Galatians 5:25

Commentary on Galatians 5:25 (NKJV) 

Galatians 5:25 (NKJV): “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” 

Context and Theological Insights 

Galatians 5 is a chapter in which the Apostle Paul addresses the Galatian church, emphasising the importance of living by the Spirit rather than by the flesh. The chapter contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, urging believers to live a life that reflects their new identity in Christ. 

Galatians 5:25 serves as a concluding exhortation in this chapter, summarising the call to live a Spirit-led life. This verse underscores the doctrine of sanctification, which is the process of becoming more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. 

Teaching from Galatians 5:25 

1. Living in the Spirit: This phrase implies that believers have received new life through the Holy Spirit. It is a reminder of the transformative power of the Spirit in regeneration (John 3:5–8). This is closely associated with the doctrine of regeneration, where the Holy Spirit imparts new life to the believer (Titus 3:5). 

2. Walking in the Spirit: This is a call to actively live out the new life given by the Spirit. It involves daily submission to the Spirit’s guidance and empowerment. This aligns with the Reformed emphasis on sanctification as a progressive work of God’s grace (Philippians 2:12–13). 

3. Application to Modern Christian Living: For modern Christians, this verse encourages a lifestyle that is consistently aligned with the Spirit’s leading. It calls for a rejection of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19–21) and an embrace of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). This involves practical steps such as regular prayer, Bible study, and participation in the means of grace (e.g., sacraments, fellowship). 

Bibliography 

1. The Holy Bible, New King James Version. Thomas Nelson, 1982. 

2. Calvin, John. Commentary on Galatians. Christian Classics Ethereal Library. 

3. Berkhof, Louis. Systematic Theology. Eerdmans, 1938. 

4. Packer, J.I. Keep in Step with the Spirit. Revell, 1984. 

5. Sproul, R.C. The Mystery of the Holy Spirit. Tyndale House, 1990. 

Biblical Texts Used 

• John 3:5–8: “Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, “You must be born again.” The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.'” 

• Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” 

• Philippians 2:12–13: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” 

• Galatians 5:19–23: “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” 

This commentary aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Galatians 5:25, highlighting its theological significance and practical application for modern Christian living.