Preparing to Walk in the Spirit

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25

As believers, we are called to a life that reflects the character and will of God—not merely in belief, but in action. The apostle Paul, writing to the Galatians, reminds the church that freedom in Christ is not a license to serve the flesh, but a call to love, service, and spiritual transformation. The Christian life is not about adhering to man-made rituals or regulations—it’s about walking in the Spirit.

So, what does it really mean to walk in the Spirit?

1. Submit to the Word of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit does not guide us through mystical feelings or vague impulses but through the inspired Word of God. According to 2 Peter 1:21, the Scriptures came not by the will of man, but by the Spirit moving holy men to speak. Submitting to the Spirit begins by submitting to the Word He delivered.

This submission includes:

• Reading the Word regularly (Acts 17:11): Like the noble Bereans, we must search the Scriptures daily.

• Meditating on God's Word (Psalm 119:148): In quiet moments, instead of dwelling on our anxieties, we should reflect on God's truth.

• Receiving instruction from the Word (Acts 2:42): Learning through teaching, fellowship, and worship strengthens our walk.

Most importantly, we must do what the Word says (Matthew 7:21). It is not enough to know God’s will—we must obey it.

2. Submit to the Power of the Spirit

Scripture shows the unique roles of the Godhead: the Father establishes, the Son embodies, and the Holy Spirit enables. While the Father wills and the Son accomplishes, it is the Spirit who moves and empowers.

The Spirit enables:

• Creation (Genesis 1:2): He hovered over the waters, bringing order from chaos.

• Revelation (1 Corinthians 12:4): He bestowed gifts and inspired prophets.

• Resurrection and transformation (Romans 8:11): He raised Jesus from the dead and gives life to believers.

Even today, the Spirit works providentially. He may open or close doors (Acts 16:7) according to God’s redemptive plan. As Christians, we must discern the Spirit’s direction—whether an opportunity draws us closer to Christ or leads us into worldliness.

3. Submit to the Discipline of the Spirit

Hebrews 12:4–7 teaches that discipline is a mark of God’s love. Trials and setbacks are not evidence of abandonment—they are tools used by the Spirit to build our character and refine our faith. Though God does not cause evil, He allows trials to strengthen us, and the Spirit walks with us through those moments (Romans 8:26–27).

Some resist this discipline—gritting their teeth or ignoring the lessons. But true growth only comes when we humbly accept God’s correction and change course. Submission to the Spirit’s discipline leads to spiritual fruit.

The Path Forward

If we desire to bear the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—we must begin with the right foundation.

Walking in the Spirit means:

• Submitting to the Word

• Yielding to the Spirit’s power

• Embracing His discipline

These are not mystical practices, but practical, daily choices. The more we align ourselves with the Spirit, the more His fruit will become visible in our lives.

Let us not settle for a flesh-driven life marked by division, impurity, and spiritual apathy. Instead, let us walk by the Spirit—and in doing so, glorify the One who saved us.