Walking In The Spirit

Text: Galatians 5:13-16

Introduction: Here we have the two opposite lives possible to every person, set in sharp contrast, the one to the other - the life of the flesh, and the life of the Spirit. The one controlled by motives fleshly, temporal, selfish; the other by motives spiritual, heavenly, eternal in their origin and aim.

I. The Nature Of This Walking In The Spirit.

A. It is a holy, humble walk.

It is a walk with the Lord Jesus. Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

The spiritual person is the opposite of the natural man. Micah gives us a glimpse of the heart of the natural man. Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

B. It is an upright, straightforward walk.

A life controlled by the Spirit of God is an absolutely pure, truthful, honest life, without crookedness or double dealing.

The angels whom Ezekiel saw in his wonderful vision. Ezekiel 1:12 And each went straight forward. Wherever the spirit would go, they went, without turning as they went.

C. It is a tender, sensitive walk.

The Spirit of God is easily grieved. He is spoken of under the figure of a dove, which is easily startled and frightened away; of the dew, which is readily absorbed by the heat, or brushed away by the careless hand. Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

We must have a tender and sensitive conscience, “Quick to feel the approach of sin’, is the surest marks of the controlling presence of the Spirit of God.

Charles Wesley’s Song “I Want a Principle Within”:

1. I want a principle within of watchful, godly fear, a sensibility of sin, a pain to feel it near. I want the first approach to feel of pride or wrong desire, to catch the wandering of my will, and quench the kindling fire.

2. From thee that I no more may stray, no more thy goodness grieve, grant me the filial awe, I pray, the tender conscience give. Quick as the apple of an eye, O God, my conscience make; awake my soul when sin is nigh, and keep it still awake.

3. Almighty God of truth and love, to me thy power impart; the mountain from my soul remove, the hardness from my heart. O may the least omission pain my reawakened soul, and drive me to that blood again, which makes the wounded whole.

D. It is a fruitful and useful walk.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

It should be noticed that these fruits are dispositions - not acts. The Spirit of God controls the heart, the disposition, which is the spring of our conduct, and when the wishes, feelings, and affections are put right the actions become right.

Thus we do not need to seek guidance in every separate action. By walking in the Spirit, each step is sure to be in the right direction. Hosea 14:8 O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; from me comes your fruit.

II. The Results of Walking In The Spirit.

These will be seen in our -

A. Spiritual continuance.

It is a walk to which we are called - steady, persistent effort.

Holiness is not only an experience, it is a life. - Not spasmodic effort, but a persistent, steady course of action;

Not the performance of isolated holy acts only, but a perpetual building up of holy character. And in order to continue in godliness, we must “Walk in the Spirit”.

B. It will be seen in our spiritual conquest. “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” The only way to overcome the flesh is to be filled with the Spirit.

It is not enough to be on guard against evil. You must be filled with good.

The life led of the Spirit is always a conquering life.

Are you Walking in the Spirit? Walk with God this week and I know that you will be able to tell the difference in this week ahead of you.