“I say then, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. These are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Galatians 5:16-18
The Holy Spirit creates faith in the hearts of believers and regenerates them, giving them a new nature that loves God and neighbor and seeks to live in accord with God’s Word. But believers still have their old sinful flesh, which lusts after and desires what God forbids instead of desiring those things God commands. And so, Paul urges believers to walk in the Spirit and follow His leading and guiding rather than yielding to the sinful desires of the flesh. And, if we are led by the Spirit, we continue to trust in Christ alone for our salvation and are free from the curse and condemnation of God’s law upon our sins and shortcomings.
Grant that I walk in Your ways, O Lord, and not yield to the sinful inclinations of my heart. Graciously keep me in the true faith that I might not be condemned by Your law. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from The Holy Bible, Modern English Version, Copyright © 2024, 2017, 2014 by United Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House. All rights reserved.]