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"If we live in the Spirit..."

Text: Galatians 5:25

LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

The Christian life is essentially sustained by the Holy Spirit of God. Without His involvement and ministry in our life, it would be impossible to speak of maintaining a vibrant Christian life.

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another,
envying one another.”
Galatians 3:25-26

1. “If we live in the Spirit”

a) This is a conditional sentence.

i) A conditional sentence is made up of two parts.

ii) The first part will affect the second part.

b) The first part

i) “If we live in the Spirit.”

ii) Paul is not raising a doubt in this statement.

iii) He is stating a fact.

iv) The true believer lives because of the Holy Spirit regenerating him.

v) He is sustained by the Spirit of God.

c) The second part

i) If the first part is true then it will affect the second part.

ii) If the believer lives in the Spirit this life-giving power must be borne in mind.

iii) Then he must “walk in the Spirit”.

2. “Let us also walk in the Spirit”

a) Two words are often translated as “walk” in the New Testament (NKJV).

b) These two words may be thought of as “synonyms”.

i) The more common word is called “peripateo”. (This word actually describes the physical idea of walking. This word is then used to symbolise the Christian life.)

ii) There is another word called “stoicheo”. (This is the word used in this context. The focus is usually on the conduct of the individual.)

3. The contrast to the walk (“conduct”) of the believer is highlighted in this context

a) Conceit, provocativeness and envy must not be associated with the Christian life.

b) This kind of conduct is not reflective of the believer who lives in the Spirit at all!