What Does It Mean to Walk by the Spirit?

“What Does It Mean to Walk By the Spirit?”

Paul, in writing to the Galatians, found himself re-explaining the gospel of grace; that is, Christ had freed them from the requirements of the law. Why then, should they return to keeping the law so that they could become “more righteous.” That was the problem. They weren’t becoming more righteous by observing the law. Instead, they were tearing each other down by trying to (wrongfully) be put under the law again.

Galatians 5:13-15 says, “For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.” As Christians, we are not mindless robots controlled by God. He gives us freedom in our Christian lives; however, we have the opportunity to serve Him as His children by walking in His ways instead of gratifying the “desires” of our flesh. God has made a better way, and that way is walking by His Spirit.

So, what does it mean to “walk by the Spirit” and what does that look like? Paul goes on in the book of Galatians to name some “fruits” that will present themselves if we yield to the Spirit’s leading in our lives. Let’s first talk about what it means to “walk” by the Spirit, and then we will continue our series by looking individually at each fruit.

The word Paul uses here for “walk” conveys the idea of one’s conduct. In other words, do I live out my day-to-day actions by the Spirit? Colossians 2:6 says, “Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him.” Just as salvation requires a change of heart and mind, agreeing with Christ that we need Him as our Savior from our own personal sins, it also requires that same idea of submitting to Christ’s idea for what our lives should look like. We are to, as Colossians 1:10 states, “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” So, how might I live by the Spirit’s leading? I desire to please him, seek to produce a character that is like Him, and continue to know Him - all by His working within me and not my own strength.

As Romans 6:4 mentions, just as Christ Jesus was raised from the dead, we too can “walk in the newness of life.”



Abigail Zander is a wife, mom, and volunteer at Key Radio. She loves getting together for "mom's bible study" and thrifting with her friends.