Walking for the Lord

Introduction

Today’s message is titled “Walking For the Lord,” based on Galatians 5. Shortly before His arrest, Jesus promised His disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit to live within them. This promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, and it extends to all believers today.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

• Significance: The Holy Spirit resides in every believer, a supernatural blessing resulting from Christ’s sacrifice.
• Illustration: Like choosing Christmas gifts that are wanted, needed, and enjoyed, Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to inspire and help us participate in God’s work on earth.

Text Passage: Galatians 5:16-26

• Verses 16-18: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
  • Application: By following the Spirit, believers are free from the law’s condemnation and guided towards God’s better plan.
• Verses 19-21: Lists the acts of the flesh and warns that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
  • Clarification: These acts reflect a lifestyle of those without the Spirit, not individual stumbles.
• Verses 22-23: Describes the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
  • Insight: This is one unified fruit, with each aspect supporting the others.
• Verses 24-26: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
  • Explanation: Believers have crucified the flesh by accepting Christ. This transformation is ongoing, involving sanctification and reliance on God’s grace.

Practical Application

• Walking in Step with the Spirit: Involves being receptive and responsive to God throughout the day. It’s not about being perpetually busy but trusting in God’s guidance.
• John 3:8: “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” Trust in the unpredictable yet ordered work of the Spirit.
• John 17:3: Eternal life is knowing God and Jesus Christ, facilitated by the Spirit.

Assurance of the Holy Spirit

• Role of the Holy Spirit: Facilitates awareness of God, illuminates Scripture, connects believers, and personalizes our relationship with God.
• Everlasting Presence: The Holy Spirit is a forever warranty on our relationship with Christ.

Misconceptions about Walking with the Spirit

• Not Separate from Cultivating Relationship: Walking in the Spirit is a natural result of seeking a deeper relationship with Christ.
• 2 Chronicles 16:9: God actively supports those whose hearts are completely His.
• Guidance, Not Overpowering: The Holy Spirit guides us without overpowering our will.
• Living Daily Life: Following the Spirit does not mean withdrawing from daily life but integrating His guidance into it.
• Ephesians 5:1-2: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”

Conclusion

Walking for the Lord means walking in step with the Spirit, allowing His guidance to permeate every aspect of our lives. Reflect on these principles and seek to be receptive and responsive to the Spirit’s leading.