Galatians (Part 15)

Written By Seth Seneca

Walk by the Spirit, Not the Flesh

Text: Galatians 5:16–21 • Series: Galatians (Week 15)

Big Idea

Paul gives a command, not a suggestion: “Walk by the Spirit.” When we choose the Spirit step-by-step, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. This is profoundly hopeful—freedom is possible, not by rule-keeping, but by the Spirit’s power.

Opening Notes & Context

  • Life Groups have launched—community is essential for walking in the Spirit.

  • Worship reminded us of God’s faithfulness (Lamentations). Someone needed to hear that today: you are not beyond God’s goodness.

  • Audience: Paul is addressing believers. Non-believers are invited to see what life in Christ looks like.

Command #1: “Walk by the Spirit” (v.16)

  • Imperative mood (command): Like Jesus’ “Go and make disciples.” Not optional; it’s the normal Christian life.

  • Daily lifestyle: Not a one-time decision; it’s hourly, moment-by-moment.

  • Promise attached: “You will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” God ties promises to obedience.

Why this matters

  • Many treat “walk” and “go” as suggestions; Scripture presents them as authoritative commands from a good Father.

Father Language: How Good Fathers Speak

God, as perfect Father, gives loving imperatives that form family culture:

  • Love one another.

  • Rejoice always.

  • Pray without ceasing (i.e., keep talking to Me).

  • Give thanks in all circumstances.

  • Be filled with the Spirit.

Gospel Tension: False gospel = “I do so the Father will love me.”
True gospel = “I am loved, therefore I obey.”

Practicing a Spirit-Led Life (How-To)

  1. Stay in the Word. Wash your mind daily—read or listen; wrestle with what God says.

  2. Pray continually. Invite the Spirit into decisions and conversations; relationship, not ritual.

  3. First-time obedience. Stop negotiating. When the Spirit nudges: “Yes, Lord.”

  4. Worship as a lifestyle. Song, giving, conversation—worship shifts you from flesh to Spirit.

  5. Stay in community. Sunday, Life Groups, discipleship. The Spirit works through other believers.

The Inner Conflict (vv.17–18)

  • Flesh vs. Spirit are opposed within us.

  • The core question beneath every temptation: “Who gets to be God—me or God?”

  • Genesis 3 shows the pattern: choosing self-rule over God’s rule.

  • Walking by the Spirit reverses the garden’s curse—trusting God’s goodness and authority.

Law vs. Spirit:
The law tells you what to do but can’t empower you.
The Spirit changes your heart and gives power to obey.

The Works of the Flesh Are “Evident” (v.19–21)

Paul groups them to show how sin seeps into every part of life:

1) Sexual Sins

  • Sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality

  • Misusing God’s gift for self-pleasure rather than covenant love.

  • Grace is real—no condemnation in Christ—but purity belongs to Spirit-led living.

2) Religious Sins

  • Idolatry, sorcery

  • Replacing God with counterfeits: power, money, addictions, or spiritual substitutes.

3) Relational Sins

  • Enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy

  • Broken relationships are one of the clearest signs we’re walking in the flesh.

  • Gospel logic: Forgiven people become forgiving people. Healthy, Spirit-filled relationships are a living apologetic for the gospel.

4) Self-Indulgence

  • Drunkenness, orgies, “and things like these”

  • Unrestrained living that ignores God’s boundaries.

Paul’s point: The flesh can’t hide. Its fruit becomes obvious over time.

Hope for Strugglers

  • Even Paul (Rom. 7:15) felt the inner war. You’re not alone.

  • God’s promise stands: Walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the flesh.

  • If you’re on your 10,798th fall, today can still be Day 1 of Spirit-led steps.

Next Week Preview

Galatians 5:22–24 — The Fruit of the Spirit: what Spirit-led character tastes like in a church family.

Response & Communion

  • Today is the day of salvation. Bring your sin, shame, and striving to the cross.

  • Communion:

    • The bread—Christ’s body broken for you.

    • The cup—His blood that washes you clean.

  • Practically, communion is a weekly picture of leaving it at the cross and walking out new.

Reflection & Discussion

  • Where am I treating God’s commands as suggestions?

  • Which of the five practices do I need to re-start today?

  • Is there a relationship I need to address as a Spirit-led step of repentance/forgiveness?

  • What promise from Galatians 5:16 can I pray over my most stubborn struggle this week?

This Week’s Prayer

Father, thank You that in Christ I am loved. Holy Spirit, teach me to walk with You today—moment by moment. Give me first-time obedience, restore my relationships, and produce Your fruit in me. I renounce self-rule and trust Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Seth Seneca
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The price for your Faith