Day: June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

Galatians chapter 5 verse 16: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

Verse Context

The Apostle Paul is the author of the Book of Galatians, writing to the churches in the region of Galatia (modern-day central Turkey) around A.D. 48–55. The letter combats legalism and reasserts the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, apart from the law. By chapter 5, Paul turns from theological correction to practical exhortation. He calls believers to liberty, not a liberty to sin, but to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). Verse 16 introduces the power source for Christian living: the Holy Spirit.

The word “walk” here is from the Greek peripateō (περιπατέω), meaning to conduct one’s life, to habitually live. It implies consistency and direction, not a one-time action.

The “lust of the flesh” refers to the sinful desires of our human nature; anger, pride, jealousy, lust, and all works of the flesh (see Galatians 5:19–21). But Paul declares that walking by the Spirit keeps us from fulfilling those desires.

Commentator John Stott (1921–2011, Anglican Evangelical) wrote, “Victory over the flesh is not attained by struggling but by surrendering, to the Spirit. The Christian life is not a battle we fight alone but a walk we share with God’s indwelling presence.”

Broader Context

Galatians chapter 5 focuses on the freedom believers have in Christ and the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit. Paul contrasts the works of the flesh (verses 19–21) with the fruit of the Spirit (verses 22–23). The key to living a life that honors God is not found in self-effort but in submission to the Spirit’s leading.

Paul is not calling for passive living but active dependence. Galatians 5:16 is the foundation of Spirit-filled victory. It doesn’t promise the absence of temptation, but it promises that temptation will not win when we walk in step with the Spirit.

This is a direct encouragement to every weary believer: God has made provision for you to win today. Not through your flesh, but through His Spirit.

ApplicationAppreciating God’s Greatness

This verse reveals God’s faithfulness to give us His very own Spirit so that we are never left to fight alone. It reminds us of His mercy, that He has not only saved us from sin’s penalty but is empowering us to defeat its power.

For the Believer

The battle with the flesh is daily, and at times exhausting. But Galatians 5:16 tells us the strategy: Walk in the Spirit. That means daily prayer, daily surrender, daily renewing of our mind through the Word. When we lean into His presence, the power of sin loses its grip.

Call to Action:

Today, before reacting to temptation, pause and pray. Say aloud, “Holy Spirit, I choose to walk with You.” Keep your heart open to His conviction and your will submitted to His direction.

For the Unbeliever

If you’re struggling with sin and wondering if real freedom is possible, Galatians 5:16 is God’s answer: Yes, it is, but not without the Spirit. True freedom begins when you place your faith in Jesus Christ, and He gives you the Spirit to dwell in you and lead you. You cannot win this war alone. But Christ already won it, come to Him.

Final Encouragement

No matter how heavy the battle has felt, no matter how often you’ve fallen, Galatians 5:16 is a fresh invitation: Walk in the Spirit. You are not a slave to your past, to your anger, or to your temptation. The Spirit of God lives in you, fights for you, and empowers you. And if you walk with Him today, you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. That’s a promise.

Prayer

Father, thank You for giving us Your Spirit. We confess that our flesh is weak, but we also believe that Your Spirit is strong. Help us today to walk in step with You. Remind us to listen, to surrender, and to depend on You moment by moment. Strengthen those who feel weary. Help the one who’s been battling quietly to know that they are not alone. Empower us, Lord, to say no to the flesh and yes to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Closing

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Shalom Shalom.