THE GLORY OF GOD ( PART 53 )
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3351
THE GLORY OF GOD ( PART 53 )
From Glory to Glory ( Study 32 )
Walking By The Spirit #2
Galatians 5 examines the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer
The context is freedom from the Law of Moses (Galatians 5:1). Those who walk in the Spirit “eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope” (verse 5) and are free from the Law (verse 18). Also, those who walk in the Spirit “will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (verse 16).
The flesh—our fallen nature under the power of sin—is in direct conflict with the Spirit (verse 17). When the flesh is in charge, the results are obvious (verses 19–21). But when the Spirit is in control, He produces godly qualities within us, apart from the strictures of the Law (verses 22–23). Believers “have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (verse 24), and now we walk in the Spirit (verse 25).
Galatians 5 then proceeds to teach us how to walk in the spirit by using the metaphor of fruit-bearing.
Those who walk in the Spirit are united with Him and the bearers of the fruit the Spirit produces:
1. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in LOVE—they live in love for God and for their fellow man.
2. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in JOY—they exhibit gladness in what God has done, is doing, and will do.
3. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in PEACE—they live worry-free and refuse anxiety (Philippians 4:6).
4. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in PATIENCE—they are known for having a “long fuse” and do not lose their temper.
5. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in KINDNESS—they show tender concern for the needs of others.
6. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in GOODNESS—their actions reflect virtue and holiness.
7. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in FAITHFULNESS—they are steadfast in their trust of God and His Word.
8. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in GENTLENESS—their lives are characterized by humility, grace, and thankfulness to God.
9. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in SELF-CONTROL—they display moderation, constraint, and the ability to say “no” to the flesh.
Abba Father, believers who walk their talk are truly the spiritually mature ones. They bear the Fruit of the Spirit by manifesting the aforesaid 9 traits in their character. They are the ones who truly conform to the image of Christ in their lives.
