WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WALK IN THE SPIRIT?
Paul tells us that, if we walk in the Spirit we
shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. And he makes it plain that he is not
telling us that we should be seeking some sort of a "deeper life
experience". Walking in the Spirit, according to the Apostle Paul, is the
most practical thing in the world. To walk in the Spirit is to be motivated in
life by the Spirit of adoption, faith and love, rather than by legal fear.
"If ye be led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law" (Gal. 5:18). Just as an intoxicated man is under the
control of wine, the child of God is to be under the control of the Holy Spirit
(Eph. 5:18). If you and I are led by
the Spirit of Christ and under his influence, there are three things which will
mark our lives. These are not the works of the flesh. They are not things
produced by us. Rather, they are the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
1. JOY IN OUR OWN HEARTS - "Speaking to yourselves in
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart
to the Lord" (Eph. 5:19). Being united to Christ by faith, through
the operation of the Spirit of God, the children of God have joy. We rejoice in
the Lord. We rejoice in what he has done for us. And we rejoice in what he is
doing in the world around us. Our songs of praise are but outward expressions
of inward joy.
2. THANKSGIVING TOWARD GOD - "Giving thanks always for all
things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph.
5:20). Those who are born of God live by faith
and not by sight. This faith, which is the fruit of the Spirit, gives us
confidence in God's power, providence, and promises. We therefore give thanks
for all things, knowing that God has promised and will accomplish nothing but
good for them who are in Christ.
3. HUMILATION BEFORE OUR FELLOWMAN - "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God"
(Eph. 5:21). The
true believer is one who has learned submission. He submits to Christ as King.
And that submission makes him submissive toward others. He does not demand his
"human rights". Rather, he submits his rights to the rights of
others. "This I say, brethren, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not
fulfill the lusts of the flesh."