Living by the Spirit of God

 

 

The Apostle Paul clearly instructs believers on the path to victorious Christian living: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are in opposition to one another, so that you are not doing whatever you please” (Galatians 5:16–17). Walking by the Spirit is not a suggestion but a command that leads to freedom from the power of sin.

 

Living by the Spirit brings liberation and life: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set you free from the law of sin and of death” (Romans 8:1–2). Because the Spirit’s law of life dwells in us, we are no longer slaves to fear, guilt, or the looming judgment our sin demands.

 

Our mindset determines our walk: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:5–6). A constant focus on spiritual realities transforms our daily choices and brings lasting peace.

 

Jesus promised the Spirit’s guidance: “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will disclose to you what is to come” (John 16:13). The Spirit illuminates Scripture, convicts of sin, and leads us into God’s perfect will.

 

The Spirit is our indwelling Helper: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever, namely the Spirit of truth, whom the world is not able to receive because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you” (John 14:16–17). Believers are never alone; the living presence of God dwells within us.

 

Empowered for witness, the Spirit equips us for mission: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Our bold proclamation of the gospel flows from the Spirit’s anointing and strength.

To maintain a Spirit-filled life, Paul warns against quenching the Spirit: “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). The choice to be controlled by God’s Spirit rather than by intoxicating influences is central to holy living.

 

The fruit of the Spirit becomes evident in our character: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22–23). These virtues flow organically from a heart surrendered to the Spirit.

 

Finally, those led by the Spirit bear the identity of God’s children: “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Our very lives testify to our heavenly Father’s love and care.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). To Him be glory and dominion forever. Amen.

 

 

 

Referenced Scriptures (LSB):

 

Galatians 5:16–17, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are in opposition to one another, so that you are not doing whatever you please.”

 

Romans 8:1–2, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set you free from the law of sin and of death.”

 

Romans 8:5–6, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace.”

 

John 16:13,“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will disclose to you what is to come.”

 

John 14:16–17, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever, namely the Spirit of truth, whom the world is not able to receive because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.”

 

Acts 1:8,“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”

 

Ephesians 5:18,“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.”

 

Galatians 5:22–23,“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

 

Romans 8:14, “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”

 

1 Peter 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”