walk by the Spirit

[NewCreation435]

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18, NIV


The command here in verse 16 is to "walk in the Spirit". The word "walk" is the transliterated word peripateo which is defined as to walk, to make one's way, to regulate one's life, to conduct one's self, to pass one's life. It at least implies personal decision to submit to the will of God, so that the person doesn't carry out the desires of the flesh. Paul then goes on to say that the flesh and Spirit are at war with each other. So, there is conflict in the believer's life between Spirit and flesh. Paul says this in numerous places throughout scripture, particularly in places such as Romans 7:7-25.

I would submit that there is a close relationship between these verses and what it says in John 15:1-5 where it says that we are to abide in Jesus. We are told that we will be absolutely unfruitful if we do not abide in Him. Because at that point we would be operating completely in the flesh.


This seems to me to be one of the great challenges of living for the Lord in this day and age is to submit my will to His and realize that they are not always the same. I think part of this is working on staying close to the Lord and in daily communion with Him. I cannot live out my faith by my own effort alone. I have to seek His face and keep in close fellowship with Him. When my spirit wants to rebel and tell someone off or lose my temper or do something that is less than honest, I have to submit that will to His. What I also realize that as hard as I try I will always fall short and have to trust and rely on the fact that it is ultimately by grace through faith in Jesus that I am saved and not by my own effort.

 

[psalms 91]

It is key that we set aside time to pray and read and stay in close communion with the Lord, that is key to walking in the spirit and knowing His will

 

[Lamb]

The natural Adam within us fights with the Holy Spirit who is also in us but as believers we know that the Holy Spirit has plans for us to bear fruit and do good works. We fight this daily yet HE stays strong in us guiding us into truth and wisdom by His Word.

We see evidence of man fighting against what God wants throughout scripture when we see Israel constantly turning away from God and committing sins against Him. And we see Him pulling them back and doing His will.

If man is so arrogant to think he's doing something without the Holy Spirit then he's definitely got a log in his eye.

 

[NewCreation435]

I think most people under estimate their own goodness and yet the scripture says that the flesh is hostile to the things of God and cannot please God. Romans 8:7
I doubt most people would agree with that, but that is what scripture says

 

[Josiah]

I agree with the above 4 posts, to the degree that I understand the issue

 

[Michael]

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18, NIV


The command here in verse 16 is to "walk in the Spirit". The word "walk" is the transliterated word peripateo which is defined as to walk, to make one's way, to regulate one's life, to conduct one's self, to pass one's life. It at least implies personal decision to submit to the will of God, so that the person doesn't carry out the desires of the flesh. Paul then goes on to say that the flesh and Spirit are at war with each other. So, there is conflict in the believer's life between Spirit and flesh. Paul says this in numerous places throughout scripture, particularly in places such as Romans 7:7-25.

I would submit that there is a close relationship between these verses and what it says in John 15:1-5 where it says that we are to abide in Jesus. We are told that we will be absolutely unfruitful if we do not abide in Him. Because at that point we would be operating completely in the flesh.


This seems to me to be one of the great challenges of living for the Lord in this day and age is to submit my will to His and realize that they are not always the same. I think part of this is working on staying close to the Lord and in daily communion with Him. I cannot live out my faith by my own effort alone. I have to seek His face and keep in close fellowship with Him. When my spirit wants to rebel and tell someone off or lose my temper or do something that is less than honest, I have to submit that will to His. What I also realize that as hard as I try I will always fall short and have to trust and rely on the fact that it is ultimately by grace through faith in Jesus that I am saved and not by my own effort.

Friend, I absolutely agree with all you've said here... except the last statement. That is a common disclaimer that concludes many a sermon on repentance, righteousness or holy living. And sadly, it often negates everything that was previously taught, and the last thing congregants remember as they leave the building; now thinking that 'well, we can't do it anyway, but I'm ok because Jesus did it all for me.'
I pray we realize in our assemblies that there is ZERO provision in the Scripture for continued sin in those who "believe."

"Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame." - 1Cor 15:34

Admitting that we are always going to fall short is limiting what God can do in us when we allow Him, and when we indeed "walk by the Spirit" and utilize that grace He has given us, which is the ability to actually say "No" to sin in each and every opportunity. Honestly, I see such teaching as an excuse for our sins that we really don't want to let go of. And God's grace will never excuse any sin that we refuse to part from. As the writer of Hebrews plainly admonished those in the churches - "You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin." - Heb 12:4

May we never make excuse for any sin and be among the precious few who actually do strive daily to "deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Jesus", "abide in Him" (as you so wonderfully & correctly pointed out), and "walk by the Spirit."

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." - Rom 8:12-14

 

[NewCreation435]

Friend, I absolutely agree with all you've said here... except the last statement. That is a common disclaimer that concludes many a sermon on repentance, righteousness or holy living. And sadly, it often negates everything that was previously taught, and the last thing congregants remember as they leave the building; now thinking that 'well, we can't do it anyway, but I'm ok because Jesus did it all for me.'
I pray we realize in our assemblies that there is ZERO provision in the Scripture for continued sin in those who "believe."

"Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame." - 1Cor 15:34

Admitting that we are always going to fall short is limiting what God can do in us when we allow Him, and when we indeed "walk by the Spirit" and utilize that grace He has given us, which is the ability to actually say "No" to sin in each and every opportunity. Honestly, I see such teaching as an excuse for our sins that we really don't want to let go of. And God's grace will never excuse any sin that we refuse to part from. As the writer of Hebrews plainly admonished those in the churches - "You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin." - Heb 12:4

May we never make excuse for any sin and be among the precious few who actually do strive daily to "deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Jesus", "abide in Him" (as you so wonderfully & correctly pointed out), and "walk by the Spirit."

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." - Rom 8:12-14

You said you don't agree, but then agreed with me.
You are agreeing apparently that we all fall short. Which is exactly what scripture says in Romans 3:23
23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
I never excused sin nor made light of it. But, ultimately it is by faith and not works or human effort that we are saved. Scripture is clear that is it impossible to please God apart from faith. Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

 

[Michael]

You said you don't agree, but then agreed with me.
You are agreeing apparently that we all fall short. Which is exactly what scripture says in Romans 3:23
23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
I never excused sin nor made light of it. But, ultimately it is by faith and not works or human effort that we are saved. Scripture is clear that is it impossible to please God apart from faith. Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

It is a modern tradition in the church that 'we will always sin while in the world.'
I am standing against such teaching, not against you, brother. Please understand that I'm not accusing you of making excuses for sin.

The overcoming saints who will receive the promises of God in Revelation 2 & 3 are just that - "victorious", "conquerors", they have "overcome" sin and the "accuser of the brethren" can bring no accusation against them, because "he has no place in them"; not because Christ overcame for them, or imputed His righteousness to them, but because they themselves have actually "stopped sinning" as Jesus commanded us.
For me to accept that I will always "fall short" is for me to settle for far less than what God has called me to, and to admit I am already defeated and not fit for the Kingdom of God. Seriously. That is how I view things the older I get.

"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." - Rom 6:12-14

Again, that "grace" is not a substitute for repentance and obedience to God's commands, but rather His "grace" is the enablement by which we CAN "sin no more" and actually "prove ourselves to be His disciples" by our obedience to His Word.

I know none agree with me on this, but this I know... no 'sinner saved by grace' who has not actually repented, learned obedience and proved themselves worthy by their conduct, will be found among those who comprise the "wife of the Lamb", Christ's counterpart and "co-heirs" of Creation in that Day.

Jesus, Himself, had to "learn obedience" and thereby "be perfected." "And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." - Heb 5:8-9 (Notice "obey" Him, not just "believe" in Him. Very important.)

Many of His disciples "turned away and followed Him no more" when He began to preach things hard for them to accept and understand. May we always be as Peter who declared - “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)

 

[Andrew]

It is a modern tradition in the church that 'we will always sin while in the world.'
I am standing against such teaching, not against you, brother. Please understand that I'm not accusing you of making excuses for sin.

The overcoming saints who will receive the promises of God in Revelation 2 & 3 are just that - "victorious", "conquerors", they have "overcome" sin and the "accuser of the brethren" can bring no accusation against them, because "he has no place in them"; not because Christ overcame for them, or imputed His righteousness to them, but because they themselves have actually "stopped sinning" as Jesus commanded us.
For me to accept that I will always "fall short" is for me to settle for far less than what God has called me to, and to admit I am already defeated and not fit for the Kingdom of God. Seriously. That is how I view things the older I get.

