Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 1:11

Paul commanded the church then and now to “Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16. His proposition is evident that life in the Spirit guarantees true freedom from the penalty, guilt, and punishment of sin.

It was also freedom from the endless rituals of the ceremonial laws of Moses; in particular the obsolete rite of circumcision that was being imposed upon the new believers in Christ Jesus. See Galatians 5:2, 6, 12. But Paul cites the foundation from which this new freedom receives its impetus: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:26. Some Bible versions translate the last clause as “let us also be guided by the Spirit.”

The point is that God is the divine initiator who enables us to be repentant and lavishly gives us His Spirit to live in us – guiding us into this new life.

It is the Holy Spirit who establishes, or reestablishes the organic unity of “belief and behavior” in the heart and life of the follower of Jesus Christ. Believing in God as our Father and Jesus Christ as our Savior and Master must be established in our behavior and existence. This is the only way we experience salvation and the ability to daily live by the Spirit.

When we live our lives without the power, presence, and guidance of the Holy Spirit then we end up with existences that are antithetical to God’s plan and purpose. Read Paul’s description of the life without the Spirit in Galatians 5:19-21. But notice what happens when we live God’s way – by the Spirit! He brings gifts into our lives: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22, 23.

Life by the Spirit means that every day, regardless of circumstances, incidents, difficulties, challenges, victories, failures, disappointments, accidents, or triumphs, whether surrounded by good, evil, or indifferent people, whether in the church, at work, or in the family – regardless of any life scenario, we live with the acknowledgment and cognizance that we are “in Christ.” See Ephesians 1:1, 3, 4, 9, 11, 20. And He is in us: “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts.” Ephesians 3:17.

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is my heartfelt desire and request for you and me: “I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ . . . to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers.” Ephesians 1:17-18.

May we hear His voice, respond to His touch, and see His divine footprints leading us today. May our God be praised for He is so very, very good to His people.