Walking In The Spirit of Life!

Galatians 5:24-6:1

It is easy to talk about the fruit of the Spirit or walking in the Spirit while doing very little about it. This is entirely unacceptable to our Lord Jesus. We need to learn that it is in the concrete situations, rather than in emotional highs, that the reality of the Holy Spirit in our lives is demonstrated. One of the great goals of Christian freedom is Spirit-led ministry or service to others in concrete and daily matters (Eph. 5:9; Col. 1:9-13; Phil. 1:11).

While it is true the flesh may manufacture "results" that bring attention to us, but the flesh cannot bear fruit that brings glory to God (Anders). It takes patience, an atmosphere of the Spirit, walking in the light of God’s fellowship, the seed of the Word of God, and a sincere desire to honor Christ. In short, the secret to spiritual freedom is walking in the Holy Spirit! He alone can give us the freedom from sin and self. He enables us to fulfill the law of love, to overcome the flesh, and to bear holy fruit. Will you yield to Him and let Him work in you? Note carefully what Paul said,

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another (Gal. 5:24–26).  

Now let’s consider some thoughts on Walking in the Spirit based on this incredible statement from God’s Word.

First, Our Fallen Nature Is Rendered “Dead” As We Walk In The Spirit Of Death (Gal.5:24)

Paul lays before us the reality that our fallen nature has been crucified with Christ at His sacrificial and representative death for us. He insists that since we presently have life in the Spirit, it is incumbent upon us to walk in the Spirit. That is, we are obligated to live in complete submission and cooperation with the Spirit of God in our daily relationships and opportunities to serve others. Believers have zero obligations to fleshly carnal living; we are impressed by this passage to identify with Christ’s death through the power of the Spirit of God.

Secondly, Our Fallen Nature Is Rendered “Dead” As We Walk In The Spirit Of Life (Gal. 5:26)

Wiersbe suggests that Paul is probably focusing on particular problems in Galatia. “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (Gal. 5:26).  If we walk step-by-step in the Spirit, we will have the spiritual resources to solve any attitude and conflict problems in the church. Additionally, perhaps even walking in the Spirit could be used by some as an occasion for pride. The apostle mentioned three particular problems (Gal. 5:26). They are the opposite of serving others, and they remain three prevalent sins in churches today. So, how do we walk in the Spirit of life?

By Watching Our Own Spirit (Gal. 5:26). 

This is the beginning of very practical challenges and instructions (Gal. 5:26-6:10) on how to actually walk in the Spirit as a church and as individuals. This is the first of a number of specific actions that should characterize Believers who are truly being led by the Spirit. But, it is also a return to the problems and conflicts mentioned in verse fifteen. In Galatians 5:26, there are three attitudes we must strenuously avoided:

              Beware of The Spirit of Pride and Contention —“Let us not be desirous of vainglory” (5:26).  Let us not become conceited, literally holding a false or empty opinion of ourselves. This means “prideful” or “vain” actions because of mere perceived advantages. If we are not careful we too can become conceited; expressing ourselves in favorable terms to boost our reputation and to prop up a sagging ego. In fact many Believers act rather conceited because they believe they are “more spiritual.” The bottom line is conceit causes relational problems. Beloved, do not let personal pride negatively impact your marriage, family, church, or work relationships (Phil. 2:3). But, how can we detect this harmful attitude?

                     It is an Arrogant Attitude.

A palpable spirit of contention dominates this passage and this fact points to the ‘parent sinful attitude’ of the spirit of vainglory or self-promotion (Prov. 13:10; Luke 22:24; Js. 3:14-16; 3Jn. 9, 10). Pride stirs up strife, and conflict fueling contentions like gasoline would a wildfire!            

APPLICATION: God does not want us as Christians to be boastful or conceited braggarts; such behavior is utterly inconsistent with being a sinner saved by grace. People living by human standards often become proud of their personal achievements taunting those who do not come up to their standards. The prideful Believer will often harshly criticize other Christians who do not have the same lists of taboos they condemn. In the opposite extreme are those Believers with zero apprehensions about anything. They categorize everyone, even those with legitimate biblical standards and convictions, as legalists if they possess even a few convictions. They mistakenly view spiritual freedom as permission to do whatever they fancy and pride themselves on their ‘freedom in Christ.’ With them anything goes and they arrogantly flaunt their ‘freedom’ in the face of others. Such unfounded ‘glorying’ is atypical of walking in the Spirit of God!

                    It is a False Advantage (only perceived).

Competition is stimulated and given life because of false supposed advantages. Such empty pride is based on specific imagined requirements by the deceived! Such empty bragging brings no real glory to God; instead it results in shameful pride and church clicks. Consider Webster’s definition of pride:

 Pride is an inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others; insolence; rude treatment of others; loftiness; ostentation. (D. Webster).

              Beware of The Spirit of Provocations and Challenges— “Provoking one another” (Gal. 5:26).  It is a denial of the Spirit-filled life to provoke or challenge other people to measure up to our own private viewpoints or standards. Please allow me to clarify, we all are profoundly obligated to live up to truly biblical standards, but personal standards cannot and should not be applied to others. Remember we can never anticipate the problems, needs, and temptations of another person’s heart. Therefore, we must refrain from such misguided provocations. Such a challenge is born of pride and entirely unjustified. Refuse to be the source of needless annoyances that only generate more anger and frustration. This is the opposite of the virtues the Holy Spirit desired to evidence in our lives. While many will find the temptation to elevate themselves because of their adherence to some false notion, we must refuse to become embroiled in prideful conflicts. Do not allow yourself to be an irritant in your church.

