Walking in Freedom, Bearing the Spirit’s Fruit
Verse by Verse Study of Galatians 5:1,13-26
Introduction: Freedom That Transforms
Paul’s message in Galatians 5:1, 13–25 is both powerful and practical. He takes the lofty doctrine of Christian freedom and grounds it in everyday life—how we speak, act, relate, and think. At the heart of this passage is a tension: the freedom we have in Christ and the fleshly desires that seek to enslave us again. Paul does not present Christian life as a static belief system but as a dynamic walk—led and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
This is one of the most pastoral and honest sections of Paul’s letters. He acknowledges the struggle between the Spirit and the flesh, the presence of sin in the life of the believer, and the possibility of transformation. But he does not leave us in despair. Instead, he casts a beautiful vision of what it looks like when the Holy Spirit has free reign in a person’s life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not traits we achieve by effort, but fruit we bear by abiding in Christ and walking in the Spirit.
As John Stott notes, “The Christian life is essentially life in the Spirit, that is to say, a life that is animated, sustained, directed, and enriched by the Holy Spirit.” In a world that prizes self-expression and self-indulgence, Galatians 5 calls us to something far better: a life surrendered to the Spirit and shaped into the likeness of Christ.
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with open hearts and minds, desiring to understand Your Word and walk in Your ways. Thank You for the freedom we have in Christ Jesus—freedom not to indulge ourselves, but to become the people You’ve created us to be. As we open your word, we ask that You would speak clearly to our spirits. Teach us what it means to live by Your power and not by the desires of our flesh. Shape us through Your Word so that we may bear the fruit of the Spirit in every part of our lives. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to obey.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 is a thunderclap of gospel declaration: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” This verse is both a triumphant statement and a solemn command. The purpose of Christ’s redemptive work is not simply to forgive sins or offer eternal life, but to bring true spiritual freedom—freedom from the enslaving power of sin, from the burden of the law, and from the tyranny of guilt and shame. As J.B. Lightfoot rightly said, “Liberty is the very essence of the gospel.” Paul’s message is that the Christian life is not a return to bondage but a life rooted in the grace and liberty purchased by Christ’s cross and resurrection.
Yet, this freedom is not the absence of moral restraint, nor is it permission to indulge the flesh (as Paul will clarify later in the chapter). It is the freedom to become what we were truly meant to be—holy, joyful, Spirit-led sons and daughters of God. As John Stott wisely explains, “Christian freedom is freedom from the law, not freedom to break it.” The Christian is not lawless, but Spirit-led, guided by love rather than regulation. Jesus Himself said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). And as Paul reminds us in Romans 6:14, we are no longer under law but under grace, not ruled by fear or compulsion, but by love and gratitude.
That’s why Paul exhorts the Galatians: “Stand firm, then.” Freedom must be guarded, for the pull toward legalism—toward trying to earn God’s favor through performance—remains strong. Slipping back under the “yoke of slavery” means reverting to a way of life that trusts in human effort rather than divine grace. Eugene Peterson renders it plainly: “Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand!” Christian freedom is both a gift and a calling—freely given in Christ, yet fiercely defended in daily life. To live freely in Christ is to live responsibly, joyfully, and courageously in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:13
“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.”
Galatians 5:13 calls believers to recognize that the freedom Christ has won for us is not a blank check for selfishness, but a sacred summons to love. Paul writes, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.” This calling is not merely a release from legalistic bondage—it is a calling into a new way of life, a Spirit-filled freedom marked by humility and service. True Christian liberty liberates us from the tyranny of self. As J.B. Phillips puts it, “You were called to freedom—only beware of turning your freedom into license.” The danger Paul identifies is subtle: we may begin to view freedom as autonomy or permission, rather than as a joyful obligation to love.
Paul contrasts two trajectories: indulging the flesh versus serving in love. The flesh, or sinful nature, turns freedom inward, using it as a cover for self-gratification. But the gospel transforms freedom outward, turning it into love expressed through humble service. Peter echoes this in 1 Peter 2:16: “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil.” In a culture that exalts individual rights and self-expression, Paul reminds us that Christian freedom looks like a towel and basin, not a throne. As Matthew Henry observed, “Though Christ has made us free, we are still his servants, and must use our freedom to do good.” We are free from sin but bound in love.
As John Stott insightfully notes, “Flesh spelled backwards (minus the ‘h’) is ‘self’.” This clever wordplay reminds us that indulging the flesh often means enthroning the self—living life centered on our desires instead of Christ. But Christian freedom is not about the elevation of self—it is about the crucifixion of self in order to serve others. In Romans 12:10, we’re told, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” That is the shape of true freedom. The call to freedom is a call to become like Christ, who, though Lord of all, became servant of all. Christian freedom, then, is not merely the absence of constraint—it is the presence of love.
