Keep in Step with the Spirit

Walking in the Spirit: Our Divine Pathway

Bible Passage: Galatians 5:16-26

Summary: In Galatians 5:16-26, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, calling believers to live in accordance with the Holy Spirit's leading to foster a life that reflects Christ's character.

Application: This sermon can help Christians recognize the daily choice they must make to surrender to the Holy Spirit, empowering them to overcome fleshly desires and embody Christ-like characteristics as they navigate life's struggles and temptations.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that living in the Spirit is not a passive experience but an active cooperation with God's transformative work in our lives, resulting in the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit.

How this passage could point to Christ: The passage reveals Christ as the one who enables us to produce fruit through the Holy Spirit, underscoring that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Our ability to walk in the Spirit is rooted in our relationship with Christ, who fulfills the law and empowers us for righteous living.

Big Idea: To truly live a life that honors God, we must actively walk in the Spirit, yielding to His guidance and allowing the fruit of the Spirit to manifest in our daily lives, which ultimately reflects Jesus to the world.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon using Logos, you might want to explore the cultural and contextual background of Galatians to understand the challenges the Galatians faced. Investigate commentaries that focus on the nature of the flesh and the Spirit to clarify their opposing functions in the believer's life. Additionally, examining how other New Testament writers articulate similar themes in their letters might provide a broader understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit.

1. Step into the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-18

You could explore how Paul encourages believers to 'walk by the Spirit' to avoid the desires of the flesh. Maybe emphasize that this walk involves an intentional step-by-step journey with the Holy Spirit, seeking His guidance to navigate life's challenges. This passage highlights the ongoing conflict between the Spirit and the flesh, yet assures us of the Holy Spirit’s power to lead us away from sin. Perhaps encourage the congregation to actively choose submission to the Spirit's leading, making conscious decisions that align with Christ's teachings.

2. Spot the Flesh's Folly

Galatians 5:19-21

Perhaps highlight Paul's clear warning about the 'acts of the flesh,' discussing how these actions are destructive and contrary to God's will. You might suggest examining each mentioned act, understanding how they manifest in modern life, and how they deter us from God's kingdom. This passage offers a sobering reminder of the consequences of living by the flesh. Encourage the congregation to self-reflect and seek Christ's strength to overcome these tendencies, stressing our reliance on the Spirit to avoid these pitfalls.

3. Sow the Spirit's Seed

Galatians 5:22-23

Maybe emphasize the 'fruit of the Spirit' as tangible markers of a Spirit-led life. You could discuss how these virtues—love, joy, peace, and others—naturally become evident when we follow the Spirit's leading. This section serves as a beautiful depiction of Christ's character, which we aspire to emulate. Encourage believers to nurture these virtues through a close relationship with Christ, highlighting that the Spirit’s work is transformative, not merely behavioral adjustment.

4. Stay Spirit-Synced

Galatians 5:24-26

Consider illustrating how those who belong to Christ have 'crucified the flesh,' suggesting that our old sinful nature is dead and buried. You could explain how walking in the Spirit involves daily surrender and alignment with God's desires, leading to a life of humility and service. Inspire the congregation to live in sync with the Spirit, cultivating a humble and loving community that reflects Jesus' heart. This passage encourages us to stay committed to our spiritual walk, fostering unity and breaking down pride.Whatever the precise circumstances behind the Galatians’ problem, Paul’s answer suggests that the Law does indeed represent accurately God’s will for them (5:14); however, the Law gives no power to fulfill the divine will (as suggested by 5:18; cf. 3:21 and Rom. 8:3; elsewhere Paul points out that the Law actually abets sin, Rom. 7:7–13; 1 Cor. 15:56). The only way to conquer the impulses of the flesh is to “walk” in the Spirit, to be led by the Spirit, to bear the fruit of the Spirit, to “keep in step” with the Spirit (5:16, 18, 22, 25). This emphasis on the power of the Spirit for sanctification raises the possibility that back in 3:3 Paul was already thinking about the ethical conduct of the Galatians. Their moral lives as much as their submission to ceremonial rules indicated a serious lapse in their relationship with God.

Moisés Silva, “Galatians, Theology Of,” in Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, electronic ed., Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996), 282–283.