READ

Galatians 5:16-26: ¹⁶ I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity,

²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. ²⁴ Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

EXAMINE

The Holy Spirit is the key to Christian living. In fact, Jesus told His disciples that it would be better for them after He returned to the Father and the Holy Spirit came to lead them in His place. Why? Because in His physical body, Jesus’ ministry was limited by proximity. He could only be in one place at one time. The Holy Spirit, however, would indwell ALL believers from the moment of their salvation. We don’t have to seek the Spirit out or meet with Him in a specific location or time. He is available to us 24/7. As our Counselor, He leads us, speaks to us, intercedes for us, convicts us, and empowers us. Apart from Him, we can’t live out our faith as Jesus intends. This is why Paul urges us to walk by the Spirit. Otherwise, we will default to the flesh, and the results… well, they are VERY different.

APPLY

One of the great things about Paul’s command to “walk by the Spirit” is that it’s immediately followed by a checklist to help us evaluate how well we’re doing. Read through the two lists: the works of the flesh (vs 19-22) and the fruit of the Spirit (22-26). Which list characterizes your journey in this season? Do you lean more heavily towards one or the other? Highlight or write down areas of concern and begin to seek the Spirit’s lead in moving towards health. This can happen by time in the Word, time in prayer, and times of vulnerability with other believers who are equipped with unique gifts from the Spirit to help push us forward.

PRAY

Read Romans 8:26-27. Not only does the Spirit empower us, but He also intercedes on our behalf. Even when we don’t know what to pray or how to proceed, the Holy Spirit takes our requests to the Father with just the right words. Take a moment to confess any items in the “flesh list” that are prevalent in your life right now and then request any items in the “fruit” list that might be lacking. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower and lead you towards His way in the days to come.