Galatians 5:14
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Galatians 5:14 brings us to the heart of God’s moral vision: “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” With striking simplicity, Paul echoes the teaching of Jesus, who said that all the Law and the Prophets hang on the commands to love God and love neighbor (Matthew 22:37–40). The moral demands of the Old Testament are not dismissed but distilled into a single principle—love. This doesn’t mean the law is obsolete; it means its deepest intention has been revealed. Christian obedience is not about rule-keeping but about relationship—loving God and others in response to His love for us.
Love, then, is not merely an emotion or sentiment—it is the ethic of the kingdom of God. As Romans 13:10 declares, “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” The apostle Paul lifts the command from Leviticus 19:18—“Love your neighbor as yourself”—and shows it to be the golden thread running through all of God’s instructions. This is not a reduction of God’s will but a deepening of it. As John Stott notes, “Love is the moral essence of the law.” In other words, love doesn’t abolish God’s law; it fulfills its deepest purpose by turning duty into delight and obligation into overflow.
Alexander Maclaren wisely observed, “All true morality flowers from love.” It is love that prompts us to tell the truth, to give generously, to act justly, and to forgive quickly. The law shows us what righteousness looks like in action, but love provides the inner motive and energy to carry it out. When we love our neighbors as ourselves—seeking their good with the same passion and care we seek our own—we align ourselves with the very character of God. In this single command, the entire moral will of God finds its shape and strength. The fruit of such love is not only personal holiness but communal healing—a world remade in the likeness of Christ.
Galatians 5:15
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
Galatians 5:15 offers a sobering warning about what happens when Christian freedom is twisted by selfishness and pride: “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” Paul uses vivid, even violent imagery—like wild animals tearing one another apart—to describe what can happen in a community when love is replaced by competition, jealousy, and self-centeredness. Freedom misused becomes a breeding ground for division. What was meant to build up the body of Christ can instead unravel it when individuals put their own desires above the good of others.
This verse is not theoretical; it speaks to real relational breakdowns in Christian communities. As James 4:1 asks, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” When we let those inner battles overflow into our relationships, we begin to bite—criticize, accuse, gossip, and judge. And if left unchecked, this behavior can lead to total relational collapse—spiritual “devouring.” The wisdom of Proverbs 10:12 reminds us, “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” Without love, even the most theologically sound communities can implode.
Leslie Weatherhead insightfully warns, “When we turn inward in self-interest, we cannibalize the very community we are called to build.” This kind of self-destruction is tragically ironic: instead of standing firm together in the freedom Christ provides, believers begin tearing one another down. Paul’s warning is not just about avoiding conflict—it’s about preserving the witness of the gospel. A fractured, bitter church cannot reflect the love and unity of Christ. The alternative, as Paul has already emphasized in verse 13, is to “serve one another humbly in love.” Only love can prevent the mutual destruction that pride and selfishness threaten to unleash.
Galatians 5:16
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Galatians 5:16 marks a turning point in Paul’s argument. After describing both the gift and the dangers of Christian freedom, Paul now reveals the key to living rightly: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” The Christian life is not a matter of willpower or religious rule-keeping; it is a daily, moment-by-moment surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The word “walk” implies a continuous, deliberate way of life—step by step, decision by decision, guided by the Spirit’s presence. As Donald Coggan observes, “To walk in the Spirit is to live each moment in responsive relationship with God.” This kind of walking is relational, not mechanical—it is a journey in step with the One who indwells us.
The alternative to walking in the Spirit is living according to the flesh—our fallen, self-centered nature. But Paul assures us that walking in the Spirit is not only possible; it is powerful. The Spirit enables us to say “no” to sinful desires, not through suppression but through replacement—by cultivating new desires that reflect God’s heart. Romans 8:4 echoes this truth, declaring that those who live according to the Spirit fulfill the righteous requirements of the law. And long before Paul, God promised through the prophet Ezekiel: “I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees” (Ezekiel 36:27). The Spirit does not merely guide us; He empowers us.
Thomas à Kempis offers this wise counsel: “Do not trust your own strength, but rest wholly in the grace of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.” Many believers fall into discouragement trying to overcome sin through human effort. But Paul reminds us that the flesh cannot defeat the flesh. Only the Spirit can rewire our hearts, transform our affections, and produce a life pleasing to God. Walking by the Spirit is not a burden—it is freedom. It is the Spirit who makes the Christian life not just possible, but joyful and fruitful.
Galatians 5:17
“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.”
