Galatians 5:16-26
Friday, 14 March 2025
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”– Gal. 5:16
The role of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life is often not fully comprehended by many. For some, the Holy Spirit is identified as the source of power behind spiritual gifts; for some the Spirit of God is best identified as the interpreter of the Scripture. But today’s reading tells us that the Holy Spirit is manifested most effectively through Christian character; whilst the other functions of the Holy Spirit are still valuable and effective, the significant impact of the function of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life should result in bringing out Christian character!
Paul emphasizes in verse 16 that one cannot carry out the desire of the flesh if we walk by the Holy Spirit. The meaning of “walk by the Spirit” can be understood as, live by the instruction of the Holy Spirit. John 16:13 says the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth; in V. 15 it says, He will take what is of Christ and reveal it to us. The truths of God’s Word will become alive to us when we take time to let Him reveal them to us in our meditation of God’s Word.
Romans 8:5-13 also explains the power of the Spirit of God in giving victory over one’s flesh. The works of the flesh are listed out in Vs.19-21 of our reading and it clearly mentions that if one lives by them, he cannot inherit the kingdom of God. A mind set on yielding to the desires of the flesh will result in its control over the person and finally leading to death. But the mind yielded to the Spirit of God allows Him to have control over one’s mind to put to death the desires of the flesh! It’s a daily DYING TO THE SELF- being crucified with Christ (Gal.5:24) so that the flesh will not take the reign over our life.
Only the HOLY SPIRIT can mould Christian character! It does not and cannot be done by a person trying in himself to do so. We read of the FRUIT of the Spirit in Gal.5:22-23. Note that it is singular- meaning all nine traits are part of One fruit! As we see in nature, fruit is the product of the inherent quality of a particular tree- so too the fruit seen in the believer is the inherent character of a child of God- displaying his/her Father’s character!
No one can ever lead a perfect life. In our Christian walk, we tend to slip/ fall- but it doesn’t permit us to lie in the dirt of sin or blame our circumstances/people or even hide under the cover of “I am no good at all” attitude! When we are led by the Spirit, He convicts us of our sin, helps us back to our feet when we confess and are willing to move on, keeping in step with Him! This is the victory for a believer! In trusting God, and not ourselves, we are able to overcome both the temptations of the flesh that come our way, as well as continue to walk as an overcomer, when we repent and move on. That’s only possible in the power of the Holy Spirit!
Dear brother/sister, are you unable to live a life of victory? Examine your life to see if you are truly led by the Spirit. If not, allow the Holy Spirit to mould your character into Christ-likeness. Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.”
Thought for the Day: "The Spirit-filled life is not a special, deluxe edition of Christianity. It is part and parcel of the total plan of God for His people." - A. W. Tozer
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