Walking by the Spirit

Happy Pentecost Sunday! Today we celebrate the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit as described in Acts 2 — a pivotal moment that birthed the Church and empowered believers for life, mission and holiness. 🔥 Walking by the Spirit vs. Gratifying the Flesh Galatians 5:16 (NIV) says: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” 1. What It Means to Walk by the Spirit: To walk by the Spirit means to live in daily, conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit — being guided, taught, and empowered by Him. It is surrendered living, choosing God’s way over our natural impulses. ✅ It is a lifestyle, not just a moment of spiritual experience. ✅ It means obeying God's Word, listening to His promptings, and submitting to His will. 2. What the Flesh Desires: The "flesh" refers to our sinful human nature — self-centered desires, pride, lust, jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, etc. Paul lists them in Galatians 5:19–21 — sexual immorality, hatred, discord, drunkenness, and more. These are natural outcomes of a life not under the Spirit’s control. 🔄 The flesh and the Spirit are always in conflict. Walking in the Spirit doesn't mean the absence of temptation, but it means you choose a higher way empowered by grace. 3. How to Practically Walk by the Spirit: Daily fellowship: Spend time in prayer and the Word, seeking God’s presence. Stay surrendered: Ask the Holy Spirit to lead your decisions, responses, and desires. Crucify the flesh (Gal. 5:24): Say no to what opposes God, even if it’s hard. Bear fruit: The result of walking by the Spirit is the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23). 🤲 Relationship with the Holy Spirit vs. Operating in the Gifts This is where many get confused. 🔹 1. Relationship with the Holy Spirit: This is personal intimacy — walking with Him, hearing His voice, obeying Him, being transformed into Christ’s image. Relationship is about being — being with Him, becoming like Him. Key evidence of relationship: Conviction of sin Joy in God's presence Inner transformation Obedience to God Peace, fruit, and character development 🔹 2. Operating in the Gifts of the Spirit: The gifts (1 Cor. 12:8–10) — prophecy, tongues, healing, miracles, etc. — are tools to serve the body of Christ and confirm the Gospel. Gifts are about function — doing things by His power for His purposes. Important truth: Gifts can operate without deep relationship — this is why Jesus warned in Matthew 7:22–23: “Many will say to me… ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy… drive out demons… perform miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you.’” So: Gifts can be present, but relationship is what God values. You can use a gift and still miss God if your heart is not surrendered. 🎯 Final Word for Pentecost Sunday: Let this day not just be about fire, tongues, or spiritual experiences. Let it mark a deeper yielding to the Holy Spirit — in your daily life, thoughts, relationships, and mission. 🔥 Ask not just to operate in power, but to be conformed to Christ. Let His voice be louder than your flesh. Let His fruit be visible even when no one is watching. #pentecost #walkingbythespirit #holyspirit #relationshipwithholyspirit #operatingingiftsofholyspirit #revival