Galatians 5:17 reveals the inner tension that every believer experiences: “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.” This verse is profoundly honest about the Christian life. To follow Christ is to enter into a spiritual conflict—a daily battle between the desires of the flesh (our old, self-centered nature) and the new life of the Spirit. The two are fundamentally opposed. The flesh pulls us toward self-gratification, pride, envy, and rebellion, while the Spirit draws us toward love, humility, purity, and obedience. They are not neutral forces but opposing powers. This conflict is not abnormal—it is the norm of a Spirit-filled life.
Paul’s description of this struggle echoes his own words in Romans 7:23, where he confesses, “I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind.” Even the apostle Paul, deeply transformed by Christ, felt the pull of his old nature. But this battle is not a cause for despair. In fact, it is a mark of life. As Timothy Keller writes, “The battle is not a sign you’re failing; it’s a sign the Spirit is alive in you.” The presence of this conflict signals that the Spirit is working—wrestling against the flesh, reshaping our desires, and forming Christ in us. A lack of struggle may indicate spiritual complacency, not spiritual health.
James 4:5 speaks of a Spirit that “envies intensely”—a mysterious but profound statement about God’s jealous longing for our full devotion. The Spirit within us is not indifferent. He yearns for us to belong wholly to Christ, not partially to Him and partially to the flesh. This holy tension is the soil in which transformation takes root. While the battle can be exhausting, it is also hopeful. We are not left to fight alone. The Spirit opposes the flesh not just by resisting it, but by replacing it—slowly shaping in us the character of Jesus. This verse reminds us that growth in Christ is not the absence of struggle, but the presence of grace in the midst of it.
Galatians 5:18
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
Galatians 5:18 offers a liberating truth for the believer: “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Paul contrasts two ways of living—the way of the law and the way of the Spirit. To be under the law is to live under a system of external rules, where righteousness depends on our performance and failure brings condemnation. But to be led by the Spirit is to live in relationship with God—no longer striving to earn His favor but walking in step with His presence and power. The Spirit doesn’t set us above God’s moral will; He enables us to fulfill it from the inside out, by love, not by fear.
This is a powerful freedom, rooted in identity. As Paul writes in Romans 8:14, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Being led by the Spirit means that we belong—we are not outsiders trying to measure up, but sons and daughters guided by our Father. The Spirit’s leading is personal and relational, not mechanical or burdensome. This is why 2 Corinthians 3:6 declares, “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” The law without the Spirit can only expose our failure; the Spirit, however, breathes life, transforming us from within so that obedience becomes a joy, not a duty.
As Eugene Peterson wisely writes, “Being led by the Spirit is not about being swept along, but about yielding control.” It’s not passive drift but active surrender—choosing again and again to follow the Spirit’s gentle promptings instead of our flesh’s demands. To be led by the Spirit is to walk in a living rhythm with God—alert, responsive, and obedient. It’s not lawlessness, but Spirit-empowered faithfulness. In this verse, Paul assures the Galatians—and us—that freedom from the law does not result in moral chaos, but in Spirit-shaped holiness, the kind that arises not from compulsion but from communion.
Galatians 5:19
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;”
Galatians 5:19 begins Paul’s sobering list of what he calls “the acts of the flesh.” He writes, “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery…” This verse shifts the focus from principle to practice—showing the visible outcomes of a life governed by the flesh. These “acts” are not abstract tendencies but concrete behaviors that arise when the self is in control, rather than the Spirit. Paul uses the word obvious deliberately—these aren’t hidden or ambiguous. When the flesh rules, the fruit is plain to see, and it always leads to fragmentation, addiction, and destruction.
The first three sins in this list—sexual immorality (porneia in Greek), impurity, and debauchery—deal with distorted desires. Porneia refers broadly to any sexual activity outside the covenant of marriage. Impurity points to a corruption of thoughts and intentions, while debauchery (or “sensuality”) describes a loss of restraint—shameless behavior driven by appetite. These sins aren’t just moral failures—they represent the misuse of God-given gifts. Human intimacy was meant to reflect covenant love, but the flesh turns it inward into something selfish and exploitative. These acts degrade both the giver and the receiver, severing the soul from its true purpose.
Paul doesn’t name these sins to shame but to diagnose. He’s showing the Galatians what it looks like when the Spirit is not in control. This is not merely a private matter—these acts tear at the fabric of community. As Timothy Keller notes elsewhere in his writings, the flesh always seeks to assert self over others, while the Spirit leads us to give ourselves for others. The acts of the flesh are destructive because they reverse God’s design for human flourishing. That’s why Paul will contrast them so sharply with the “fruit of the Spirit” in verses 22–23. Galatians 5:19 is not just a warning—it’s a mirror. It calls us to examine our lives honestly and ask: Who is leading—my flesh, or the Spirit?
