Living by the Spirit
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25
Under the Old Covenant, the children of Israel had to learn to abide by the Law in their own strength. But they could not do it, and neither can we. “The law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian” (Galatians 3:24-25). As children of God, we are under the New Covenant of grace, and we live by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. However, the old nature/flesh still wants to have its way. “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh” (5:17). They are in opposition because the flesh operates independently of God, while the operation of the Holy Spirit is always dependent on God the Father.
How do we live by the Spirit? If we answered that question by giving three steps and a formula, it would put us back under the law. The Holy Spirit is a “He,” not an “it.” Living by the Spirit is a relational concept, not a formula. Actually, this passage in Galatians 5 tells us more what living by the Spirit is not, but that is extremely helpful, because it gives us the parameters in which we freely live.
First, living by the Spirit is not legalism. “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (verse 18). “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. . . . If you let yourselves be circumcised [for religious purposes], Christ will be of no value to you at all” (verses 1-2). In other words, “Don’t go back under the law.”
Second, living by the Spirit is not license. Paul tells us, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh” (verse 13). In other words, living by the Spirit does not enable us to do whatever we want to do (see verse 17). The Holy Spirit enables us to do God’s will. So, if living by the Spirit is neither legalism nor license, what is it? It is liberty. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Living by the Spirit is the only means by which we overcome the power of the flesh. “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Galatians 5:16). If we have a choice as to whether we live by the Spirit or by the sinful nature, how can we know which we are choosing? What do our lives reveal? “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like” (verses 19-21).
However, the fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (verses 22-23). Notice the contrast between deeds and fruit. Only the latter is a living spiritual principle.
questions to consider
Why is the flesh in opposition to the Spirit?
How is living by the Spirit neither legalism or license?
How does the Holy Spirit bring freedom?
How can you know whether you are living by the flesh or living by the Spirit?
What part of your old nature/flesh do you find most difficult to give up?
Neil T. Anderson is the founder of Freedom in Christ Ministries. He began the ministry in 1989 and continues to spread the message of freedom to this day.