Beloved, the Christian life is a daily battle between the flesh (our old sinful nature) and the Spirit (the new life of Christ in us). Victory in this race depends on who you yield to.
- What Does it Mean to Walk in the Flesh?
Walking in the flesh is living according to human desires, emotions, and worldly passions instead of God’s will. Galatians 5:19–21 lists the works of the flesh:
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strife, jealousy, anger
Seditions, heresies, envy, murder, drunkenness, revelings
Paul warns, “They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:21).
- What Does it Mean to Walk in the Spirit?
Walking in the Spirit means living under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, obeying His guidance, and allowing the Word of God to rule your decisions. The fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23) becomes visible:
Love
Joy
Peace
Longsuffering
Gentleness
Goodness
Faith
Meekness
Temperance
When you walk in the Spirit, your life reflects Christ, not self.
- The Conflict Between the Two
Paul says: “The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other” (Gal. 5:17).
This means you cannot please both at the same time. One will dominate. If you sow to the flesh, you reap corruption. If you sow to the Spirit, you reap eternal life (Gal. 6:8).
- How to Overcome the Flesh
Renew your mind daily (Romans 12:2).
Crucify the old man with Christ (Romans 6:6).
Fast and pray to discipline your body.
Stay in fellowship with Spirit-filled believers.
Fill your heart with Scripture, so the Spirit has something to work with.
- The Reward of Walking in the Spirit
Romans 8:6 says: “To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
When you walk in the Spirit, you experience:
Victory over sin
Peace that passes understanding
Power in prayer
Joy in trials
Assurance of salvation
🔥 Prayer Point: Lord, help me to crucify the desires of the flesh and yield fully to the Holy Spirit. May my life produce fruits that glorify You.
💡 Reflection: Am I feeding my flesh more than my spirit? What changes can I make today to walk closer with God?