Galatians 5:20
“idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions”
Galatians 5:20 continues Paul’s list of the “acts of the flesh,” shifting from personal indulgence to relational sins that fracture community: “idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions…” These aren’t just private moral lapses—they are deeply corrosive forces that destroy relationships, churches, and communities. Paul’s warning is clear: when the flesh governs a person’s life, even religious impulses can become twisted. Idolatry and witchcraft reflect a turning away from God toward self-made spirituality, while the following sins describe how that inward rebellion erupts outwardly—into relational division, rivalry, and breakdown.
The terms Paul uses here are piercing. “Hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions…” These are not just occasional outbursts but settled dispositions of the heart that reveal a life untouched by the Spirit. J.B. Lightfoot writes, “Where party spirit exists, the church becomes a field of battle rather than a place of peace.” Paul is describing what happens when personal ego, rather than Christ, becomes the center of community life. These sins often disguise themselves as passion or even zeal for truth, but their fruit is division, not love. The Galatians themselves were experiencing these very problems—strife fueled by legalism and spiritual pride.
Tim Keller notes that “the flesh is not just sexual immorality—it’s also self-righteousness, division, and a hunger for power.” This verse reminds us that sin wears many disguises. Some acts of the flesh are scandalous; others are socially acceptable, even praised in religious circles. But Paul draws no distinction—all are evidence of life outside the Spirit’s control. Whether it is idolatry that replaces God, or ambition that elevates the self, the result is the same: spiritual death and relational destruction. Galatians 5:20 confronts us with a serious question—are we building up the body of Christ, or tearing it apart by walking in the flesh? Only the Spirit can reshape our desires and restore our unity in Christ.
Galatians 5:21
“and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of
Galatians 5:21 completes Paul’s sobering list of the “acts of the flesh” with this warning: “and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” The list ends with both personal and social sins—“envy,” which eats away silently at the soul, and “drunkenness and orgies,” which reflect loss of self-control and public disorder. Then Paul adds a crucial phrase: “and the like”—reminding us that this list is not exhaustive. The flesh manifests itself in countless ways, all rooted in self-centeredness and rebellion against the Spirit’s leading.
The gravity of this verse lies in its final warning: “those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Paul is not describing a one-time failure but a lifestyle—habitual, unrepentant conduct that reveals a heart ruled by the flesh rather than transformed by grace. Inheritance in the New Testament refers to participation in God’s eternal reign—life in and with Christ, both now and in the age to come. To “live like this” is to walk in a direction away from God’s kingdom. It is not merely breaking rules but rejecting the reign of God in one’s life. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:20–23, “By their fruit you will recognize them… I never knew you.”
This verse is not meant to crush the sincere believer who struggles, but to awaken those who are complacent or deceived. As Paul said earlier in Galatians 5:16, the antidote to gratifying the flesh is to “walk by the Spirit.” The Spirit doesn’t just give us new behaviors—He gives us a new nature. As Tim Keller writes, “Salvation is not about trying harder but about walking in step with the Spirit who changes our hearts.” And as J.B. Lightfoot observed, “Christian liberty is not license but power—the power to live above the dominion of sin.” Galatians 5:21 invites us to examine our trajectory: Are we being shaped by the Spirit or enslaved by the flesh? The stakes, Paul says, are nothing less than our inheritance in the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22–23 unveils the glorious result of a Spirit-led life: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” These verses stand in stark contrast to the “acts of the flesh” listed earlier. Whereas the works of the flesh are destructive, chaotic, and self-centered, the fruit of the Spirit is life-giving, relational, and deeply rooted in God’s character. Paul is not presenting a list of commands but painting a picture of what naturally grows when the Spirit indwells and leads us. As John Stott puts it, “The fruit is the natural product of the Spirit-filled life.”
Love (agape)
Love leads the list because it defines all the others. It is the selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the good of others above oneself. This love is the essence of God (1 John 4:8) and the hallmark of true Christian maturity. It echoes Jesus’ own command in John 13:34, “Love one another as I have loved you.” This fruit does not come from effort but from abiding in Christ, who is love embodied.
Joy
This is not mere happiness, which fluctuates with circumstances, but deep-seated delight in God’s presence and promises. It springs from the assurance of salvation, even amid trials (see James 1:2). As Jesus promised in John 15:11, “…that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Peace
Peace is the soul’s calm rooted in reconciliation with God (Romans 5:1). It quiets anxiety and enables believers to live in harmony with others. Peace is both inward and outward, resting in God’s sovereignty and extending through forgiveness and unity.
Forbearance (Patience)
This is the Spirit’s power to endure provocation without reacting in anger or revenge. It mirrors God’s own long-suffering nature (2 Peter 3:9). Patience in a Spirit-filled person is not passivity, but strength restrained by grace.
