Live by the Spirit

So, in Galatians 5 we find four verbs that show us how to live the Spirit filled life.  First, the call to walk in the Spirit, then the call to be led by the Spirit, and the third verb is found in verse 25, “If we live by the Spirit.”  

I think Paul is simply saying, become what you are.  He is in you, He indwells you, so living accordingly.  The flesh will try to dominate you, but you now have a choice…walk, be led, and live by the Spirit.

Could it be that “living by the Spirit,” is the means by which we walk by the Spirit,” and are “led by the Spirit?”  We have a tendency to be like a corpse on a table, the doctor shocks us and brings us back to life, but we want to stay on the table as if we were still dead or to go on sinning as if we have no other choice.

Every single day, we can go back to the deeds of the flesh which are found in 19-21, or we can walk, be led, and live by the Spirit and find the fruit of the Spirit coming out of us.

Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches, His Spirit flows through us like sap through the vine, and when we abide in Him the fruit of the Spirit is the most natural thing of our lives.  Can you stop this morning and ask the Holy Spirit to help you live by His power and for His life to be your life?