Walking in the Spirit

Galatians 5:25 ‘If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.’

Throughout the Bible Christians are instructed to walk in the Spirit if they expect to be able to overcome temptation and be profitable servants of the Lord. This verse implies that living in the Spirit is a precondition to walking in the Spirit. When Christians are born again into the family of God, they are spiritual babes who need time and nurturing to become mature in the faith. Only those who grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord will be found to be living in the Spirit, and thereby equipped to walk in the Spirit. What are the signs of a Christian who is walking in the Spirit? Briefly, walking in the Spirit is living out all aspects of the Christian life in a manner that is pleasing to God. As a common saying put it we are to ‘walk the walk as well as we talk the talk.’ If we are walking in the Spirit we will be exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit which are listed in Galatians 5:22,23 as ‘love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness and temperance.’

Walking in the Spirit also infers that we are making progress, or moving towards a goal. Our primary goal should be that our actions and behaviour become more Christlike as time goes by. As with any journey we have to set our course, and persevere in doing the things that will enable us to reach our destination. To become more like our Saviour we have to exercise our faith, both in overcoming temptation, and by practising obedience to the will of God in fulfilling His plan and purpose for our lives. Just as physical walking is a means of improving our health, walking in the Spirit will have beneficial effects in maintaining a close relationship with God, as well as enabling the development of a fruitful and profitable ministry.

What are the key activities involved in ‘walking in the Spirit?’
Why is such a spiritual walk necessary?
What are the consequences of not ‘walking in the Spirit?’