"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." - Rom 6:12-14

Again, that "grace" is not a substitute for repentance and obedience to God's commands, but rather His "grace" is the enablement by which we CAN "sin no more" and actually "prove ourselves to be His disciples" by our obedience to His Word.

I know none agree with me on this, but this I know... no 'sinner saved by grace' who has not actually repented, learned obedience and proved themselves worthy by their conduct, will be found among those who comprise the "wife of the Lamb", Christ's counterpart and "co-heirs" of Creation in that Day.

Jesus, Himself, had to "learn obedience" and thereby "be perfected." "And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." - Heb 5:8-9 (Notice "obey" Him, not just "believe" in Him. Very important.)

Many of His disciples "turned away and followed Him no more" when He began to preach things hard for them to accept and understand. May we always be as Peter who declared - “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)

Be ye doers in your Walk with God

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. James 1:21-25

 

[pinacled]

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18, NIV


The command here in verse 16 is to "walk in the Spirit". The word "walk" is the transliterated word peripateo which is defined as to walk, to make one's way, to regulate one's life, to conduct one's self, to pass one's life. It at least implies personal decision to submit to the will of God, so that the person doesn't carry out the desires of the flesh. Paul then goes on to say that the flesh and Spirit are at war with each other. So, there is conflict in the believer's life between Spirit and flesh. Paul says this in numerous places throughout scripture, particularly in places such as Romans 7:7-25.

I would submit that there is a close relationship between these verses and what it says in John 15:1-5 where it says that we are to abide in Jesus. We are told that we will be absolutely unfruitful if we do not abide in Him. Because at that point we would be operating completely in the flesh.


This seems to me to be one of the great challenges of living for the Lord in this day and age is to submit my will to His and realize that they are not always the same. I think part of this is working on staying close to the Lord and in daily communion with Him. I cannot live out my faith by my own effort alone. I have to seek His face and keep in close fellowship with Him. When my spirit wants to rebel and tell someone off or lose my temper or do something that is less than honest, I have to submit that will to His. What I also realize that as hard as I try I will always fall short and have to trust and rely on the fact that it is ultimately by grace through faith in Jesus that I am saved and not by my own effort.

Keen eyes upon a certain Shabbat with a pure heart reveals Truth.

Blessings Always

 

[psalms 91]

High holy days coming up for the Jewish. Rosh hashannah dtarts tomorrow night at sundown and the Days of QAwe are upon us leading up to it when the windows of heaven are open according to what they believe and then Yom Kippar. A Holy time of the year

 

[NewCreation435]

It is a modern tradition in the church that 'we will always sin while in the world.'
I am standing against such teaching, not against you, brother. Please understand that I'm not accusing you of making excuses for sin.

The overcoming saints who will receive the promises of God in Revelation 2 & 3 are just that - "victorious", "conquerors", they have "overcome" sin and the "accuser of the brethren" can bring no accusation against them, because "he has no place in them"; not because Christ overcame for them, or imputed His righteousness to them, but because they themselves have actually "stopped sinning" as Jesus commanded us.
For me to accept that I will always "fall short" is for me to settle for far less than what God has called me to, and to admit I am already defeated and not fit for the Kingdom of God. Seriously. That is how I view things the older I get.

"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." - Rom 6:12-14

Again, that "grace" is not a substitute for repentance and obedience to God's commands, but rather His "grace" is the enablement by which we CAN "sin no more" and actually "prove ourselves to be His disciples" by our obedience to His Word.

I know none agree with me on this, but this I know... no 'sinner saved by grace' who has not actually repented, learned obedience and proved themselves worthy by their conduct, will be found among those who comprise the "wife of the Lamb", Christ's counterpart and "co-heirs" of Creation in that Day.

Jesus, Himself, had to "learn obedience" and thereby "be perfected." "And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." - Heb 5:8-9 (Notice "obey" Him, not just "believe" in Him. Very important.)

Many of His disciples "turned away and followed Him no more" when He began to preach things hard for them to accept and understand. May we always be as Peter who declared - “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)

I think then you may be underestimating how strong that battle between flesh and Spirit is and perhaps how fall short we fall by our own efforts. It isn't that my flesh wants to follow God and doesn't know how. Scriptures says that it is "hostile" to the things of God.

Romans 7:17-20
17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.