Introduction: Choices. We have daily choices. Is it going to be dominating by the flesh today….me myself & I? Or is it going to be under the control of the Holy Spirit?

This passage of Scripture lays out the “tug of war.” Which will you choose today? Anger vs Forgiveness. Pride vs humility. Jealously vs unselfishness, etc.

1. Walking in the Spirit (Gal 5:16)

“16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

The word “walk” is περιπατέw: (per-ee-pat-eh’-o), which means conduct my life, to live. This speaks of lifestyle. To walk in the Spirit means to live by the Spirit. Are you living by the Spirit? What changes need to take place in order for you to walk in the Spirit?

2. Walking in the flesh (Gal 5:17-21)

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Sounds like a modern day description. Doesn’t it? As an unconverted man, this is the lifestyle when it comes to the heart. Are there too many flesh patterns in your life?

Conclusion: It appears that even after receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we have daily choices. Feed the flesh or surrender to the Spirit. 

However, make no mistake about it, “IT PAYS to WALK in the SPIRIT”! So let’s walk in the Spirit…