No. 360 - Walking in the Spirit: Abandoning the Works of the Flesh

The Call to Spiritual Holiness

Walking in the Spirit: Abandoning the Works of the Flesh

Galatians 5:16-17

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 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." 

Prayer 

Dear Father, I ask You to guide me to walk in Your Spirit, to leave behind the desires of the flesh, and to live a life that pleases You. Help me understand how to embrace spiritual holiness each day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background 

Galatians 5 focuses on the contrast between living by the Spirit and living by the flesh. Paul explains that Christians are called to freedom, not to indulge in sinful desires but to serve one another in love. Verses 16-17 emphasise the ongoing conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. The works of the flesh lead to destruction, while walking in the Spirit brings life and peace. By walking in the Spirit, believers can overcome the temptations of the flesh and live in a way that honours God. This chapter reminds us of the need for spiritual holiness and discipline.

Be Encouraged 

In life, we all face the battle between what our flesh desires and what the Spirit of God calls us to do. Imagine a person who is constantly tempted to give in to anger or selfishness but feels a deep urge to act with kindness and patience. This struggle is real for every Christian. But God provides us with His Spirit to guide us. When we choose to walk in the Spirit, we gain the strength to abandon the works of the flesh—like anger, jealousy, and selfish ambitions—and instead, we begin to reflect the character of Christ through love, peace, and patience.

Application 

Romans 8:5 says, “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, the things of the Spirit.” Colossians 3:5 instructs us to “Put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” When we are tempted to follow our fleshly desires—like seeking revenge, indulging in gossip, or chasing material wealth—we must remember to turn to the Spirit for guidance. Imagine a friend who has been wronged. Instead of retaliating, they choose to forgive and pray for peace. This is a practical example of walking in the Spirit, where we seek spiritual growth over earthly gratification.

Invitation 

If you have not yet made the decision to follow Christ, now is the time to embrace the call to spiritual holiness. Visit any nearby Church of Christ, where you can be helped to obey the gospel of Christ through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of your sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). The Lord will add you to His church, where you will continue to grow in spiritual maturity and put into practice Christ’s teachings (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:47). Do not delay in turning your life towards God—let His Spirit guide your walk, and you will experience true freedom from the works of the flesh. Share this message with others so they too may walk in the Spirit and experience the life that God desires for them.

Concluding Prayer 

Thank You, Lord, for teaching me the importance of walking in Your Spirit. Help me to put away the works of the flesh and to live in a way that pleases You. I am grateful for Your guidance and strength. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day. 

 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana 


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