Devotional: Walk by the Spirit Galatians 5

There are various issues debated among Christians in America today. These include immigration, same sex relationships and marriage, abortion, health care, and the legalization of marijuana. In the church at Galatia there is heated debate about the Law and in particular circumcision. The Jews insist that a person cannot be a Christian unless he is circumcised according to the Law. Paul says that those who have faith in Christ have been set free from the Law. Paul says, “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Gal. 5:14, NASB). Are we supposed to ignore sin? Are we free to sin at will without any consequences?

Paul states that we are to be led by the Spirit instead of the Law. He writes, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh” (v. 16, NASB). Laws cannot change the hearts of people. God gives the Law to Israel so that they can identify what are the things that are good for them and the things that will lead to their failure. God does not give the Law to destroy the people. Instead the Law gives the people the ways of God that lead to life.

In Christ Jesus I am given the Holy Spirit. Before Christ I sinned because I could not help myself. I had a desire to sin and I had not the strength to resist the sin in my flesh. Now that I have received Christ and His Spirit I sin by choice. If I live by the Spirit my desires are changed, and I have a new lifestyle. I choose to walk by the Spirit.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your Spirit that gives me the strength and abilities to live according to your ways. Amen.