Walking by the Spirit, Not the Flesh
Scripture:
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
– Galatians 5:16 (NIV)
Devotion:
Pastor Darren reminded us of the ongoing war inside every believer: flesh versus Spirit. Paul describes them in direct opposition (Galatians 5:17). Our sinful nature wants what is easy, indulgent, selfish, impulsive. The Spirit wants what is pure, loving, patient, and pleasing to God.
Notice Paul’s instruction: “walk by the Spirit.” This is daily, step-by-step dependence, not occasional religious moments. Pastor Darren paraphrased it as letting the Holy Spirit walk in front of you, show you the way, and guide your decisions.
We often ask, “How do I stop doing what I know is wrong?” Scripture turns that question around: “How do I start walking with the Spirit?” Holiness is not just learning to say no to the flesh; it’s learning to say yes to the Spirit—again and again.
This is where the fight is real. You may feel the pull of old desires, old patterns, old lies. But as you choose—moment by moment—to submit your thoughts, choices, and reactions to the Holy Spirit, the power of the flesh begins to break.
New desires grow. What once felt impossible (forgiving, resisting temptation, loving difficult people, controlling anger) begins to be possible—because the Spirit produces in you what you could never manufacture yourself.
Reflection:
1. Where do you feel the clearest tension between what your flesh wants and what the Spirit wants?
2. What would it look like today, practically, to “let the Holy Spirit walk in front of you” in that area?
3. Pray: “Holy Spirit, I surrender this day to You. Lead my thoughts, words, and actions. Help me walk with You instead of following my flesh.”
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
– Galatians 5:16 (NIV)
Devotion:
Pastor Darren reminded us of the ongoing war inside every believer: flesh versus Spirit. Paul describes them in direct opposition (Galatians 5:17). Our sinful nature wants what is easy, indulgent, selfish, impulsive. The Spirit wants what is pure, loving, patient, and pleasing to God.
Notice Paul’s instruction: “walk by the Spirit.” This is daily, step-by-step dependence, not occasional religious moments. Pastor Darren paraphrased it as letting the Holy Spirit walk in front of you, show you the way, and guide your decisions.
We often ask, “How do I stop doing what I know is wrong?” Scripture turns that question around: “How do I start walking with the Spirit?” Holiness is not just learning to say no to the flesh; it’s learning to say yes to the Spirit—again and again.
This is where the fight is real. You may feel the pull of old desires, old patterns, old lies. But as you choose—moment by moment—to submit your thoughts, choices, and reactions to the Holy Spirit, the power of the flesh begins to break.
New desires grow. What once felt impossible (forgiving, resisting temptation, loving difficult people, controlling anger) begins to be possible—because the Spirit produces in you what you could never manufacture yourself.
Reflection:
1. Where do you feel the clearest tension between what your flesh wants and what the Spirit wants?
2. What would it look like today, practically, to “let the Holy Spirit walk in front of you” in that area?
3. Pray: “Holy Spirit, I surrender this day to You. Lead my thoughts, words, and actions. Help me walk with You instead of following my flesh.”