Galatians 5:17

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh."

Key Reflection

In Galatians 5:17, Paul addresses the conflict between following the Spirit and yielding to one's desires. For his first-century readers, this command was a radical shift from the prevalent legalism of their time, where adherence to laws and customs was paramount. By instructing believers to "walk by the Spirit," Paul was encouraging them to live according to the inner prompting of the Holy Spirit rather than external regulations, highlighting the transformative power of divine guidance in overcoming human tendencies towards sin and immorality.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit. The inclinations and desires of the flesh are contrary to those of the Spirit. They draw as away in an opposite direction; and while the Spirit of God would lead us one way, our carnal nature would lead us another, and thus produce the painful controversy which exists in our minds. The word" Spirit" here refers to the Spirit of God, and to his influences on the heart. And these are contrary, etc. They are opposite in their nature. They never can harmonize. See Ro 8:6,7. Compare below, Ga 5:19-23.

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