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Keeping in step with the Spirit

Keeping in step with the Spirit
Galatians 5:16-26.

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (v25). Paul does not leave this command undefined. In Galatians 5 he shows us clearly what it means to walk or keep in step with the Spirit. The Christian life is not aimless wandering; it is intentional, Spirit-led walking. And we keep in step with the Spirit by:

  • Crucifying our sinful flesh (v16-21, 24).
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (v16). Keeping in step begins with a decisive choice of direction. The flesh and the Spirit are opposed (v17). To walk with the Spirit means saying “no” to sinful desires and “yes” to His leading. It is not passive. Each day we consciously turn from attitudes and actions that belong to our old life and depend on the Spirit for strength to obey.

Paul lists the works of the flesh: sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, jealousy, fits of anger, selfish ambition, envy, and more (v19-21). These are out-of-step behaviors. To keep in line with the Spirit, we must honestly identify and renounce these patterns. The Spirit convicts, and we respond with repentance. Walking in step means not excusing sin but bringing it into the light.

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (v24). This is decisive and ongoing. To stay in step, we continually reckon our old nature as crucified with Christ. When sinful desires rise, we return to the cross, remembering we belong to Him. Surrender is not a one-time event but a daily posture.

  • Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit (v22-23).
The Spirit produces His fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We cannot manufacture this fruit, but we can remain yielded to Him. As we abide in Christ, pray, and obey His Word, the Spirit shapes our character. Keeping in step means asking, “Does this choice reflect His fruit?” and adjusting our stride accordingly.

Cultivating the Spirit’s fruit requires intentional dependence. Love grows as we choose to forgive. Joy deepens as we trust God in trials. Peace strengthens as we surrender anxieties to Him. Patience is refined in delays and difficulties. The Spirit often uses ordinary circumstances to produce extraordinary character. Instead of resisting these moments, we can welcome them as opportunities for growth.

Fruit also develops over time. Just as a tree does not bear mature fruit overnight, Christlike character forms gradually through daily obedience. When we remain in Scripture, prayer, worship, and fellowship, we position ourselves under the Spirit’s nurturing care. He alone gives the increase, but we remain rooted and receptive.

  • Community with other saints (v26).
Paul concludes by warning against conceit, provoking, and envying one another. Pride breaks formation. The Spirit leads us into humility and love within community. Keeping in step is not a solo journey; it is walking together in grace.

In community, the Spirit uses others to correct, encourage, and strengthen us. When we drift, loving brothers and sisters help restore us gently. When we grow weary, their faith steadies ours. Walking in step means valuing unity over rivalry and choosing service over self-promotion.

Community also provides the setting where the fruit of the Spirit becomes visible. Love is shown in relationships. Patience is tested among people. Kindness is expressed through practical care. Faithfulness is demonstrated in commitment to one another. The Spirit forms Christlike character not in isolation but in shared life.

To keep in step with the Spirit, then, is to choose His direction over the flesh and sinful patterns, cultivate His fruit patiently and intentionally, and walk humbly in community with others. The Spirit sets the rhythm; we follow His lead one obedient step at a time.

Reflect & Pray
Is there an area where you sense you are out of step with the Spirit? How might the Spirit be using your current relationships or circumstances to cultivate His fruit in you?
Holy Spirit, help me to walk by You today. Grow Your fruit in my life and teach me to walk humbly with Your people, that my life may honor Christ, Amen.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25.
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