Galatians 5:16-21 says,...

Today's verses are Galatians 5:16-21, which read,

v.16 - But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Paul tells the Galatians the overall principle first and then will divide out what happens when we walk by the Spirit and when we do not.  The word for "walk" is a continuous action or a habitual lifestyle and also an emphasis on progress.  When we walk by the Spirit, we are moving forward as a way of life that encompasses all areas of our lives.  As we submit all areas of our lives over to being Spirit led then we are more inclined to say "no" to the temptations of the flesh and continue to say "yes" to God's way.

v.17, 18 - 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 may not do the things that you please.  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

We go from "...walk by the Spirit,..." to "led by the Spirit,..."  I am walking by the Spirit's instruction and I am also following the Spirit's direction in my life.  The Spirit is not only within me but also ahead of me.  How important to be in touch with the Spirit since it has such and important role in my life as a Christian.  
Remember that the Law's purpose is to point out sin and the need of a Savior but if I am walking and being led by the Spirit, then the Law's purpose has done it's job.  I now live my life in light of the Spirit's work and not the Law's work.

v.19-21 - Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are:  immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealously, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
What a list! 
  • Immorality, impurity, and sensuality deal with sexual desires outside the realm of God's design for marriage. 
  • Idolatry and sorcery deal with worshiping other gods that the one true God.
  • Enmities, strife, jealously, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, and envying deal with our relationships with others that is not up building but rather elevating ourselves at the expense of others. 
  • Drunkenness and carousing deal with our own lack of self control of our bodies.
The key word is "practice."  This is someone who is continually doing these things even though they have been instructed over and over again.  They have been forewarned and forewarned.  They are watching the ark being built and Noah has been telling them why and offering a ride but they say "No, maybe I will catch the next boat."  The only ones on the ark were the ones who heeded God's call and not those who heard but lived life their own way.  They did not get on the boat and were not spared and likewise, these of this list will not inherit the kingdom of God.  Paul says these actions are evident - not hidden - but in plain sight that they are against the Spirit's direction in our lives.

"Lord, how I have taken Your word and Your instruction so lightly at times.  You have warned and forewarned and warned again but I still think that it is okay just this one time.  Why do I think that way?  The war is real and therefore I need to be serious about my walk with You and being led by You.  Amen."

Pastor Adam
A simple man serving a great God and the local pastor of Stillwater Community Chapel (stillwater-chapel.org). We are in our 38th year of full time ministry. God directed us to this local body of believers on the Western Range of the Rockies to grow with them in mission and mindedness of Christ.

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