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Galatians 5:25 - SPIRIT LIVING!TRANSLATIONSGalatians 5:25 (NIV) Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 (NRSV) If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 (NLT) Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25 (AMP) If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] INTRODUCTION God wants authority over every area of our lives, not just the "spiritual" parts. As we live by the Holy Spirit's power, we choose to submit every aspect of our lives to God: emotional, physical, social, intellectual, vocational. Paul says that because we're saved, we should live like it! The Holy Spirit is the source of your new life and provides the energy and direction for it, so keep in step with his leading. Don't fall behind or hold back anyone else. Don't let anyone else's values or standards hold you back in any area of your life. [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL Assurance Vs. Avoidance If you're tired of feeling like you need to figure out your life on your own, it's never too late to start depending on the Spirit. Through Jesus, you have all the power you need to shift from self-reliance to Spirit-reliance. This might feel overwhelming or awkward at first. It's like the first workout when you're trying to get back in shape. But stick with it and keep showing up. If you commit and start down this path, the Spirit will continue to empower you to fight the good fight. Sin ultimately tries to get you to avoid any hardships that might come against you. The closer you stay to God, the more you'll come to realize that avoidance isn't the desired outcome of the Christian life. The goal is assurance. Assurance is what turns a what if into an even if through the truth of what is. God is good. Loving. Kind. Mighty in power. He is, and because of that truth, you can have assurance no matter what comes against you. God, help me stay in step with You today. I want to live with holy assurance of Your power; show me how to make that shift here and now. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio] COMMENTARY Today's Scripture reminds us to "keep in step with the Spirit." That's a word we Christians need to hear. It's far too easy to dash off into our day and race ahead of God - or maybe lag behind when He urges us forward. There is a certain rhythm He wants us to keep - His rhythm for the day. We need to hear His whispered words of counsel before we make a snap judgment or dash off an ill-considered email. We need to sense His gentle nudge when we need a change of direction. Keeping in step with the Spirit means receiving fresh grace for every need - instead of trying to cruise on the grace He gave us for yesterday's tasks. Setting the pace is God's job. That means we need to check in with Him early in the day, confess sins and experience restored fellowship, and listen for His voice at the peak of our busy times and in the quiet moments of catching our breath. Father, I'm ashamed to remember how many times I've raced into my day, imagining that all I need from your Spirit are "a few general directions." Oh, I need so much more. Keeping in step with You means slowing down to listen when You speak - and moving forward with boldness when You say go. [A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada and Larry Libby] The Holy Spirit fuels spiritual living. This is where freedom resides and where fruit bearing takes place. The flesh is pre-conversion to Christ living; it is reliance on self to seek security. The Spirit is post-conversion to Christ living; it is reliance on God to secure earthly and eternal security. The Spirit and the flesh conflict, but the flesh has been put to death by faith and the Spirit has come alive. Spiritual living submits to Christ. Spiritual living thrives as we surrender daily to Jesus. The way we became a Christian - by grace through faith - is the same way we continue as a Christian. Yet, the flesh tries to flaunt its old habits as teasers to entice us not to trust God. But we know better - it's better not to boast in the flesh, but be humbled by the Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit we are empowered to bear the fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit brings wisdom when we consider ways that are unwise. The Spirit brings conviction when we begin to drift from our convictions. The Spirit brings comfort when we struggle with discomfort. The Holy Spirit is heaven's secret to spiritual living. "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Galatians 5:16 [Wisdom Hunters Devotional] ILLUSTRATION For years my wife has walked behind me. Not because I want her to or asked her to but simply because my legs are longer than hers. We'll be walking along, talking, and then after a bit she'll drift a half-step behind me, and I assume she's slowing down to help one of our kids if they're with us or to catch her breath. By the time I notice she's not there anymore, I'm a considerable distance away. I've learned to slow down and to be more deliberate about walking alongside her. Maybe you've had this problem with your spouse or another friend. If you've ever had a running buddy or a group you go hiking with, you know it can be tough to find a pace that fits everyone's body size and fitness level. But it's definitely more fun and more relational (and my wife might say more respectful) to keep stride with the people you care most about. After all, that's the whole point of going someplace together, right? Fortunately, God's Spirit allows us to catch up to him when we fall behind, stumble and grumble, or lose our focus. We can relax knowing that God waits on us and allows us to get in sync with his timing. Today stay in step with God, trusting him for your relational rhythm. Lord, help me keep pace with you today, not rushing ahead or lingering behind. Thank you for staying with me each step of the way. [Daily Power by Craig Groeschel] AI COMMENTARY Living by the Spirit, according to Romans 8, Galatians 5, and Colossians 2, is summarized as abandoning self-reliant legalism to walk in daily dependence on the Holy Spirit. This involves setting one's mind on spiritual things, putting to death sinful habits, and bearing fruit (love, joy, peace) by following Christ's lead rather than selfish desires. Key Principles for Living by the Spirit: o Set Your Mind on the Spirit (Romans 8:5): Focus on spiritual realities, eternal things, and God's desires rather than the fleshly, earthly nature. o Walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16): Actively follow the Spirit's guidance and power, which frees you from being controlled by sinful passions. o Put to Death the Deeds of the Body (Romans 8:13): Actively resist and abandon sinful habits and "old self" behaviors. o Abide in Christ (Colossians 2:6-7): Establish and build your life upon faith in Jesus, rooted and built up in Him rather than human traditions. o Yield to the Spirit's Control: Surrender to the Spirit's influence, allowing Him to produce fruit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. o Focus on Identity as Children of God (Romans 8:14-16): Live with the assurance of adoption, allowing the Spirit to bear witness that you are God's children, not in fear of bondage. This lifestyle represents a shift from trying to fulfill the law through human effort to having the law's requirements met in you by the Spirit. LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Romans 8:6 - HOLY SPIRIT LIVING!!! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250711-0411.html Galatians 5:16 - Live by the Spirit. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221002-0835.html Galatians 5:25 - SPIRIT LIVING! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190120-1238.html Colossians 2:6, 7 - Living In Christ. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20251129-0349.html 1 John 4:9 - Real Living and Eternal Life Are In A Relationship With Jesus. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221228-0921.html 2 Corinthians 3:18 - More and More Like Jesus! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250826-0203.html |