Kindness
Kindness is compassion in motion—a gentle, gracious disposition toward others. It reflects God’s kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). It’s not weak sentimentality, but courageous tenderness.
Goodness
Goodness refers to moral integrity and generosity—a heart that loves what is right and acts on it. It shines in the life of someone who is pure in motive and consistent in conduct. Goodness builds trust and reflects God’s own moral excellence.
Faithfulness
Faithfulness is reliability, loyalty, and trustworthiness. A Spirit-filled believer keeps their word, honors commitments, and is steadfast under pressure. It is modeled perfectly in Christ and becomes part of our character as we walk with Him.
Gentleness (Meekness)
This is strength under control—power surrendered to the Spirit’s guidance. It’s not weakness, but humility and grace in dealing with others. Jesus described Himself as “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29), and this gentleness should mark His followers.
Self-control
Self-control is mastery over impulses, emotions, and desires. It is the opposite of indulgence and the key to freedom. As Thomas à Kempis said, “Christ must be our model, and the Spirit must be our strength.” Self-control empowers us to say “no” to sin and “yes” to God.
Paul concludes, “Against such things there is no law.” These virtues need no restraint—they fulfill the law by their very nature. As J.B. Phillips aptly states, “There is no law against the kind of behavior the Spirit produces.” And Philippians 1:11 describes the believer as being “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.” This fruit is not manufactured but cultivated through deep union with Christ. As Jesus said in John 15:5, “If you remain in me… you will bear much fruit.”
Galatians 5:22–23 is both a promise and an invitation—a promise that the Holy Spirit is already at work within us, and an invitation to cooperate with that work by yielding daily to His presence. These verses do not merely describe what a “good Christian” ought to look like; they reveal what God is already producing in the life of anyone who belongs to Christ. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—is not a list of tasks to check off, but the character of Jesus Himself being formed in us through grace. As John Stott said, “The fruit is the natural product of the Spirit-filled life.” We don’t force fruit into being; we bear it as we remain connected to the Vine.
The key to bearing this fruit is not striving, but abiding (John 15:5). The more we surrender to the Spirit, the more we find that His life begins to reshape ours. As we give up control, He gives us self-control. As we stop fighting to be right, He gives us gentleness and peace. The Spirit leads us not by domination but by invitation—offering a new way of life that is beautiful, free, and transformative. And this growth is not instant, but gradual, like fruit ripening over time. We may not always see it day by day, but over seasons of faithful abiding, the Spirit brings change that no self-effort could achieve.
John Stott draws a powerful contrast between spiritual fruit and external behavior by comparing the fruit of the Spirit to the difference between a Christmas tree and a fruit tree. He says: “The works of the flesh are like decorations on a Christmas tree—attached artificially, temporarily, and externally. The fruit of the Spirit, on the other hand, grows naturally and organically from within, like the fruit of a living tree.”
This vivid imagery reminds us that true Christian character is not about attaching virtues to our lives from the outside in—like ornaments hung for display—but about the inner transformation that results in outward evidence. Just as a fruit tree bears apples or figs because of its nature and roots, so the Spirit-filled life bears fruit because of the Spirit’s indwelling presence.
In light of Galatians 5:22–23, this means that love, joy, peace, and all the other qualities are not artificial or temporary performances. They are not put on for show during religious events like holiday decorations. Instead, they are the natural overflow of a life rooted in Christ, nourished by daily communion with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22–23 is a vision of what is possible when we yield to the One who lives within us. It is a picture of holiness not as rigidity but as wholeness—being made more and more like Christ in every aspect of who we are. This fruit blesses others, glorifies God, and bears witness to the power of the gospel. And because it is produced by the Spirit, “against such things there is no law”—no condemnation, no limit, no barrier. The invitation is simple but profound: yield, abide, and watch what the Spirit will grow in you.
Galatians 5:24
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Galatians 5:24 declares a profound and sobering truth about the Christian life: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Paul is not describing a future ideal but a present reality. To belong to Christ is to have made a decisive break with the old life. The language of crucifixion is intentional—it’s not about managing sin or negotiating with the flesh, but putting it to death. The flesh—our self-centered, sin-bent nature—must not merely be restrained but crucified. It is a painful but necessary act of surrender, one that marks the beginning of true discipleship.
This crucifixion of the flesh is both decisive and ongoing. In Romans 6:6, Paul writes, “Our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with.” The cross is not only where Christ died for us, but where we die with Him. To follow Jesus means continually rejecting the passions and desires that once ruled us—putting them to death every day. As Paul had earlier written in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This isn’t about self-hatred; it’s about choosing Christ over self as the center of our lives.
