Galatians 5:25

Commentary on Galatians 5:25 (NKJV)

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Context and Overview

In the broader context of Galatians 5, Paul addresses the Galatian Christians regarding the conflict between living according to the flesh versus living according to the Spirit. This chapter underscores the freedom that comes through Christ and the fruits of living by the Spirit as opposed to the destructive tendencies of the flesh.

Teaching from Galatians 5:25

Galatians 5:25 succinctly captures a key principle of Christian living — the necessity of aligning one’s life with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This verse follows the famous passage on the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and serves as a capstone to Paul’s exhortation to live a Spirit-led life.

Insights and Theological Teaching

Life in the Spirit

The Holy Spirit transforms believers’ lives. Living “in the Spirit” indicates a fundamental shift in identity and allegiance. It means that Christians are no longer bound by their sinful nature but are reborn through the Spirit’s work (John 3:5–8).

Walking in the Spirit

To “walk in the Spirit” means to continuously live under the Spirit’s influence and direction. This is an active, ongoing process. As Paul states earlier in Galatians 5:16, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (NKJV). It implies daily dependence on the Spirit’s power and a conscious effort to yield to His guidance.

Application to Modern Christian Living

Daily Surrender:

Modern believers are encouraged to start each day with a prayer of surrender to the Holy Spirit, asking for His guidance in thoughts, words, and actions.

Cultivation of the Fruits:

Practically, walking in the Spirit involves cultivating the fruits of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22–23. This includes demonstrating love, joy, peace, and other Christ-like characteristics in daily interactions.

Resistance to Sin:

Walking in the Spirit provides the strength to resist sinful desires. This aligns with the doctrine of sanctification, where believers grow in holiness through the Spirit’s work.

The role of the Spirit in sanctification enables believers to lead godly lives. The Spirit empowers believers to overcome the flesh and produce spiritual fruit.

Conclusion

Galatians 5:25 serves as a reminder of the centrality of the Holy Spirit in Christian living. This verse is a call to active, Spirit-led living that evidences the transformative power of the Gospel. By living and walking in the Spirit, believers can experience true freedom and growth in their faith.