Walk in the Spirit—Greek, “By (the rule of) the (Holy) Spirit.” Compare Ga 5:16-18, 22, 25; Ga 6:1-8, with Ro 7:22; 8:11. The best way to keep tares out of a bushel is to fill it with wheat. – Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. (Galatians 5:13-15)



Works of religious strength: the acts2041 of the flesh (Galatians 5:19…) sexual immorality

impurity and debauchery

idolatry and witchcraft

hatred

discord

jealousy

fits of rage

selfish ambition

dissensions

factions and envy

drunkenness

orgies

and the like Works of religious strength: the actsof the flesh (Galatians 5:19…) 2041 érgon (from ergō, “to work, accomplish”) – a work or worker who accomplishes something. 2041 /érgon (“work”) is a deed (action) that carries out (completes) an inner desire (intension, purpose).

Result of yielding to the Spirit: the fruit2590 of the Spirit

(Galatians 5:22…) love

joy

peace

forbearance

kindness

goodness

faithfulness

gentleness

self-control Result of yielding to the Spirit: the fruitof the Spirit(Galatians 5:22…) 2590 karpós properly, fruit; (figuratively) everything done in true partnership with Christ, i.e. a believer (a branch) lives in union with Christ (the Vine). By definition, fruit (2590 /karpós) results from two life-streams – the Lord living His life through ours – to yield what is eternal (cf. 1 Jn 4:17).

The more someone yields to the Holy Spirit in their life, the more their life will be characterized by the “Fruit of the Spirit.” The more someone works to establish their own religious righteousness, the more their life will be characterized by the “Works of the Flesh.” What is motivating you? Are you sure? What is the result?

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16-18)