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Commanded to Walk in the Spirit (v. 16)
Paul begins with a strong imperative to walk by the Spirit, meaning our lives should be consistently directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is not passive but active, like walking on a moving walkway—you move, and He carries.
Something to think about: In what practical ways can you “walk” with the Spirit in your daily routine, rather than expecting Him to carry you without movement?
The Flesh and the Spirit Are in Conflict (vv. 17–18)
The battle between the Spirit and the flesh is relentless. Even spiritual giants like Jerome couldn’t escape it. The key isn’t trying harder in the flesh but being led by the Spirit, who empowers us to fulfill God’s will, not merely follow rules.
Something to think about: Where do you most experience the tug-of-war between your flesh and the Spirit? How do you typically respond in those moments?
A Clear Contrast Between Flesh and Spirit (vv. 19–23)
Paul gives us two lists: the works of the flesh—ranging from sexual sin to jealousy and rage—and the fruit of the Spirit, a unified character bouquet like a tree bearing multiple kinds of fruit.
Something to think about: Which “work of the flesh” do you find most common in your life? Which fruit of the Spirit do you want to grow in most—and why?
Victory Comes Through the Spirit’s Power (vv. 24–25)
We are called to crucify the flesh and live by the Spirit. You can’t live until something dies—your flesh must be crucified, not managed. It’s not perfection, but direction.
Something to think about: What does it mean for you personally to “keep in step with the Spirit”? How can you better follow His lead instead of running ahead or lagging behind?
Paul begins with a strong imperative to walk by the Spirit, meaning our lives should be consistently directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is not passive but active, like walking on a moving walkway—you move, and He carries.
Something to think about: In what practical ways can you “walk” with the Spirit in your daily routine, rather than expecting Him to carry you without movement?
The Flesh and the Spirit Are in Conflict (vv. 17–18)
The battle between the Spirit and the flesh is relentless. Even spiritual giants like Jerome couldn’t escape it. The key isn’t trying harder in the flesh but being led by the Spirit, who empowers us to fulfill God’s will, not merely follow rules.
Something to think about: Where do you most experience the tug-of-war between your flesh and the Spirit? How do you typically respond in those moments?
A Clear Contrast Between Flesh and Spirit (vv. 19–23)
Paul gives us two lists: the works of the flesh—ranging from sexual sin to jealousy and rage—and the fruit of the Spirit, a unified character bouquet like a tree bearing multiple kinds of fruit.
Something to think about: Which “work of the flesh” do you find most common in your life? Which fruit of the Spirit do you want to grow in most—and why?
Victory Comes Through the Spirit’s Power (vv. 24–25)
We are called to crucify the flesh and live by the Spirit. You can’t live until something dies—your flesh must be crucified, not managed. It’s not perfection, but direction.
Something to think about: What does it mean for you personally to “keep in step with the Spirit”? How can you better follow His lead instead of running ahead or lagging behind?
Prayer Points
Walk with Purpose – Ask God to help you actively walk in the Spirit daily, not relying on feelings or circumstances but on His constant presence.
Recognize the Battle – Pray for discernment to see the spiritual conflict within you and for strength not to grow complacent in the fight against the flesh.
Cultivate the Fruit – Ask the Holy Spirit to produce real, visible fruit in your life and to help you grow where you are lacking.
Crucify the Flesh – Pray that God would help you identify specific “works of the flesh” that need to be nailed to the cross, and give you the courage to deal with them.
Follow the Spirit’s Lead – Pray for a submissive and teachable heart that responds quickly when the Spirit prompts, and stays in rhythm with His lead.
Recognize the Battle – Pray for discernment to see the spiritual conflict within you and for strength not to grow complacent in the fight against the flesh.
Cultivate the Fruit – Ask the Holy Spirit to produce real, visible fruit in your life and to help you grow where you are lacking.
Crucify the Flesh – Pray that God would help you identify specific “works of the flesh” that need to be nailed to the cross, and give you the courage to deal with them.
Follow the Spirit’s Lead – Pray for a submissive and teachable heart that responds quickly when the Spirit prompts, and stays in rhythm with His lead.