Walk in the Spirit Gal 5:16-26

Introduction

The Bible teaches that we are not saved by the works of the Law but by grace through faith, we are not saved by what we can do but by what Christ has done. Yet we are called to holiness. These two truths make the Christian life a little like walking a tight rope. If you lean too much to one side you fall into legalism, but if you lean too much to the other side you fall into license.

How can both extremes be avoided? in our passage Paul says walk in the Spirit.

Paul knew the church at Galatia on the one hand faced the danger caused by the Judaizers but on the other hand they faced the danger of lawlessness and among other potential problems this could cause Paul was concerned with divisions among them. V.15&26 again as I have already said the solution was to walk in the Spirit.

I. Walk in the Spirit v.16

a) Walk in the Spirit

Explain meaning- Live in obedience to the Spirits guidance. Yield yourself to the Sprit’s work. Two parts- depending and obeying.

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.

Keep walking- present imperative

b) Result

The lusts of the flesh- the desires of the sinful nature. You will not gratify the old man.

You will never- emphatic

Application

How can you resist temptation? Paul says walk in the Spirit.

Here there is hope for the Christian. Walk in the Spirit and you will by no means fulfil the lusts of the flesh.

Is this something we are doing? Are we seeking to do this?

Paul goes on to explain why walking in the Spirit stops a believer fulfilling the lust of the flesh. The point is they are opposed to each other and can’t both be in control at the same time.

II. The Spirit and the flesh are not friends v.17-23

a) They are against each other v.17-18

They can’t be in control at the same time. Only one can be in the saddle at any one time.

This describes the inward battle that goes on in the believer, between the old man and the new nature.

So that you do not do the things you wish- Romans 7:21-24

b) Their works are opposite v.19-23

i) Works of the flesh

Sex, God, Society, drink- Stott

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.

-A solemn warning v.21 πράσσοντες Present- continued behaviour, not a slip up.

ii) The 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.

Application

Is the Holy Spirit producing this fruit in our lives?

Let us not brush passed the warning in v.21. Do you practice this things? If you continue to do so you will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Now Paul gives the reason why they are to walk in the Spirit.

III. Walk in the Spirit because of who you are v.24-26

a) flesh is crucified v.24

What have done-

Done by us not to us- Verb is active not passive. Put off the old man and put on the new man. This is repentance.

b) Live by the Spirit v.25a

What we are-

c) Keep in step with the Spirit-

Therefore what we must do-

conform to his leading. v.25b continuous

Application

Conclusion

How could the Galatians be saved by faith and not return to legalism on the one hand or lawlessness on the other?

They were to walk in the Spirit. They were to yield themselves to the work of the Spirit in them and live in obedience to him. They were to give him control.

They were to keep in step with the Spirit.

Does this describe your Christian walk?

Perhaps you haven’t been walking in the Spirit, one person once said Christianity is a series of new beginnings. Today you can repent, you can walk in obedience again.

Perhaps this is what you are seeking to do. Here God’s word says keep on doing it.