Walk In The Spirit

Temple Baptist Church - 11-11-2009

Galatians 5:16-21

Introduction:

A. The Apostle Paul (through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost) now brings this matter of Law vs. Liberty to a conclusion.

1. The “Letter of the Law” brings forth death, not life. We that are saved are still sinful and our flesh has not yet been redeemed.

2. The “Looseness of Liberty” also destroys! Liberty is never liberty to sin so our fleshly desires must be controlled by our walk in the Spirit.

3. The “Love of Longsuffering” brings unity. If we cannot set aside these differences (I am not speaking of issues of doctrine but of personal liberty), then we cannot get done the work that God has left us here to do.

B. The war of the child of God with his flesh will continue until we are delivered from “the body of this death” through either the grave or the rapture of the church.

1. Paul does not say that there will be an eradication of the flesh in this life. The flesh is still sinful and the heart of man “deceitful” and “desperately wicked.”

2. Paul does not say that there will not be lust in our flesh. James said that we are “drawn away of our own lust and enticed.” There will be enticement to commit sin!

C. The Holy Ghost says that we are not to “fulfill” the lusts of the flesh! To give in to the flesh!

1. We are not to Buckle into its Persuasion. The desires of the flesh are persuasive.

2. We are not to Bow to its Persistence. The desires of the flesh are perpetual.

2. We are not to be Brought under its Power. The desires of the flesh are powerful.

D. In these verses:

1. We find the War with the Flesh – vs. 17 – “contrary”

2. We find the Works of the Flesh – vs. 19-21 – “works of the flesh”

3. We find the Warning concerning the Flesh – vs. 21b - “shall not inherit”

E. Notice with me the promise of walking in the Spirit. “And ye shall not!” Yes, the possibility of sinfulness is still there. Yes, the pull of sinfulness is still there. But, the power of sinfulness is broken! How: through our walk in the Spirit.


1. Walking In The Spirit Involves Consciousness Of God – Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

a. Consciousness of God is not based upon Emotions. I do not necessarily feel God in me or with me. Emotions can leave one fearful and drained because we cannot see God’s presence.

b. Consciousness of God is not based upon Circumstances. There are times when I do not think that things are right nor do I like where I am in life. Circumstances can leave one confused and discouraged because we cannot see God working in the background.

c. Consciousness of God relies completely upon His Promises. He said that He would be there with me and for me. Never doubt in the dark what God said in the light!

d. Walking in the Spirit involves knowing that He is with me; He sees me; He protects me; and He cares for me. All of the time!


2. Walking In The Spirit Involves Consecration For God - Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

a. Consecration for God is Realization that I belong to God. We have been bought and paid for by the blood of Christ. We are not our own but we are His.

b. Consecration for God is Presentation of my body to God. Separation is simply giving to God what He has already paid for: our lives! We owe all that we have or ever will have to Him.

c. Consecration for God is Glorification of God – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

d. Consecration is dying to self and living for the glory of God - Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.


3. Walking In The Spirit Involves Compliance To God - 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

a. Compliance to the Holy Spirit’s Direction - John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

b. Compliance to the Holy Scripture’s Doctrine - John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.


Conclusion: Walk in the Spirit and deny the flesh. Walk in the flesh and deny the Spirit. Our Lord said that we are either for Him or against Him with no room for middle ground.