Today is the Monday after Pentecost Sunday, when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, as recorded in Acts chapter 2. If you would like to meditate on Acts chapter 2 today, listen to episode 80.
In celebration of the Holy Spirit, today we will meditate on Galatians 5, 16-25, that describes what life looks like for the believer that walks by the Spirit rather than walking by our own sinful desires.
Before I read, take a deep breath, quiet your mind, and focus your whole being on the words of Scripture.
Galatians 5, 16 to 25. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit. and the spirit against the flesh. For these are in opposition to one another in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. But if you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarned you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit as well.
What did the Holy Spirit highlight for you? Focus your thoughts on this for a moment.
The fruit of the Spirit is not something we can produce on our own, like following the Old Testament law. The fruit of the Spirit is not a checklist, but an outflow of a life yielded to God, instead of yielding to living our own way. I'm going to reread the Fruit of the Spirit section. and imagine it like water flowing out of a heart that is filled with the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5, 22 to 25. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Now, those of us who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let's follow the Spirit as well.
Now take a moment to sit with the words that you noticed.
Verse 25 reads, if we live by the Spirit, let's follow the Spirit as well.
What might following the Spirit look like for you today?
Pray about this or anything else the Spirit brings to mind.
Let's pray. Father, thank you for salvation through Jesus Christ and the gift of your Holy Spirit. Lord, we know that we contend with our flesh, that is, our earthly desires that wants to do things our own way instead of yielding to the Holy Spirit to live out your righteousness in our decisions and in our thoughts and our actions. Help us today, God, to just completely yield to you and to walk by the Spirit, no matter what that looks like. In Jesus' name, amen.
Thank you for joining me today on the WellSoul podcast. To study the scripture more closely, see the link in the show notes. Subscribe to the WellSoul community for encouragement, resources, and bonus content. See the link in the show notes. In closing, I remember my late friend, Brian Vasquez, who helped make this podcast possible. God bless you, and I pray that you have a well soul.