Alexander Maclaren captures the depth of this transformation: “The cross is not only the symbol of salvation but the standard of living.” In other words, the cross is not just how we’re saved—it’s how we live. We take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23), putting to death envy, greed, lust, and pride, and replacing them with the life of Christ. Donald Coggan put it simply but powerfully: “Discipleship demands death—death to the self-centered life.” To crucify the flesh is to lay down the throne of self and enthrone Christ as Lord. Galatians 5:24 is not a call to misery, but to freedom—the freedom that comes when the flesh no longer dominates, and the Spirit bears fruit in us instead.
Galatians 5:25
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:25 closes this transformative passage with both affirmation and exhortation: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Paul has already made it clear that the Christian life begins with the Spirit—it is the Spirit who gives us new birth, empowers us to follow Christ, and produces fruit in us. Now, he calls believers not to rest passively in that gift, but to walk in harmony with the Spirit’s leading. The phrase “keep in step” evokes the image of marching in formation, of following a leader with intentionality and focus. Life in the Spirit is not aimless; it requires daily attentiveness, surrender, and responsiveness.
The word “walk” here is more than just poetic language—it reflects a way of life. In Micah 6:8, we are told to “walk humbly with your God,” and in Romans 8:5, Paul contrasts those who live according to the flesh with those who “live in accordance with the Spirit.” Walking in step with the Spirit means aligning our attitudes, priorities, and choices with God’s desires. It is a continuous, moment-by-moment response to His gentle leading—whether through conviction, Scripture, or the quiet voice of conscience. It means not running ahead with our own plans, nor dragging behind in fear or apathy, but walking faithfully alongside the Spirit who guides us in grace and truth.
As Tim Keller notes, “Keeping in step with the Spirit is a conscious choice to align our walk with God’s rhythm.” It’s not about perfection, but direction. It requires an ongoing posture of dependence and humility—listening, yielding, and adjusting course as needed. Eugene Peterson adds, “Let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.” In other words, Spirit-led living touches everything—our relationships, words, decisions, habits, and hopes. Galatians 5:25 is a call to active partnership with God: to walk with the One who walks with us, and to let His Spirit shape our steps from the inside out.
Conclusion: A Spirit-Filled Life of Love
Paul ends this section not with a heavy list of laws, but with a vision of the Spirit-formed life—a life that fulfills the law through love, and overflows with the fruit of Christlike character. What begins in freedom (v.1) culminates in fruitfulness (vv.22–23). This is the Christian journey—not one of striving to be better on our own, but of daily yielding to the Spirit who lives within us. The flesh will still whisper, tempt, and war, but the Spirit is stronger. The cross has already struck the fatal blow to the old self, and now we are invited to “keep in step with the Spirit” (v.25), following His lead one step at a time.
Alexander Maclaren beautifully summarized the Christian life this way: “The Spirit works, but He works in us; we must yield ourselves to His influence, and co-operate with His power.” The fruit of the Spirit is not a checklist—it’s a character. It is Christ formed in us. And the more we walk with Him, the more naturally this fruit grows. As Tim Keller says, “Christian growth is not about behavior modification, but heart transformation.”
So the invitation is simple but profound: if we belong to Christ, let us live like it—crucifying the flesh, walking by the Spirit, and bearing fruit that blesses others, glorifies God, and brings joy to our own souls.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the truth and beauty of Your Word. Thank You for showing us the freedom we have in Christ—not to serve ourselves, but to love and serve others. Teach us to crucify the desires of the flesh each day and to walk by Your power. Help us to keep in step with You in our thoughts, actions, relationships, and habits. Grow in us the fruit that pleases You: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
We cannot do this on our own—so we surrender afresh today. Fill us, guide us, and form us into the likeness of Jesus. May our lives be a living testimony to Your transforming grace.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen.
Reflection Questions & Answers:
Living the Spirit-Led Life (Galatians 5:1, 13–25)
1. Why is there such a struggle between the Spirit and the flesh in the Christian life?
Galatians 5:17 — “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.”
Answer:
Because we live in a fallen world and still carry remnants of our old nature, there is a constant inner conflict. The Spirit gives us new desires—to love, forgive, and serve—but the flesh still pulls us toward selfishness, pride, lust, and control. This tension is not a sign of failure, but of life. As Tim Keller puts it, “The battle is not a sign you’re failing; it’s a sign the Spirit is alive in you.”
2. What does it mean to crucify the flesh, and how is that different from just resisting sin?
Galatians 5:24 — “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Answer:
Crucifying the flesh means making a decisive break with sin—not managing or negotiating with it, but putting it to death through the cross of Christ. It is deeper than resisting individual temptations; it’s about rejecting the whole mindset of self-rule and submitting to the Spirit. As Donald Coggan says, “Discipleship demands death—death to the self-centered life.”
