Living By The Holy Spirit
In the last few verses of Galatians 5, the Apostle Paul gave us some great tangible instructions. He emphasized what living by the Holy Spirit looks like. The chapter finishes with the following 2 verses.
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. Galatians 5:25-26
Leading up to those 2 verses Paul encouraged all believers to allow the Holy Spirit to guide their lives. He also stated the reason why.
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. Galatians 5:16-17
He went on to list 15 sins, plus others like them. We involve ourselves in them when we follow the desires of our sinful nature. People living in sin often consider their actions acceptable and self-serving. But those sins also determine our eternal futures.
Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:21
The next verse describes our quality of life when living by the Holy Spirit. We call it the Fruit of the Spirit.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians5:22-23
A Final Warning
I find it interesting that after Paul kind of pats everyone on the back. Saying now that you are living by the Holy Spirit, here is a final warning.
He mentioned 3 things we should be aware of. They are 3 things the enemy can throw our way that can undermine our Christian walk. The first is aimed at how we view ourselves.
Let us not become conceited. Jesus used an illustration of the vine in John 15. He said, He is the vine and we are the branches. Then He made a very important statement, He said without Him we are nothing.
Let us not provoke one another. When we provoke someone we do or say something to aggravate that person to anger. Something is purposely done to press their buttons. Provoking swings far from loving.
Let us not be jealous of one another. Jealousy happens because of envy. The jealous person views how God has blessed someone else selfishly and enviously. It is the direct opposite of how God wants His family to function.
Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Romans 15:7
Living by the Holy Spirit is the best way
When you’re living by the Holy Spirit don’t let the enemy undermine you with conceit, a provoking attitude, or jealousy. Let the Fruit of the Spirit grow in your life, it is led by love.
Lord, guard our hearts and minds. Because we want to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit when living every part of our lives.
Check out these other related Post on living by the Holy Spirit.
- God Will Pour His Holy Spirit Upon All People
- How To Fulfill God’s Purpose For Your Life
- How To Let The Holy Spirit Lead Your Life
- The Holy Spirit Will Guide You In This Life
Take time to read all of Galatians 5.
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