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Day 117: Walking in the Spirit (Bonus Lesson 18)

 From the Old Testament to the New, many scriptures discuss how we should walk as children of God. Walking is often used as a metaphor for living. One such popular Old Testament scripture is Psalm 1. Verse 1 says:

 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful

It then goes on to say how this blessed man lives his life.

Our text today is Galatians 5:16:

 ...Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 

Let's get into it.

To walk in the Spirit is to defer to the Spirit every day. It is to allow the Holy Spirit to influence our decisions, actions and words. It is the only way we will not fulfil the lust of the flesh. It is the only way we can conquer the works of the flesh. These are the little foxes that destroy our fruit as branches of the Lord's vine.

Walking in the Spirit is not difficult, but it takes determination and continuous surrender. Relinquishing control over our actions and words. It is a daily, moment-by-moment partnership with the Holy Spirit. It's letting God and only God dictate everything we do.

Philippians 2:11&12 (New Living Translation) describes this partnership perfectly:

 ...Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. 

God by the Holy Spirit puts the desire in us and grants us grace (power), but we must act on the desire and use the power provided. 

How can we follow and walk in the Spirit?

Many scriptures in the Epistles describe how believers should walk/live. However, in Eplesians 4 - 6:8 , Paul deals extensively with how we should conduct our lives in the Spirit. Let's highlight just a part of it. Ephesians 5:15-21 (Common English Bible) says:

 So be careful to live your life wisely, not foolishly. Take advantage of every opportunity because these are evil times. Because of this, don’t be ignorant, but understand the Lord’s will. Don’t get drunk on wine, which produces depravity. Instead, be filled with the Spirit in the following ways: speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; sing and make music to the Lord in your hearts; always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; and submit to each other out of respect for Christ. 

In the above scripture we can see basic principles of a life in the Spirit:

1. Effective time use: We must spend our time doing activities that edifying ourselves and others, not being carried away by the pleasures of the world.

2. Knowing the will of the Lord: Romans 12:2 tells us this comes by renewing the mind.

3. By using our speech correctly, we are continuously filled with the Holy Spirit:

  • Ephesians 4:29-30 says corrupt communication grieves the Holy Spirit. Instead, according to Colossians 4:6 our speech must be full of grace and give glory to God.
  • Our speech must be full of thanksgiving to God, just as Ephesians 5:4 says our speech must be full of thanksgiving.

4. Making melody in our hearts at all times: this means our hearts must be set on the Lord at all times. Not the cares, worries, or disappointments of the world. What we set our minds on determines our speech and behavior. Whatever the situation, our thanksgiving must go up to God continually.

5. Submit to each other. Phillipians 2:3 says to esteem others better than ourselves. To honor every man as the image of God that they are not striving to get our own way.

These are not just principles to follow. They are also signs of an effective walk in the Spirit. Every guidance and leading of God's Spirit will find expression in one of these principles.

Finally, the Holy Spirit nudges and guides us but we miss it. We miss it because His voice is still and small. It can be easily mistaken for our thoughts. We miss it because He grants us insights as perceptions of the mind. 

We must make a habit of spending extended time in prayer and the word constantly. The Holy Spirit is God's presence and the author of the scriptures. We will recognize His voice better and hear Him clearer as we make a habit of these. 

PRAY WITH ME:

Dear Lord, help me recognize and follow the Holy Spirit's leading at all times. Help me to live by the above principles that my life may bear the fruits of unconditional love that gives glory to you. Amen.

REFLECT & ACT:

  • Using these principles, evaluate how effectively you're walking in the Spirit.
  • Read Ephesians 4 - 6:8 and note the guidelines for walking in the Spirit.

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