3. What kinds of choices must I make daily to keep in step with the Spirit?
Galatians 5:25 — “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Answer:
Keeping in step with the Spirit means choosing to listen, yield, and obey moment by moment. It may mean choosing silence over gossip, kindness over irritation, patience over hurry, or purity over lust. It involves daily surrender, spiritual attentiveness, and trust. Eugene Peterson writes, “Let us not hold this as a sentiment in our hearts, but work it out in every detail of our lives.”
4. What are some of the most common pitfalls or temptations in trying to live this way?
Galatians 5:19–21 — “The acts of the flesh are obvious…”
Answer:
Some of the common pitfalls include:
- Legalism (trying to earn God’s favor through rules)
- Self-indulgence (using freedom as an excuse for sin)
- Pride and comparison (especially spiritual pride or judging others)
- Isolation (avoiding community and accountability)
- Spiritual passivity (believing the Spirit works without our cooperation)
Temptation often starts small—envy, resentment, lustful thoughts—but grows quickly when left unchecked. Paul urges vigilance and crucifixion, not casual tolerance.
5. How can I tell if I’m living by the Spirit or the flesh?
Galatians 5:22–23 — “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
Answer:
Look at the fruit. The Spirit produces things that bless others and build community: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. The flesh produces division, impurity, hostility, and self-centeredness.
Ask:
- Am I becoming more loving, joyful, and patient?
- Or am I more envious, irritable, or self-absorbed?
Spiritual fruit is not instant, but over time, the direction of your life will reveal what you’re rooted in.
6. How can I respond when I fall into sin or walk out of step with the Spirit?
Answer:
Run back to grace. Confess honestly, receive forgiveness (1 John 1:9), and realign with the Spirit. Don’t wallow in shame. The Spirit does not condemn; He convicts and restores. As Thomas à Kempis said: “Do not trust your own strength, but rest wholly in the grace of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.”
7. How does walking by the Spirit impact my relationships with others?
Galatians 5:13–15 — “Serve one another humbly in love… If you bite and devour each other, watch out…”
Answer:
Walking in the Spirit transforms relationships from competition to community. Instead of pride and conflict, we serve in love. The Spirit frees us from needing to be superior, right, or first. The fruit of the Spirit is deeply relational—patience with others, kindness in conflict, and gentleness when wronged.
8. In the normal course of life, even loving parents and children sometimes disagree on how things should be done. Have there been times when those differences have led to feelings of criticism, accusation, or withdrawal? How can the values of God’s kingdom—righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit—help us restore grace, mutual understanding, and unity in those moments?
Answer
Disagreements between parents and children are a natural part of life. As seasons change and perspectives differ, even the most loving families can experience conflict—about how things should be done, what matters most, or how emotions are expressed. These moments often carry with them feelings of criticism, accusation, or withdrawal. Paul’s warning in Galatians 5:15 is strikingly relevant: “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” Words spoken in frustration can wound deeply, and unresolved hurt may lead to silence, distance, or resentment. Yet we are reminded in Galatians 5:26 not to become conceited or provoke one another, recognizing how pride and self-righteousness can feed division, especially in close relationships.
In contrast, the kingdom of God invites us into a different way—a way shaped not by being right, but by being restorative. Galatians 6:1 calls us to “restore gently” those who are hurting or in error, while Galatians 6:2 encourages us to “carry each other’s burdens.” Within the home, this means choosing empathy over accusation, and listening before reacting. When a parent or child feels misunderstood, it’s easy to pull away, but the Spirit urges us to press in with grace. The gospel does not promise perfect agreement, but it does call us to respond with compassion, even in tension. These verses remind us that disagreement is not an obstacle to love—it is an invitation to deeper understanding, humility, and connection.
The path of healing is found in living out the values of God’s kingdom—“righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). These are not achieved by our own strength, but flow from the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). When we allow the Spirit to shape our responses, righteousness becomes doing what is just and loving, peace becomes the desire to reconcile rather than to win, and joy reminds us of the gift we have in one another. Galatians 5:25 urges us to “keep in step with the Spirit,” and as we do, our homes become places of grace, where even disagreement leads to deeper unity—and Christ is made known through our love.
9. What is the secret to victorious Christian living?
The secret to victorious Christian living is not found in self-effort, rigid moralism, or religious performance, but in a Spirit-dependent life. As Paul writes in Galatians 5:16, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” This is both a promise and a principle. The more we yield to the Spirit’s guidance, the less power sin has over us—not because we are stronger, but because the Spirit is at work within us. Victory is not about mustering strength to resist sin; it is about abiding in Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out.
