Walking in the Spirit
Gal 5:16-18
Gal5-4TAB.USE.wpd June 05, 2011
Gal 5:16-18 NASB
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. (NAS)
Gal 5:16-18 (N KJV)
16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
(NKJV)
Introduction Topic: Holy Spirit Index: 1607
A ship was wrecked. As the sailors were making their escape in small boats, suddenly two of them sprang overboard, swam back and entered the ship. They soon reappeared with something in their hands, and swam at great risk to their boats. They had forgotten to take their compass.
As you set sail, Christian, into the great, unknown sea of the New Year, forget not to take with you God's compass, which contains sure and explicit directions, for it is his compass alone that will guide you to the safest harbors and the strongest fortified ports.
The . . Command to Walk in the Spirit.
The . . Conflict of Walking in the Spirit.
The . . Consequences of Walking in the Spirit.
1. The . . Command to Walk in the Spirit. v 16
A. The . . Ordering of this Command. v 16 a
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
1. Paul’s . . Authority. 1 Cor 14:37
37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment. (NAS)
2. Paul’s . . Acknowledgment.
a. Did they know; not to Grieve the Spirit?
Eph. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (NAS)
b. Did they know; not to Quench the Spirit?
1Thes 5:19 19 Do not quench the Spirit; (NAS)
c. Did they know; How to receive the fullness of Spirit?
Eph 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is
dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, (NAS)
B. The . . Outcome of this Command. v 16 b
“. . . ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. .”
Illustration
The first step on the way to victory is to recognize the enemy.
Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983)
The triumphant Christian does not fight for victory; he celebrates a victory already won. The victorious life is Christ's business, not yours. Reginald Wallis
Application
2. The . . Conflict of Walking in the Spirit. v 17
A. The . . Setting of the Conflict. v 17 a
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:. . . “
B. The . . Stimulus of the Conflict. v 17 b
:. . . and these are contrary the one to the other: . . . “, . . .”
C. The . . Suppressing of the Conflict. v 17 c
“. . . so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
Illustration Topic: Holy Spirit Index: 1602
Paul tells us to live victoriously and to avoid excesses of the flesh. Moody once illustrated this truth as follows: "Tell me," he said to his audience, "How can I get the air out of this glass?" One man said, "Suck it out with a pump." Moody replied, "That would create a vacuum and shatter the glass." After many impossible suggestions, Moody smiled, picked up a pitcher of water, and filled the glass. "There," he said, "all the air is now removed." He then went on to show that victory in the Christian life is not by "sucking out a sin here and there," but rather by being filled with the Spirit.
Application
3. The . . Consequences of Walking in the Spirit.
v 18
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
A. The . . Conditions of the Consequences are . . v 18 a
“. . . But if you are led by the Spirit,
B. The . . Cause of the Consequences. v 18 b
“. . . you are not under the Law.”
Illustration
If you fill a clay pot with a gallon of water and carry it on your head it will soon grow heavy. However, when you swim underwater you have many gallons of water on top of your head and the weight is not nearly as burdensome. Why the difference? The environment that you are in. When you are in an environment of air water is hard to carry. When you are in the environment of water it is easier.
So it is in the spirit. If you are in the environment of the flesh, then God's command are extremely burdensome. If you are in the environment of the Spirit they are much easier.
Application
The . . Command to Walk in the Spirit.
The . . Conflict of Walking in the Spirit.
The . . Consequences of Walking in the Spirit.