| Walking By the Spirit. How? |
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“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh: (Galatians 5:16). What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? The context helps us answer the question. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:17). We see here two influences battling for our allegiance. It is a discussion of our behavior and what will determine what we will do. The Spirit of God is telling us what to do. The flesh is telling us what to do. These two are opposed to one another and we cannot follow both at the same time. We cannot obey the Spirit and yield to the inclinations of the flesh. The word flesh could refer to the desires of our own physical body. That would leave out the evil inclinations of our heart and mind, including many things listed verse twenty. As the Spirit refers to the Spirit of God (an outside influence), I believe the flesh refers to the world, worldliness and the realm of Satan (another outside influence). The text clearly indicates we have the power to choose which influence we will follow: v. 13 calls for good conduct
v. 14 “love your neighbor” v. 15 “if you bite and devour” v. 16 commanded to “walk in” v. 18 one is “led by the Spirit” The Spirit leads and guides primarily by His word. We can know where the Spirit leads and what He calls for by reading the word. The flesh influences us by deceit and lies found in every place in this world. These are two forces, one opposed to the other. We will choose. May God help us choose well.
Read the text and meditate carefully. Let me know if you think I can help to understand and follow God’s way.
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