Text: Galatians 5:16–18 (NKJV)
“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; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” – Galatians 5:16–18 (NKJV)
Introduction
Our Lenten theme, “Grace and Truth” (John 1:16–17), reminds us that grace is not only a gift to receive but a life to live. Day 19 calls us into a deeper experience of that grace—living by the Spirit of Grace.
Grace is not passive. It is dynamic. It is the enabling power of God that transforms our daily walk. To live by the Spirit of grace is to allow the Holy Spirit to govern our thoughts, choices, desires, and conduct.
1. Walking in the Spirit Is a Daily Lifestyle
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit…” (v.16)
To “walk” speaks of continuous movement. It is not a one-time spiritual experience but a daily, consistent lifestyle.
The Spirit of grace does not push us occasionally; He leads us continually.
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Romans 8:1 (NKJV) – “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
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2 Corinthians 3:17–18 (NKJV) – “…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty… we are being transformed… by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Living by the Spirit of grace means surrendering control. It means choosing obedience even when the flesh protests.
2. The Conflict Between Flesh and Spirit
“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit…” (v.17)
There is a real and ongoing battle within every believer. The flesh represents our sinful nature, self-will, pride, and carnal desires. The Spirit represents God’s will, holiness, and truth.
Grace does not remove the battle—but it empowers us to win it.
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James 4:5–6 (NKJV) – “…The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously… But He gives more grace.”
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Romans 8:13 (NKJV) – “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
The Spirit of grace strengthens us to say “no” to sin and “yes” to righteousness.
3. Being Led by the Spirit Brings Freedom
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (v.18)
The law exposes sin but cannot empower righteousness. Grace, through the Spirit, does both—it reveals truth and enables obedience.
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John 1:17 (NKJV) – “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
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2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
When we are led by the Spirit of grace:
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We are not bound by guilt.
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We are not driven by fear.
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We are not controlled by the flesh.
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We are empowered to live victoriously.
4. Evidence of Living by the Spirit
Though our focus is verses 16–18, the continuation in Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV) reminds us of the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Grace is visible.
Grace produces fruit.
Grace changes character.
A life led by the Spirit reflects Christ.
Pastor Ebenezer Adeyinka Daramola
Prayer Points:
- Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to us in Jesus’ name. (John.14:16).
- Gracious Father, we praise You for putting Your Spirit in us and moving us to walk in Your statues, keeping Your ordinances and doing them in Jesus’ name. (Ezekiel 36:27).
- Holy Spirit, empower us to live according to God’s will and resist sinful desires in Jesus’ name. (James 4:7).
- Merciful Father, grant us the boldness to come to the throne of grace and let us receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need in Jesus’ name. (Hebrews 4:16).
- We belong to Christ Jesus that crucified the flesh with its passions and desires in Jesus’ name. (Galatians 5:24).
- We receive with thanksgiving the grace to live by faith in Christ in Jesus’ name. (Habakkuk 2:4).
- We receive with thanksgiving the grace to live by the Spirit and not by flesh in Jesus’ name. (Romans 8:4).
- Lord, let the transformative power of the Holy Spirit prevent us from the fulfilment of sinful desires in Jesus’ name. (Galatians 5:16).
- Lord, grant us the grace to remain in You and You remain in us in Jesus’ name. (John 15:4).
- Holy Spirit, sanctify and transform us into the likeness of Christ in Jesus’ name. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
- Holy Spirit, empower us to overcome the flesh, as promised in Romans 8:13 in Jesus’ name. (Romans 8:13).
- Holy Spirit, empower us to actively produce the fruit of the Spirit as listed in Your word in Jesus’ name. (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Gracious Father, let the Spirit of truth guide us into all truth in Jesus’ name. (John 16:13).
- Heavenly Father, let the grace of the Lord Jesus be with us in Jesus’ name. (Revelation 22:21).
- Gracious Father, we thank You for answering our prayers and the testimonies that will follow in Jesus’ name. (Proverbs 12:17).