Victorious Christian living is not achieved by trying harder, but by abiding deeper. In Galatians 5:24, Paul says that “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” This is not a one-time act but a daily, conscious choice to say “no” to the old self and “yes” to the Spirit. As we abide in Christ, the Spirit produces fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (vv.22–23). These are not achievements we earn but evidence of a life surrendered to the Spirit’s presence.
This kind of living doesn’t eliminate struggle—it reframes it. The Christian’s victory is not the absence of conflict but the presence of surrender. As John Stott so wisely wrote, “The Christian life is essentially life in the Spirit: initiated, sustained, directed, and enriched by the Holy Spirit.” Each moment becomes an opportunity to rely on Him, to choose love over selfishness, and to cultivate the character of Christ in everyday life.
To walk in victory is to walk in humble dependence on the Spirit. It’s learning to say, “I can’t, but He can.” It’s choosing trust over striving, surrender over struggle, fruit over flesh. As we keep in step with the Spirit, we grow—not by force, but by grace. And in that growth, we find not only victory, but joy, peace, and the life God truly desires for us.
10. What does it mean to live a victorious Christian life by keeping in step with the Spirit each day?
The Christian life isn’t about striving in our own strength but about walking in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5 points us to the secret of true victory—not through rigid rule-keeping or self-effort, but through daily surrender to the Spirit’s leading. So how can we live a victorious Christian life by embracing the Spirit’s rhythm rather than relying on ourselves? It begins with learning to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given, to serve others in love, to crucify the flesh, and to keep in step with the Spirit each day.
1. Stand Firm in Freedom
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” — Galatians 5:1
To stand firm in freedom is to anchor your identity in the finished work of Christ. Paul is not speaking of political freedom, but of spiritual freedom—freedom from condemnation, legalism, and the futile attempt to earn God’s favor through rules and rituals. Christ has broken every chain of guilt, shame, and religious performance. To return to legalism is to walk back into a prison that Christ has already unlocked.
This freedom must be guarded, not taken for granted. Temptations abound—not just to sin, but to strive. But Paul exhorts us to stand firm—not to drift into the false gospel of self-effort. When we truly grasp that our worth is found in grace, we live in peace, joy, and assurance. As John Stott said, “Christian liberty is freedom from sin, not freedom to sin.”
2. Serve One Another in Love
“Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” — Galatians 5:13
True freedom is not self-indulgence—it is self-giving. Paul confronts the danger of misusing Christian liberty as a license to feed the flesh. Instead, freedom in Christ should lead us to imitate Christ—who, though Lord of all, made Himself a servant of all.
To serve in love is not merely to perform good deeds, but to humbly place others’ needs before our own, in everyday life. It is in loving others—especially the difficult, the hurting, and the undeserving—that our freedom becomes fruitful. The Spirit leads us not away from people but toward them, in compassion, humility, and grace. This is where the law is fulfilled—not through duty, but through love.
3. Crucify the Flesh
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” — Galatians 5:24
The cross of Christ is not just our source of salvation—it is the pattern for Christian living. To crucify the flesh is to make a decisive break with the sinful nature and its cravings. It is an act of surrender, declaring that the old self no longer rules.
This is not a one-time decision but a daily dying—a continual refusal to let self-centeredness, lust, pride, or envy reign. As Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Crucifying the flesh requires vigilance, honesty, and a deep dependence on the Spirit. It’s not about suppressing desire but reordering it—placing Christ at the center, so that lesser desires lose their grip.
4. Keep in Step with the Spirit
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” — Galatians 5:25
Walking by the Spirit is not a burst of inspiration—it is a consistent, day-by-day rhythm. To “keep in step” evokes the image of a disciplined walk, attentive to the Spirit’s guidance, corrections, and promptings. This is not passive drifting but active partnership.
The Spirit leads us into deeper intimacy with Christ, deeper transformation of character, and deeper alignment with God’s will. It is a journey of becoming—not hurried or forced, but steady and faithful. Sometimes the Spirit leads us into places of growth, sometimes into pruning, sometimes into quiet waiting. But in every season, He is shaping us to look more like Jesus. As Eugene Peterson put it, “Let us make sure we do not just hold this as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.”
These four movements—standing firm in freedom, serving in love, crucifying the flesh, and keeping in step with the Spirit—form the path of victorious Christian living. They are not steps to master, but a way of life marked by surrender, obedience, and joy in the presence of God. The Spirit does not ask us to produce fruit on our own. He invites us to walk with Him—and He will do the transforming work as we abide.
Closing Reflection
The Christian life is not easy—but it is beautiful. The Spirit has been given to live in you, fight for you, and form Christ in you. Each day is a choice: flesh or Spirit, indulgence or surrender, slavery or freedom. The fruit doesn’t grow by striving but by abiding. So, crucify the flesh. Keep in step. Let the Spirit bear fruit in you that lasts.
