Keep in Step with the Spirit 1

I was reading in Galatians a few weeks back in a different translation than I usually use. You probably know that Galatians 5, starting in verse 19, covers the deeds (or acts as the NIV has it) of the flesh. Then, it contrasts those with the fruit of the spirit in verses 22 and 23.

In this 8-part series, I will offer some thoughts on this section of scripture (Galatians 5: 19-25), beginning today with verse 25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit”. [NIV]

This scripture is interesting to me because it says that we already live by the Spirit, rather than that we should live by the Spirit. But then it warns us to keep in step with that Spirit.

I like “keep in step with” because it evokes the idea of walking along side, or walking in harmony with the Spirit by which we live.

How is it that the scripture can say we already live by the Spirit?

Ephesians 2:1-9 explains to us that we were all dead in our sins or dead because of our sins. We were the proverbial “dead men walking”. It explains that this is because we were following the spirit of Satan. But we have been saved by the grace of God. [See Acts 8:15-19]

And at baptism, through the laying on of hands, we receive the Holy Spirit, which gives us new life. Real life. Eternal life. Life that counts.

John 6:63 [NIV] “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you--they are full of the Spirit and life.”

We are then living in the Spirit because the Spirit has given us life.

So, what is the risk if we fall out of step with the Spirit and don’t make our way back? Hebrews 6:4-6 [NKJV] 4 For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put [Him] to an open shame.

So, sweet sisters, just as we know a tree by what it produces, we can know if we are in step with the Spirit by what we produce. [See Matthew 7:16-20]

In the coming blogs I’ll dive into what the Spirit in us produces. Understanding that “good works” are important, we will see that what the Spirit produces in us are not deeds, but character. [See James 2 for the importance of good works]

John 6:63 [NIV] “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you--they are full of the Spirit and life.”

I hope you will join me on this journey – a journey of walking in step with the Spirit in us.

I welcome your comments and questions. You can write me in the comments section or any time at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org