“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 (ESV)
It is pretty clear to the believer that you cannot continue walking in the ways of the flesh — or the world — and be following “the desires of the Spirit”. If you are unsure what the ways, or “desires”, of the flesh are, they are listed by Paul here in his letter to the Galatians in verses 19-21. Notice at the end of verse 21 that Paul warns: “I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:21 ESV) Now, this is not saying that if you have ever been drunk, or idolatrous, etc., that you will not enter into Heaven; it is saying that it after you have given your life over to Jesus Christ to redeem you of your sins, and continue to live a life that feeds the desires of the flesh, it is those who will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Now, if we walk in the Spirit, Paul tells us: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV)
So who are you living for? The world and it’s desires of the flesh, or the Spirit and the fruits it bears (verses 22-23). As our verse today says, “if we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25 ESV), in order that we might produce the fruits of the Spirit and that we too might inherit the Kingdom of God.
Jessica Ford
Communications Director
Alive Ministries USA
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