Today’s Daily Bible Verse: Overcome the Flesh with the Spirit

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

If you’ve found these daily verses encouraging, enlightening, or fruitful, please consider helping us spread the truth and light of God’s Word by subscribing to the blog and YouTube channels and liking and following the Facebook page. Most of all, share Believers of Biblical Truth and our links with others who may need the sermons and daily teachings just as much as we do.

You are loved—so much in fact, that we want you to know and be Believers of Biblical Truth.

Shalom Shalom.

Discover more from Believers of Biblical Truth

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Published by

Unknown's avatar

Believers of Biblical Truth

At Believers of Biblical Truth, we are wholly committed to preaching the unfiltered, uncompromised truth of God’s Word. Our ministry, firmly grounded in scripture, relies on the guidance of the Holy Spirit—not the influences of a sinful world. As we present the Bible’s teachings, we do so in the spirit of 2 Timothy 3:16, which reminds us that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Through each message, we seek to present the truth in a way that is faithful to God’s inerrant Word and pleasing in His sight, guided by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, as instructed in John 16:13: “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” Our sermons are not designed to entertain or tickle ears; they are solemn presentations of God’s direction and commands for our lives. In today’s world, where truth is often distorted to fit human desires, we emphasize reliance on the Holy Spirit and scripture alone. We heed the warnings of Ephesians 6:11-12 to “put on the whole armour of God,” that we may “stand against the wiles of the devil,” choosing to remain steadfastly in the Word, rejecting Satan’s deception, and grounding ourselves in God’s eternal truth. We believe in using scriptural authority to address life’s toughest issues, with an unwavering dedication to God’s truth. Each sermon is followed by a round-table discussion where our dedicated team addresses questions with the utmost care, ensuring that every answer reflects God’s wisdom. We invite all who are seeking clarity to email us at thebbt2021@gmail.com, where questions are welcomed, encouraged, and answered thoughtfully by our team. This ministry is a place for growth, correction, and alignment with God’s Word, as we strive to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) by spreading the gospel boldly. We recognize the Bible’s call not to engage in foolish arguments but rather to focus on edifying one another and upholding the truth. As 2 Timothy 2:23-24 counsels, we are to “avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they do gender strifes,” and to serve as “the servant of the Lord,” who “must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.” The Bible’s truths are absolute, not subject to human desires or interpretations. We stand by the conviction that “truth is not hate,” even if it brings discomfort. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,” and we believe that its power should be wielded in love to draw others to the cross, not as a weapon of condemnation but as an invitation to eternal life in Jesus Christ. In a world often at odds with the gospel, we are compelled to preach the unchangeable truth, recognizing that the only relationship of lasting value is our relationship with Jesus Christ. Our virtual church is enriched by the insights of great theologians who have profoundly influenced Christian thought, including Calvin, Wesley, Gill, Henry, Luther, Edwards, Ellicott, Spurgeon, Baucham, Grudem, Barnes, Clarke, Benson, MacArthur, Graham, N.T. Wright, Keener, Fee, Bruce, McKnight, deSilva, and Sproul, along with others who have faithfully articulated the gospel. Though we rely on these wise voices, our foundation remains the Bible itself, and we uphold the teachings of those who reinforce its truths. Stay connected with Believers of Biblical Truth for regular teachings and discussions: Facebook: facebook.com/believersofbiblicaltruth Blog: fromthecrosstothechristian.wordpress.com At Believers of Biblical Truth, we are here to spread the gospel with clarity, conviction, and reverence. Prepare to be challenged by God’s Word as we seek to “walk in truth” (3 John 1:4) and draw closer to Christ in spirit and in truth.

I praise God for letting me hear what you think!!