit (vv. 22-23)

In contrast to the works of the flesh, Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit—those qualities that naturally grow in our lives when we are walking by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit battles sin both defensively and offensively, helping believers escape temptation and producing in them the qualities of godliness, those qualities which Christ demonstrated perfectly throughout His life and ministry on earth.

Paul lists nine characteristics that make up the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

1. Love: The self-giving love that seeks the good of others, modeled after Christ’s love for us.

2. Joy: A deep, abiding sense of happiness and contentment that comes from knowing God.

3. Peace: A calm and harmonious spirit, both in our relationship with God and with others.

4. Patience: The ability to endure hardship or opposition with a calm and steady heart.

5. Kindness: A gentle and compassionate attitude toward others, especially those in need.

6. Goodness: A moral integrity and desire to do what is right.

7. Faithfulness: Loyalty and dependability in our relationships and in our commitments to God.

8. Gentleness: A humble and considerate spirit, treating others with care and respect.

9. Self-control: The ability to control our impulses and desires, living a disciplined life.

Notice that Paul speaks of the “fruit” of the Spirit, not “fruits.” This suggests that these qualities are not separate or independent from one another. They are all aspects of a single, unified fruit that the Spirit produces in our lives. We cannot pick and choose which aspects of the fruit of the Spirit we want to cultivate. If we are truly walking by the Spirit, all of these characteristics will grow in us over time.

At the end of verse 23 Paul adds, “against such things there is no law.” This echoes his earlier statement that those who are led by the Spirit are not under the law. The law cannot produce these qualities in us, nor does it condemn those who exhibit them. In fact, those who manifest them are actually fulfilling the law—more than those who insist on Jewish ceremonies or individuals who strive after the works of the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit goes beyond mere rule-following—it is the result of a transformed life, a heart that has been made new by the Holy Spirit.

Just as Psalm 1 called us to delight in the law of the Lord and bear fruit like a tree planted by streams of water, Paul is calling us to walk by the Spirit and bear the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is evidence that we are walking in step with God, and it stands in stark contrast to the works of the flesh. If we want to live a life that is pleasing to God and reflects His character, we must walk by the Spirit and allow Him to produce this fruit in our lives.

IV. Crucifying the Flesh and Living by the Spirit (vv. 24-26)

Paul continues his exhortation in verse 24 with a powerful statement about those who belong to Christ: “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” This means that if we are truly followers of Christ, we have made a decisive break with the old, sinful nature. Crucifixion is a strong image—it evokes the finality and the seriousness of putting the flesh to death. This is not a gentle, gradual change; it’s a decisive and deliberate rejection of our old ways of living, putting to death the desires of the flesh that once controlled us.

However, crucifying the flesh is not a one-time event. Even though we have made the choice to follow Christ, the remnants of the flesh still try to influence our actions and attitudes. This is why walking by the Spirit is a daily practice, a constant surrender to the Spirit’s guidance in our lives. Every day, we are called to reject the pull of the flesh and to allow the Spirit to direct our thoughts, decisions, and behavior.

In verse 25, Paul continues: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Here, Paul reminds us that living by the Spirit means more than just receiving the Spirit at conversion. It means actively walking in step with the Spirit every day. It’s not just a passive reality but an active choice we make, moment by moment, to follow the Spirit’s lead. The Spirit is not just a force or influence; He is a person who walks alongside us, guiding us in the way of righteousness, through the process of sanctification.

Folks, are we actively keeping in step with the Spirit? Are we listening to His promptings, or are we allowing the desires of the flesh to influence our decisions? Paul’s call to walk in step with the Spirit is a reminder that our relationship with God is ongoing, dynamic, and participatory. We must choose each day to walk in the direction the Spirit is leading us.

Finally, Paul adds a warning in verse 26: “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Here, Paul warns against a potential danger for those who begin to experience the fruit of the Spirit in their lives: pride and conceit. It is possible for someone who is growing in the Spirit to become proud of their spiritual progress and look down on others who may be struggling. This leads to division, provocation, and envy within the body of Christ.

Just as we are called to walk by the Spirit in humility, we must guard our hearts against becoming conceited or self-righteous. When we see spiritual growth in our lives, we must remember that it is not by our own efforts but by the grace of God and the work of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is not meant to make us feel superior to others but to reflect God’s love and patience, and demonstrate genuine humility in our interactions with others. As we grow in Christ, we should encourage others and extend grace to those who may still be struggling, knowing that we too depend on God’s grace daily.

Conclusion

In Galatians 5, Paul presents us with a clear choice: to walk by the flesh, which leads to destruction, or to walk by the Spirit, which leads to life and spiritual fruitfulness. Just as Psalm 1 presented two paths—the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked—Galatians 5 shows us that the choice we make in how we live determines the fruit we bear and the outcome of our lives.

The works of the flesh, which lead to broken relationships, division, and ultimately death, must be crucified. We are called to walk by the Spirit, producing fruit that reflects the character of Christ—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This fruit is not the result of our own efforts but the work of the Spirit in us as we surrender daily to His leading.

As we walk by the Spirit, let us also remember Paul’s warning in verse 26. Let us avoid pride, conceit, and envy, and instead, encourage one another in humility and grace. The Christian life is not a competition; it’s a journey of growth in Christlikeness, and we are called to walk that journey together, supporting one another as we keep in step with the Spirit.

As we close, I encourage you to examine your heart and ask: Am I walking by the Spirit, or are there areas of my life where the flesh still has influence? If you find areas where the flesh is at work, turn to Christ. Crucify the flesh and invite the Spirit to lead you. The more we surrender to the Spirit, the more we will bear fruit that brings glory to God and reflects His love to the world around us.

Let’s pray.