by Jerry Senn
“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. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Galatians 5:16-18, ESV).
Here Paul sets the Holy Spirit and our sinful flesh at odds with one another. This is a lifelong “tug-of-war” and a dynamic challenge to every born again believer in Jesus’ work of salvation within our hearts.
Therefore, following the Spirit, which is our guarantee of salvation, means more than presenting our baptismal certificate, or our perfect attendance report, or even our record of Bible reading, at the gate of heaven.
Walking in the Spirit involves a daily and hourly process of internal listening and submitting to the Spirit rather than to fleshly choices. It involves time and intense exertion—God working within us (Phil 2:12,13.)
Paul isn’t striking a blow against the exercise of natural desires. God created these to enhance and enrich our lives and relationships. But he is acutely aware of the danger of allowing God’s Spirit to be ignored, neglected or grieved. (Eph 4:30.)
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of rage, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, … that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).
Paul is very, very clear at this point: The misuse of our fleshly desires can have an eternal consequence. However, if we think he’s expecting anyone, including himself, to live under the Spirit’s influence at all times, this he is NOT saying! But by allowing the Spirit to control us we’re guided upward rather than downward—seeking to either please Him not ourselves.
No one has achieved perfection, except our Lord! No! … not one!
However, Paul consoles us with this remark, “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law” (5:18). In Christ we live in a state of grace, free of condemnation. (Romans 8:1). But, our freedom in Christ is meant to incentivise believers to strive to follow in Christ’s righteous steps. We put forth every effort to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18.) That’s what “keeping up with the Spirit” is about!
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh” (Galatians 5:13).
Wm Hendriksen illustrates the process well:
“It takes the tender leaves of early springtime to rid the oak tree of the remnants of last autumn’s withered foliage. It is only the living that can expel the dead. It is only the good that can push out the bad.”
The “law” only condemns.
But Paul reminds:
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Gal 5:1).