This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” – Galatians 5:16
LIGHT FOR NOW: The Holy Spirit is not merely the seal of our identity; He is also the One by whom we learn to live. The Spirit-filled life is a life of daily dependence, where His influence becomes greater than the desires of the flesh.
Paul says, “Walk in the Spirit”. Notice the word “walk”. The Christian life is not lived by occasional spiritual excitement. It is a daily journey of dependence upon the Holy Spirit. The Greek word peripateo, translated “walk”, literally refers to one’s manner of life or conduct. Paul is therefore speaking about how we live. To walk in the Spirit means to allow the Spirit’s influence to govern our daily conduct. This is important because Paul places the Spirit and the flesh in contrast. The flesh here refers to fallen human desires and the self-directed way of living opposed to God’s will. It is not simply the physical body.
Galatians 5:17 explains that the flesh and the Spirit desire contrary things. So the answer to the struggle is not merely, “Try harder”. Paul’s answer is: “Walk in the Spirit”. The Christian life is not sustained by willpower alone. We need the Spirit’s active influence in our thoughts, desires, choices, and relationships. And notice the promise: “Ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh”. Paul does not say that the existence of temptation proves the absence of the Spirit. Rather, the Spirit provides a superior way of living. As we yield to Him, the desires of the flesh do not have to become our actions.
This is why fellowship with the Holy Spirit matters, prayer matters, the Word matters, obedience matters, and sensitivity to God’s leading matters. The more consciously we walk with the Spirit, the more our lives begin to display the character produced by His influence. Paul later speaks of “the fruit of the Spirit”: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These are not merely religious decorations.
They are evidence of a life increasingly governed by the Spirit. Therefore, being sealed with the Holy Spirit is not simply about knowing that He lives in you. It is learning to walk with the One who lives in you. Glory!
INSTRUCTION: Before making important decisions today, pause and consciously submit your thoughts, desires, and responses to the Holy Spirit. Let His Word and character govern your conduct.
CONFESSION: I walk in the Spirit. I am not governed by the desires of the flesh. The Holy Spirit influences my thoughts, desires, words, and actions. I yield to Him and produce the fruit that reflects Christ in my daily life, in Jesus Name. Amen.
For More Light; get the message, ‘Understanding Salvation’ by Dr. John Linus
QUOTE: The Spirit who seals your identity must also shape your walk; His presence in you is meant to become visible through the way you live.
DAILY BIBLE READING: MORNING: GALATIANS CHAPTER 5; EVENING: ROMANS CHAPTER 8
