Walking By The Spirit

‘I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16 – NKJV)

Jesus’ Two Greatest Commandments

In Matthew 22:36–40, we see a profound exchange between Jesus and a teacher of the Law:

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”

37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” -NKJV

These commandments are not only foundational for our relationship with God and others but also the key to walking by the Spirit.

Observations on the Greatest Commandments

Jesus’ response highlights three principles:

Love God: Obey His will, as stated in John 14:15–16: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” -NKJV
Love Yourself: You should love yourself equally to the way you love others.
Love Your Neighbor: Demonstrate unselfish concern for others and seek their higher good.

By adhering to these, we set the foundation for walking in the Spirit and resisting the desires of the flesh.

Paul’s letter to the Galatians expands on this concept. In Galatians 5:16–17, he writes:

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

17 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. -NKJV

Walking by the Spirit involves habitual reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance. The Holy Spirit transforms our character and enables us to overcome the sinful desires that conflict with the will of God.

The Character of Walking in the Spirit: Love

Paul emphasizes love as the hallmark of walking in the Spirit:

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14) -NKJV

The essence of love is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 13:

Love is patient and kind
Love is not jealous or boastful
Love is not arrogant, rude, or self-seeking
Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth
Love bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things
Love never fails

This love reflects the fruit of the Spirit and is the antithesis of sinful desires.

Overcoming Sinful Desires

Paul provides practical insights in Galatians 5:19–21 about the works of the flesh and how to avoid them:

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,

20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,

21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” -NKJV

Walking by the Spirit enables us to resist these desires. When we seek the Spirit’s guidance and align our lives with His will, sinful desires lose their grip.

Summary

If we walk habitually in the Spirit, we will:

Overcome sinful desires: The Spirit’s guidance opposes the flesh, helping us to do what pleases God.
Exhibit love: This fulfills the Law and reflects God’s character.

The key to success lies in loving God with all our being and loving others as ourselves. By doing so, we walk in the Spirit and inherit the blessings of God’s kingdom.

Let this be our daily prayer: “Holy Spirit, guide my steps today. Help me to love as You love and to walk according to Your will.”