              Beware of The Spirit of Pinning and Comparisons—“Envying one another” (Gal. 5:26).  Envy is specifically the sin of wanting something that belongs to someone else to which one has no right or claim.  Envy begrudges another person’s superior success, talent, possessions, charisma, opportunities, or personal attractiveness. Persons of few talents or weak character are apt to envy those they deem to be more successful, accomplished, or more ‘committed’ to God. All such self-centered yearnings, greed, and avarice are foreign to grace. A godly Believer should esteem others better than themselves while rejoicing in the blessings of God in another person’s life.  Mere religious performers desire too much attention using their ‘ministry’ opportunities to garner personal attention and the accolades of others. A church is not the place to compete for godless notoriety.

True greatness is a willingness to serve others unnoticed, or in obscurity as long as it is God’s design for us. It is contentment to labor for years virtually unseen sincerely for the glory of God.

These Believers were “envying one another;” they yearned to have what others have earned or achieved. Whether recognition, family, status, money, or even spirituality is the object of envy, such comparisons are not wise. Envy will needlessly divide Believers and ruin a church’s unity in Christ. Refuse to give in to envy, and only compare yourself to God’s revealed will for you.

Pride makes us perpetually vulnerable to certain temptations. When Satan cannot stop our spiritual growth, his tactic immediately changes to the seduction of pride. As soon as we notice our progress, we must place ourselves on alert against pride taking root in our hearts. This will be especially acute if we measure our growth against the progress others are making. Growth should not be a cause for pride, but for humility and thanksgiving because it comes from God.

QUOTE: Popularity Contest

Everyone needs a certain amount of approval from others. But those who go out of their way to secure honors or to win popularity become conceited and show they are not following the Holy Spirit's leading. Those who look to God for approval won't need to envy others. Because we are God's sons and daughters, we have his Holy Spirit as the loving guarantee of his approval. Seek to please God, and the approval of others won't seem so important. (Unknown)

By Working Against Sin (Gal. 6:1). 

Watching our own spirit is half the battle; we must also work hard against sin and its impact. Here is a lovely statement on how a sinning Believer is to be treated by other Christians. Paul says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). No, the first step is not condemnation nor calling down divine judgments upon an offender. Godly Christians are to come to the aid of a failing Believer much like a good doctor would operate to set a broken bone for a patient who is dear to him. With thoughtful reflection on the possibility of our own failures, we give spiritual aid to another in the spirit of meekness. There is no room for pride in this scenario. This is how “spiritual” Believers behave! Yes, they recognize that sinning is utterly wrong and will by no means condone or sanction anything that is truly offensive to a holy God. However, their aim or goal is not merely to be right, nor to condemn. It is to restore the fallen to fellowship with God and the church. Spiritual Believers help failing Believers get back on track in their walk with God. Paul knew how to directly discourage pride and dampen the party spirit that was ripping up the Galatian churches. Walking and working in the Spirit of Grace is the ultimate solution to such evils.              

To be overtaken in any trespass describes a man who has committed an act of sin rather than one who is habitually sinful. Such a person is to be dealt with by spiritual Christians. A carnal brother or sister in Christ might, by a hard, cold attitude, do more harm than good. Then, too, the offender will not likely receive the admonition of a ‘Christian’ who is himself out of touch with the Lord.

Yes, beloved, walking in the Spirit is living in Christian freedom! Such liberty involves developing Christlike character, and giving loving service to others as we follow the Holy Spirit. The Spirit-led Christian thinks of others, especially fellow Believers, and seeks to serve them in concrete work-a-day ways. Walking in the Spirit is not exclusively for preachers; God prescribed this lifestyle for every Believer in Christ. It is not merely for emotional elation in a high-powered church service; instead abiding in the Spirit’s power is a daily practical matter.

Please understand that spiritual fruit is not merely self-effort. A Believer is certain to become completely frustrated when their personal determination does not produce the results she or he wants to see.  Beloved, we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit in the process of developing supernatural fruit. Again the great benefit of Christian freedom is walking in the Spirit and bearing spiritual character supernaturally and not merely through self-determination. The fruit of the Spirit is character qualities that God has and He desires that we possess them also. This is the Spirit’s transforming work in a Believer’s character resulting in actions and attitudes of ministry.

To those who might prefer a mystical experience at church or a flight of ecstatic-emotional fancy, walking in the Spirit is a most down-to-earth practical matter. It involves personal relationships (Gal. 6:1-5) and the use of money (Gal. 6:6-10) and measuring spirituality by godly actions in these areas (Wiersbe).

It is easy to talk about walking the Spirit while doing very little about it. We Christians must learn that it is in the concrete situations, rather than in emotional highs, that the reality of the Holy Spirit in our lives is demonstrated. One of the great benefits of Christian freedom is Spirit-led ministry and service to others in concrete and daily matters.